Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- 15–22 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bahia de la Chiva (Puerto Ferro), often referred to as Vieques / Bahia de la Chiva, is a flat-water, crystal-clear sandy bay on Vieques. Water near shore becomes shallow in the lagoon areas, with depth increasing gradually beyond the sandbars. Kitesurfing is the standout use case: easterly to southeast winds align well for consistent, side-onshore riding, and conditions are described as very steady during the season from December until June. Typical on-water wind is mostly in the 15–22 knot range, supporting freestyle, freeride, and foil sessions on a surface that stays relatively calm compared with exposed coasts. Launch is straightforward for a kite beach, with a wide sandy area and ample space for rigging. Access is through the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, with unpaved parking at numbered beach entry points; arriving early is recommended. Very close to the shore, the points at either end can create slight turbulence, and there are occasional submerged/near-surface hazards such as reef patches, seagrass, and coral heads in shallower sections. For safety and planning: there are no lifeguards or dedicated rescue services at the remote beach. Expect strong sun exposure and limited cell service; bring water/food because there are no concessions in the refuge. Follow refuge rules (including park hours and carry-in/carry-out waste), and avoid motorized watercraft where prohibited by zone.
- Flat, crystal-clear Caribbean water
- Consistent easterly trade winds
- Shallow turquoise lagoon near shore (gradual deepening outside sandbars)
- Protected national wildlife refuge setting
- Flat, crystal-clear water with a sandy beach and easy launches
- Consistent easterly trade winds (often 15–22 knots) from December to June with steady feel
- Great conditions for freestyle, freeride, and foil progression
- Nature-forward, protected-refuge setting
- Amenities are minimal inside the refuge (no on-site concessions)
- Remote access with limited cell service
- Shallow lagoon areas require care before getting fully onto foil/deeper water
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Dominant easterly trade winds.
- Reliability
- High during the winter and spring trade wind season.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as very steady during the season.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Wave size reported as flat.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for rigging and launching; access stops 7 and 8 are preferred for kiters.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy launch described.
Through the year
Generally quiet, with weekends and the peak Christmas/New Year holiday period becoming moderately busy.
Hurricane season runs from June through November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat, clear-water kitesurfing bay with consistent side-onshore easterly trade winds and shallow turquoise lagoons near shore; suited to relaxed sessions and freestyle/freeride/foil practice.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and foil windsurfing due to flat water, though reported as less popular than kitesurfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Very foil-friendly once past the immediate shallow lagoon areas; consistent wind and limited swell.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foiling is workable after the initial shallow zones.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter in the lagoons, deeper further out.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro) in the full forecast view.
Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–14 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- ESE119°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.2 m5s period
- Temperature
- 28–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro) is forecast for daytime winds of 8–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.7–1.2 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Submerged reef patches
- Sea urchins in rocky areas
- Strong sun exposure
- Occasional coral heads in shallow areas
- Seagrass patches
- Remote location with limited cell service
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards/rescue services at the remote beaches; self-sufficiency recommended.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated rescue service; regional coverage by US Coast Guard Sector San Juan.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facility mentioned: Centro de Salud (in Isabel Segunda), approximately 25–30 minutes away. Emergency number: 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism is described as none in one dataset; elsewhere the spot is described as a low-profile local use area.
Rules of the spot
Located within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Follow refuge regulations, including park hours and a carry-in/carry-out waste policy; refuge gates close at sunset.
- No motorized watercraft in designated zones
- Refuge gates close at sunset
- Arrive early to secure parking at the numbered beach access points.
- A 4WD vehicle/Jeep is highly recommended for unpaved refuge roads.
- Bring plenty of water and food as there are no concessions within the refuge.
- Use the preferred launch access point(s) and watch for occasional coral heads in shallow water.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Vieques
- Nearest Town
- Puerto Ferro
- Parking
- Unpaved parking areas at each numbered beach access point.
- Access
- Accessible by vehicle through the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge; follow the main road to the Blue Beach / Bahia de la Chiva signs. Unpaved parking at each numbered beach access point.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish and English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guest houses and boutique hotels primarily in Esperanza and Isabel Segunda.
- Food & Drink
- No on-site options; restaurants and bars are concentrated in nearby towns (Esperanza and Isabel Segunda).
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local mobile kiteboarding operators.
- Gear Storage
- None available.
- Gear Repair
- No professional repair services available on the island; bring your own repair kit.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Vieques is known for a slower pace of life and nature-focused travel, with protected coastline and uncrowded beaches.
World-famous bioluminescent bay, considered one of the brightest in the world.
Large protected area with numerous pristine beaches and hiking trails.
The last Spanish fort built in the Americas, now a museum and art gallery.
Guided tours along the beaches and through the island's interior.
A waterfront strip in Esperanza with various bars and restaurants.
A large, crescent-shaped beach with facilities and calm waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro)?
The best overall months at Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro) are December, January, February, March, April, May, June. The best wind months are December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July.
Which wind directions work at Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro)?
Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro) works with E, ESE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–22 kts.
What skill level is Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro) suitable for?
Bahia De La Chiva (Puerto Ferro) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner.