Chacala is a picturesque beach-town set in small cove on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the State of Nayarit.

It is located about 100 kilometers (62 mi) north of Puerto Vallarta. The name means “where there are shrimp” in Nahuatl, and is part of the coastline known as the Riviera Nayarita. The population consists of approximately 300 full-time residents, but can swell to over 1000 during Mexico’s most popular vacation periods such as Semana Santa (Easter Week) and Christmas.

Chacala is known for its physical beauty, unhurried lifestyle, and friendly people.

Stay Informed

One of only 6 certified beaches on the Nayarit Coast, Chacala is safe and fun for all ages! There are many activities and opportunities to explore in and around Chacala. You may choose to walk, have your own transportation, hire a local shuttle and/or guide service or engage one of the local Chacala fishermen to transport you by panga boat to do whale watching or go to the nearby beaches. This little piece of paradise is not just a location for relaxation, but also a place to have fun and make new friends.

Facts about Chacala

• A relaxing fishing village 50 miles north of Puerto Vallarta

• A picturesque bay with a beautiful sand beach

• Great weather: rain is confined to the summer months 

• Winter temperatures range from 70° to 80°; you can wear short sleeve shirts in the evenings!

• Chacala Bay’s beach has recently been CERTIFIED as a clean beach by the IMN (Mexican Institute for Normativity)

• Fruit orchards and lush jungle vegetation offer exceptional scenery

• Emergency clinics locally, with modern hospitals less than 2hrs away