The name of this beach in the Nahuatl language means "place rich in shrimp" and it was discovered in 1524 by Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura. Chacala's beach has strong surf. The vegetation is abundant in the outskirts. Palm trees predominate giving a beautiful panorama. At present the supply of traditional Nayarit gastronomy stands out and the zarandeado fish is the preferred delicacy.

Chacala is a small fishing village of about 300 people. The old way of life known to the families for generations is rapidly changing. The transition is due to a new paved road, which was constructed as a joint venture between a development company and the State of Nayarit. The old road could barely meet the definition of a road--it acted as barrier to all those except the most hardy traveler, and kept the pristine beach and lovely palm grove safe from development. There are no policemen in Chacala. There has been little crime in Chacala. The town votes a new judge into office once every three years. It is his job to help settle any disputes and investigate any crime. Traditions bind the community together.

Chacala is argued by many who stumble upon it to be the most beautiful vacation spot of the area. The town is nestled on the edge of the jungle and surrounded by a lush variety of tropical animal and plant life. The beach of Chacala, still undiscovered by most tourists and travel guide books, is usually empty except for a few local kids and some sea birds. The curve of the bay keeps the surf calm on most days, allowing for safe water play and swimming. The only buildings on the beach are a row of palapa-covered restaurants where you can sit in the shade sipping a soda between swims, enjoy the sunset in your bathing suit, or eat a fresh seafood meal.

Chacala is located on the Riviera Nayarit about 5 miles off of Highway Mex200, 90 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and 45 minutes north of Sayulita. The normal airport arrival is via Puerto Vallarta then either a rental car, taxi or bus can bring you to the village of Chacala. The route hugs the coastline leaving the bustle of Puerto Vallarta behind while driving past popular spots like Bucerias, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, San Francisco, Rincon Guayabitos and La Penita. Just before Las Varas, there is a marked turn-off to Chacala where you will then drive through mango orchards, pass a lake, cresting atop a knoll overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Follow the road signs that say "Marina Chacala” to the front gate of the development.

Activities in Chacala
Visitors and homeowners in both the village of Chacala, Mexico as well as within Marina Chacala are guaranteed to find plenty of local activities to enjoy through out the days. Some include hiking to the top of the nearby volcano crater, bicycling to the local lake, shopping at the local street market in nearby La Penita, bird-watching in the virgin jungle and sun-bathing on the white sandy beaches.
Water sports include surfing the nearby point breaks, snorkeling the abundant local reefs, boat trips to secluded beaches, fishing from either the rocky point or out of local pangas (small boats) or just relaxing in the clear, blue, and warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sea turtles, whales and dolphins make the waters of Chacala their home and playground.