Mar Chiquita

The Atlantic coast here is a wall of eroded limestone, and at Mar Chiquita the rock curves round into an almost complete circle with a narrow gap facing the sea, so a small crescent of sand sits inside a natural pool. When the ocean is calm the pool is a sheltered swimming spot; when a swell is running, water forces through the gap in bursts and the whole bowl surges, which is spectacular from the rocks and dangerous in the water. Paths lead along the cliffs on either side past blowholes and sharp eroded rock. It is a favourite of photographers and, at sunset, of everyone from the surrounding towns.

What you actually see

• The enclosed pool - a crescent of sand inside a limestone arc.
• The gap - waves forcing through the opening on a swell.
• The cliff paths - eroded limestone, blowholes and Atlantic views.
• Sunset from the rocks - the local ritual on a calm evening.

When to go

December to April is drier but also the season of biggest Atlantic swell, when the pool becomes unsafe to swim; summer and early autumn are calmer for swimming. Go early on weekends, as the small car park fills. Sunset is the busiest hour.

Honest expectations

This is not a safe swimming beach when any swell is running: the surge through the gap creates strong movement inside the pool and people have been badly hurt on the rock. There is no lifeguard. The rock is sharp limestone that cuts feet. Parking is very limited and the approach road is narrow.

Nearby

Poza del Obispo is west along the coast; Arecibo and the karst country are beyond.