Birding
Chacala and the surrounding Riviera Nayarit is referred to as a birding paradise. With over 350 species of both indigenous and migratory, spot birds living in various ecosystems including mangroves, waterways, mountains, and jungle. A comprehensive bird guide can be found here.
In February 2023 Chacala hosted its first annual bird festival. Check the Community Calendar for upcoming events.
Eating Out
Chacala is home to a dozen beach-front restaurants and at least a dozen more in the heart of the village. The town has incredible seafood and features a lot of traditional and regional cooking. While seafood is the town’s specialty, burgers and pizza are also common fare at several establishments. Most restaurants will do home delivery or cater requests for special events.
Festivals
Chacala has several annual festivals that are promoted by the Chacala Cultural Foundation. These festivals are curated around music, art, cinema, gastronomy and literature. The festivals are a highlight of the year and showcase local artist as well as many who come from afar. Check the Community Calendar for the next festival.
For Kids
Kids play for hours in the medium-sized waves of Chacala Bay while parents relax at beachfront restaurants. The protected shores of Marina Chacala’s private beach are especially calm and perfect for small children. The kids love the private beach club’s pools and sport courts along with the nachos and guacamole they can order to their beach chair. Area excursions such as the volcano hike and whale watching are also very popular with the little ones.
Open Water Swimming
The waters surrounding Chacala are known to be shark-free and wonderful for open water swimming. Various routes can take you around the protected bays, down the coast, or hire a charter for a supported swim. Every December the community hosts a beach-to-beach swim from Chacalilla beach to Chacala beach, a 2km (1.2 mile) route. Check the Community Calendar for the next swim.
Saturday Market
Saturday morning is market day in Chacala from 8am to 1pm. Local and regional vendors set up in the town plaza to sell hand-made art, clothes, food and souvenirs. The market is year-round but much bigger during the high-season, November to May.
Sport Fishing
Just off-shore you can catch a number of sport fish. The talented local guides can take you out to the best locations and give you a fighting chance to catch your own dinner. The local captains can meet you at the main pier or pick you up at Chacalilla beach. Ask your VivaChacala concierge for additional recommendations on fishing excursions.
SUP
Chacala is surrounded by miles of enchanted coastline. Exploring on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is one of the most epic ways to explore the area. Paddleboards can be rented in the village or your VivaChacala concierge can have them waiting for you at the beach club. The ocean is usually calmest in the morning before 11am so early expeditions are often best. Below are some of the best SUP excursions:
- Paddle to Chacala from Chacalilla for breakfast at Lalaxtli (3 miles round trip)
- Paddle to Las Cuevas from Chacalilla (6 miles round trip)
- Paddle to La Caleta from Chacalilla to watch the morning surfers (3 miles round trip)
Surfing
Just to the North of Chacala is the coveted surf break of La Caleta, an often-challenging left point break. La Caleta literally means “Rocky beach” but more accurately would be called “sea-urchin-covered rocky beach”. Surfers come from all over but do not be lulled by the peaceful paradise of this cove as the wave is unpredictable. La Caleta is 2km from Chacalilla beach and 2 miles from Chacala beach -- a short boat ride or paddle away. Beyond La Caleta, surfers can find waves in Lo de Marcos, San Pancho and Sayulita.
Banana Boat
Multiple local operators offer rides on their inflatable banana boats. Their excursions can take you around Chacala Bay or as far as Las Cuevas or Chacalilla. Operators can be found on Chacala Beach or by inquiring with your VivaChacala concierge.
Volcano Hike
Hiking to the top of the volcano crater is a must! It’s a relatively easy hike from the village topping out at 400ft of elevation. Once at the top you’ll enjoy an impressive 360-degree view of the village, coastline, beaches and mountains. Go with a local guide to learn more about the flora, fauna, and history of the area. Ask your concierge about the best guide services in Chacala or click here for an AllTrails map to the summit
Whale Watching
The whale watching in Chacala is spectacular. Have a boat pick you up right from the beach club. Each year from December to April the humpback whales come to Chacala to give birth to their pups. Sometimes you can spot them from shore but the excursions to see them up close are exhilarating. Ask the VivaChcala team about the best whale watching excursions.