La chiva beach puerto rico: La Chiva (Blue Beach), Vieques

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December 21, 2022
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Caracas, Secret Beach & More

Have you been on plenty of beach-hopping holidays, and now you’re looking for something unique, different, maybe even novel?

Vieques, a Caribbean island in the fun-filled Puerto Rico archipelago, delivers with its colorful, secluded, and even bioluminescent beaches.

No Vieques beach is the same. Whether you’re looking for peaceful seclusion, serene relaxation, or picture-perfect white sand, it’s all here in this dreamy island setting. And the best part is, you won’t get bored for a moment.

In this post, you’ll discover the 5 best Playas en Vieques, Spanish for beaches in Vieques. You’ll also get a few handy tips on what to pack before you head out on an amazing Puerto Rico beach-hopping holiday.

Vieques Beaches: Preparation and Packing

Before you head off on an adventure, it’s worthwhile knowing a bit more about where you’re going.

If you’re planning on visiting Vieques Island as part of a multi-stop trip around the archipelago, use this Puerto Rico guide for some good tips on what to expect from your vacation.

And then with packing, here are some suggestions for things to pack that will make your trip that much better.

Earplugs: This might seem like a weird suggestion, but Vieques is a subtropical Caribbean Island. This means it can get noisy at night with sounds like treefrogs, insects, surf, dogs, and roosters. And of course, let’s not forget about the distinctive sounds of the native coqui frog! If you’re a local, the sound of the coqui might just fade in the background, but for tourists, it can be a nuisance. Make sure you get the best shuteye on your trip by investing in a good pair of earplugs.
Polarized Sunglasses: Don’t let the sun’s glare get in the way of tanning and beach experiences. Grab a pair with UV and glare protection, and you’ll be sorted.
Travel umbrella or Ran Jacket: This is a good product to take on any of your travel adventures, not just to Vieques. A compact umbrella or rain jacket is a real lifesaver when you’re hit by a sudden tropical rainstorm or the unpredictable weather of foreign countries.

Best Vieques Puerto Rico Beaches

Now, without further ado, it’s time to look at the best beaches in Vieques. These beaches offer an authentic feel of Puerto Rico‘s nature and are some of the most unique sandy stretches you’ll find in the archipelago.

If you want to visit all seven beaches without any public transport fuss, rent a car so you can experience the island at your own pace. Actually, renting a car in Puerto Rico is a must to experience the best of the island.

Secret Beach, Vieques (Pata Prieta)

If you’re a seclusion seeker, someone who loves visiting places off the beaten track, then Secret Beach is perfect for you.

This small beach cove is located on the south side of the island in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. It’s far less populated than other beaches on the island, so you’ll feel as if you’re on your own island paradise.

There’s good snorkeling with visitors often spotting beautiful sea creatures like manta rays. And, there’s hardly any surf, meaning the beach is caressed by gentle waves. Perfect for relaxing swims or playtime with the kids.

Bear in mind that this beach is not as easily accessible as others, and you may need transport to reach it.

Caracas Beach

Formerly known as the Red Beach in Vieques, Caracas is a local’s favorite and has the bonus of being family-friendly. It is easily accessible and offers great activities like boogie boarding and volleyball.

The water showcases many beautiful turquoise tones, and the sand is a stunning light coral color. It also features magnificent cliffs and breathtaking scenery, making it a wonderful spot for photos.

This Vieques Island beach even has a history as a Victoria’s Secret Swim Special shooting location, and it’s often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Keep in mind that the beach does offer facilities like gazebos for picnics. Just make sure you get there early to snag one!

Navio Beach, Vieques

Navio Beach, the next of the playas de Vieques, is famous and unique because of its hidden caves and gentle, bubbly waves. Visitors are captivated by the awe-inspiring ocean sounds, a stunning place to lay back and reflect.

This Vieques beach has a wide stretch of sand and is book-ended by cliffs at either side. Adding to its picturesque scenery is the lush fringe of sea grape plants and palm trees.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are no lifeguards at Navio Beach. Try and avoid doing triple backflips and risky manoeuvers here – you use the beach at your own risk.

Blue Beach, Vieques (La Chiva Beach)

Possibly the best beach in Vieques, since it has been consistently voted one of the Caribbean’s top sandy stretches, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Blue Beach.

Now known as La Chiva Beach, as the locals prefer this name, this beach gets glowing reviews for its spectrum of water colors.

Starting by the west side of the beach, the water is a deep turquoise with navy blue tones. As you walk east, the tones lighten and eventually become crystal clear.

This glass-clear water provides for brilliant snorkeling. You’ll witness multitudes of vibrant shoals of fish flitting about the calm water.

If you plan on spending extended periods exploring the underwater world, make sure you reapply sunscreen. The Caribbean sun is unforgiving.

Mosquito Bay Beach

And now, for the most magical of Vieques beaches, Mosquito Bay. This glorious beach (well, actually a bay) is located on the south shore of the island. It is considered to be magical and unique because of its bioluminescence.

The waters of this stunning bay glow in the dark with a neon blue/green color – an incredible phenomenon to see. The “glowing” nature of the bay comes from the organisms that live in it, dinoflagellates.

These organisms are stimulated by movement, which means they light up when there’s paddling or splashing. Not only do they light up, but they also light up what they come into contact with, giving a starry appearance to the waters.

It’s a true wonder of Vieques, Puerto Rico. And is one of three Bio Bays in Puerto Rico. This post tells you everything you need to know to plan your trip to the bio bay at its best and brightest time of the month.

If you want to get close to this amazing phenomenon, book a nighttime kayak tour of one of these bioluminescent bays. Follow your guide through the fluorescent waters and watch as your paddling lights up a symphony in the waves!

Black Sand Beach (Playa Negra)

This beach is quite unusual compared to the rest of the beaches in Vieques and Puerto Rico in general thanks to its black sand.

The black sand found on Playa Negra is runoff from the island’s volcanic areas, most notably from Monte Pirata, Vieques’ highest peak at 987 feet.

For this reason, the amount of black sand varies based on the amount of rain in the past few days.

Like many beaches in Vieques, Black Sand Beach is quite secluded, remote, and mostly off the beaten path. You must take a short hike through the bush and traverse a small stream to get to it.

Due to its seclusion, no concession stands or parking are available in the area, but don’t worry; the stunning scenery makes up for it!

Playa Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas Beach is one of the lesser known beaches in Vieques due to its far west location. It’s quite a bumpy ride to get to it, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Don’t forget to grab your snorkeling gear when you visit just to get the best out of the beach, as it’s one of the best snorkeling beaches in Vieques!

This beach has clear and calm waters, with the reef starting just off the shore. The reef is often populated with tons of fish swimming around, in addition to turtles, stingrays, barracudas, angel fish, stingrays, and more.

If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a turtle from the shore as they constantly come up for air.

And what’s best is that while the beach is full of marine life, there are usually no people around.

Since this is a coral reef beach, the sand is more coarse and rocky than the other beaches on this list, but still a great place to lay and relax.

Final Thoughts on Playas en Vieques

From glow-in-the-dark bays to light coral sandy stretches, this list has outlined the best beaches in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Whether you prefer seclusion or real tourist hotspots, there’s something for you.

If you plan on visiting San Juan for a day as part of your trip, take a look at this quick 24-hour guide to the capital city.

Essential Info: Logistical Tips and Tricks to Book your Trip

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
When it comes to cheap airfare, I highly recommend using Skyscanner, Expedia, and CheapAir. These are three of the sites I use the most due to their exhaustive search on several websites and airlines around the world. They usually bring the cheapest fares.

In fact, CheapAir has a handy tool that tells you the best time to book your flight depending on your route. Check it out here.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
For hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and other types of accommodation, I highly recommend Booking.com. They are my go-to booking site because they usually have the cheapest fares.

If you’re a registered Booking. com user (“Genius”), you can take advantage of their “Genius discount” to save even more money. I almost always book my accommodation with Booking, and I’ve saved thousands of dollars with their Genius discount.

And of course, as one of the largest travel booking sites in the world, Expedia is another excellent accommodation booking site with a free reward program and discounted member prices.

If you’re looking to save money by staying at a hostel, HostelWorld has the largest inventory of hostels with shared dorms and private rooms. On the other hand, Vrbo offers a wide variety of rooms and apartments at affordable prices.

DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance with comprehensive coverage will protect you against unexpected events like theft, cancellations, injury, and illness. I use World Nomads to insure my trips.

If you’re a nomad and travel often or long-term, then SafetyWing could help you save a lot of money on long-term travel insurance.

FIND THE BEST TOURS AT THE BEST PRICES
If you’re looking for the best day tours and cheapest ticket entrances to local attractions, I recommend checking Viator, as they have the largest selection of attractions, passes, and activities all around the world.

BOOK YOUR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AHEAD OF TIME
Bookaway offers the easiest and most accessible way to book overland transportation with local operators, be it by bus, train, ferry, plane, mini-van, or even private transfers.

If renting a car, then I highly recommend DiscoverCars to get the largest car selection at the best price.

OTHER TRAVEL AND MONEY-SAVING TIPS?
Lastly, check out my resources page for some of the best products and companies to use for your trip. If you like saving money (like I do!), then this page will help.

Snorkeling in Vieques Puerto Rico

Snorkeling in fact is among the most popular recreational activities for those who come to vacation to the so-called Spanish Virgin Islands that include Vieques and Culebra in the Puerto Rico archipelago. The island maintains a unique distinction of being nearly undeveloped and unspoiled due to a naval occupation up to the early years of the new millennium. The island offers a great set of beaches, but sadly, it got hit hard by Hurricane Maria so the underwater life might be not as extraordinary as it was before, but still, there is a lot to see while snorkeling in Vieques. Let’s see now what shore snorkel spots you should add to your travel itinerary if you decide to visit this destination!

Table of Contents

Sea Glass Beach
Mosquito Pier
Playa La Chiva – Blue Beach
Playa Caracas – Red Beach
Punta Arenas – Green Beach
Secret Beach
El Gallito – Gringo Beach

Sea Glass Beach

Sea Glass Beach is properly called Playa Cofi. On the east you will enjoy the stunning views of Fara Punta Mulas and the Fortin Conde de Mirasol. The ferry heading to Isabel Segunda arrives along this route. The beach is within walking distance from the ferry and there are trees around that provide shade.

As its name shows, a beautiful sea glass display will tantalize you as you stroll the shoreline. Artists come here for these unique pieces, but Playa Cofi is also known as a prime spot to go snorkeling in Vieques that is accessible for free from the shore!

The reef is pretty decent on right and left sides of the beach where the rocks are sticking out at low tide, but snorkelers here especially enjoy the wreck lying off the coast. It makes for a unique Vieques snorkeling experience!

Mosquito Pier

The long pier that hosted Navy warships in the past turned into one of the most popular Puerto Rico snorkeling spots. The pier stakes create a protected area where marine creatures find shelter including many baby fish and rays. Even better, Mosquito Pier is easily available from the shore and this is the place where swimming with turtles is almost guaranteed.

It is also worth mentioning that the corals seem to be recovering here after the hurricane damage. Don’t expect massive reefs, but small hard and soft coral colonies can be observed such as staghorn, elkhorn corals and sea on the rocks along the breakwater and on the pier stakes. To sum it up, this is a great snorkel spot we highly recommend visiting!

Playa La Chiva – Blue Beach

Once known as Blue Beach, Playa La Chiva is completely unique on Vieques in its varying shades of blue that fascinate the eye. It has no overcrowded feeling thanks to its large sandy expanse.

Playa La Chiva is consistently called the best place for snorkeling in Vieques and one of the most beautiful beaches of Puerto Rico thanks to the calm waters here that visitors of every age can enjoy. Under the water’s surface there is an impressive collection of coral and a variety of sea life that attracts underwater explorers.

There is one reef close to the shore that offers decent sea life to see (on the left if you facing the ocean, the best is if you approach from parking slot 9), but advanced snorkelers can explore the tiny Isla de Chiva cay too that lies about 15-minute swim away from the beach and has more superb snorkeling.

Tip: If you can’t decide where to go, Vieques or Culebra, check out our Culebra snorkeling guide too!

Playa Caracas – Red Beach

Once called Red Beach by the navy, Playa Caracas turns out to be an extremely family-friendly stretch of sand that remains among the favorite beaches of the local islanders today. Against stunning turquoise water, the sand offers a beautiful contrast with its white coral color.

The beach’s appeal has not been lost on international visitors either. A portion of the Victoria’s Secret Swim Suit Special was filmed on location here thanks to the dramatic scenery, stunning cliffs, and turquoise waters that provided the ideal backdrop.

Playa Caracas gives you the postcard-perfect bay offset by verdant tropical foliage, complete with palm trees to deliver much-appreciated shade. The two ends of this beach are offset by rocky cliffs as well as little mountains that are layered in a stunning green.

Red Beach might be not the most fantastic spot for snorkeling in Vieques, but thanks to the sheltered nature of the water, especially along the left side of the bay adults and children can safely discover the marine life.

Punta Arenas – Green Beach

Our best snorkeling in Vieques guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Punta Arenas, aka Green Beach on the western tip of the island. This remote piece of paradise is a true gem for nature lovers.

Although it doesn’t have such powdery sand like Red or Blue Beach, but the whole atmosphere is so peaceful and private here that you just need to focus on enjoying the sun and sea.

To get to Punta Arenas, you need to drive down on a bumpy and potholed road till you reach the parking area. Leave your car behind, go for a walk and enjoy snorkeling in the shallow, clear sea where you can see colorful reef fish species like angelfish, parrotfish, trumpetfish but also shrimp, lobster and rays too.

On top of this, turtles also love to hang around here in the calm waters. Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling camera to capture them while they peacefully feed on seagrass!

Tip: Learn cool facts about sea turtles to know how these interesting marine animals live!

Secret Beach

Secret Beach is the island’s south side snorkeling hot spot on Vieques. The little cove lies completely within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. This stunning place has amazing soft white sand but is remote enough to remain secluded. The use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get here is recommended.

Officially called Pata Prieta, the beach boasts fabulous snorkeling particular in summer time. You can count on seeing sea fan gardens, and stingrays frequent the area. The water colors shift in the sparkling sun from deep blue to turquoise.

This Vieques snorkeling beach also has the advantage of being calm in many different weather conditions thanks to its horseshoe shape, even when its raining or during the winter months.

El Gallito – Gringo Beach

Gringo Beach (also called El Gallito) fronts Vieques’ northern side close to the airport. In times when the wind is calm and the water becomes crystal clear here making it it is an ideal spot for snorkeling among the rocks that face the resort.

El Gallito is fairly secluded visited by guests from the nearby hotels and locals who are in the know so if you happen to be here at the right time you may have the whole place to yourself. Just make sure to bring your own snacks and drinks since there are no vendors here.

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Photo: worldplacez. blogspot.com

Thailand, Indonesia, Cuba, Brazil, Spain – all these countries are famous for their resorts and coasts. Portal “ZagraNitsa” has collected for you 15 cleanest beaches in the world, where every

Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande, Brazil

One of the cleanest and most beautiful in Brazil, López Mendez Beach on Ilha Grande Island, stretching for 3 km, is known for its white sand and turquoise waves. There are no roads on the island, and the beach is surrounded by jungle. From Rio de Janeiro to here – a few hours by boat.

Photo: travelplanet.in

La Chiva, Vieques, Puerto Rico

If you like long walks on the sand, clear water and snorkeling – go to the Puerto Rican beach of La Chiva (or Blue Beach). In the eastern part of the beach, the waves gradually become lighter, and at the end – transparent as glass.

Photo: travelandleisure.com

Honopu, Kauai, HI

The secluded Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful in Hawaii. Boats (even kayaks) cannot be used here, so you can only get to it by swimming from the neighboring Kalalau Beach. You will need a mask and snorkel, as well as experienced swimmers in the group for backup. In addition, it is important to calculate the time in order to have time to return: at noon a strong wind rises, which does not subside until the evening, at this time it is impossible to swim in the ocean.

Photo: cntraveler.com

Pink Sands Beach, Harbor, Bahamas

This pink sand beach is located on Harbor Island in Hawaii. This color is given to it by tiny grains of sea shells and coastal corals. This place is great for diving: the water is very clear, and visibility in it reaches 60 m.

Photo: feel-planet.com

Wakaya, Fiji

It seems that the influence of modern civilization has bypassed the picturesque island of Wakaya, in Fiji – deer and wild horses roam here, as well as a huge number of tropical birds and fish. The owners of this private island have created an ecological resort here to preserve the pristine purity of the turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

Photo: cntraveler.com

Ko Libong, Trang, Thailand

Ko Libong is the largest island in Trang Province. Those who want to see authentic, non-tourist Thailand come here. Most of the island is occupied by the jungle – a national park, and local beaches are ideal for snorkeling.

Photo: vexploretours.com

Matapalo, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

The most environmentally friendly beach on the planet according to CNN Travel and Mother Nature Network is Matapalo, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

Here – beautiful gray sand, high waves for surfing and the Portalon National Reserve. The place attracts tourists from all over the world with pristine nature and a variety of flora and fauna.

Photo: hotelroomsearch. net

Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles

Anse Source d’Argent Beach with pale pink sand (the name means “silver spring”) is located on the territory of the reserve and is protected by the government of the Seychelles. Granite boulders surrounding the beach are several million years old, in the ocean you can see many species of fish, turtles and rays, and whale sharks have chosen the local waters.

Photo: getsready.com

Senggigi, Lombok Island, Indonesia

On the island of Lombok in the Malay Archipelago, the famous Bounty Bay is located, where an advertisement for the bar of the same name was filmed. Lombok resembles Bali, but the rhythm of life here is much calmer – people come here to listen to the silence in the mountains and on the white sand of endless coasts. The cleanest beach on the island is Senggigi beach.

Photo: giliislandfastboats.com

Whitehaven, Whitsunday Island, Australia

The seven-kilometer beach stretches along the coast of the Australian island of Whitsunday. The local sand is almost entirely composed of silicon dioxide, which gives it a dazzling white color. The beach is protected by the local national park and has been recognized as the cleanest in Queensland. You can get here by water from Hamilton Island or from the tourist ports of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbor.

Photo: cruisewhitsundays.com

Islas Cies, Galicia, Spain

The Cies Islands on the coast of Galicia are a picturesque archipelago, part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. According to legend, the creators and first inhabitants of this place were the gods. The entrance of tourists here is limited: you can only stay at the campsite, which can accommodate up to 800 people (maximum 15 nights). But the untouched beauty of the local nature and the two-kilometer sandy spit of Rodas Beach are definitely worth it.

Photo: mardeons.es

Sancho (Baia do Sancho), Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Of the Brazilian group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, only one is inhabited, Fernando de Noronha. It is under the protection of the State Institute for Environmental Protection: no more than 450 tourists can be here at the same time, plus there is an entry tax. Crystal clear water near the shore attracts divers.

Photo: foundtheglobal.com

Vardero, Cuba

The beaches of Varadero are some of the most beautiful in the world: clean sand, clear water, and the largest coral reef in the Caribbean protects this place from the elements. In general, a great option for a family holiday. From Havana it can be reached by car in two hours.

Photo: travel.rambler.ru

Cala Comte, Ibiza, Spain

This beach with fine sand, turquoise water and natural idyll is worth a trip to Spain. There is an unofficial naturist beach (on the east side) where you can go down the steps carved into the rock, and the western part of Cala Comte is a popular place for families.

Photo: white-ibiza.com

Yantarny settlement, Kaliningrad region, Russia

The 300-meter part of the Baltic Sea coast in the village of Yantarny is the only place in Russia with the Blue Flag. In the summer it is pleasant to swim in the cool sea, and in the off-season, when the influx of tourists decreases, you can wander along the uncrowded promenade or listen to the sound of the sea, sitting in a basket chair that protects from the wind.

Photo: img.dirty.ru

Based on GQ.

The best beaches in the world – XO (Good Vacation)

March 13, 2017 December 1, 2022

There are many amazing beaches in the world that amaze the imagination with their purity and uniqueness. Let’s look at the best of them, which, according to professionals, are considered the cleanest in the world.