Details
Alternate name:
Blue Beach (Navy name)
Swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, sunbathing
Amenities:
Cabanas at #s 9 through 13, Bathrooms at #3 & #12, and another one on the main road before it turns to gravel
White sand, very natural with fan corals and other natural debris from time to time.
The water is usually crystal clear and beautiful, although this section can sometimes hold more seaweed and cloud things up a bit.
Note: Before July ’19, these entrances were labeled #11-15.
La Chiva #’s 9-13 are a shorter white curved cove with a covered picnic area at each parking area, first come, first served.
Sometimes, the tighter cove toward the east (toward #13) will trap seaweed but it is often a great calm area for swimming, especially with small children, snorkeling, or just standing in the shallow water to have a chat. All of La Chiva is in a very natural state with some fan coral washed up on shore, and vines growing up on the sand. It’s a great beach for a long walk and a variety of activities.
There is good shade under the cabanas and some under the trees as well.
Note that it is illegal to walk on the Cayo for safety reasons, but it’s fine to snorkel in the water. Also, snorkeling all the way around the Cayo is advised only for strong swimmers in good conditions. The currents can be strong on the outside.
