Puerto Vallarta beach guide
Playa Chacala
Picturesque Nayarit fishing bay with golden sands, coconut groves, and calm swimming shallows
About Playa Chacala
Located in the far northern coastal corridor of Riviera Nayarit, Chacala is a tranquil coastal village beloved for its family-friendly bay, birdwatching, and seafood palapas.
Chacala is a charming coastal village nestled in a lush tropical cove 1.5 hours north of Puerto Vallarta on the open Pacific coast. Framed by coconut palm plantations and tropical semi-deciduous forest, its calm, crescent-shaped bay (Chacalilla) offers exceptionally gentle waters ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Freshly caught shrimp and wood-fired fish are served along the golden sand by welcoming local families.
How to get there
Located along the North Shore / Riviera Nayarit coastline.
- Take the ATM or Compostela bus from Walmart terminal in Puerto Vallarta.
- 30-50 min drive north along Highway 200.
Local planning notes
- Explore the calm protected cove of Chacalilla just north of the main village.
- Hike 30 minutes south to Las Cuevas beach for dramatic volcanic rock formations.
- Visit during weekdays for a wonderfully quiet, uncrowded coastal retreat.
Before you go
- Located in Nayarit north of Banderas Bay; plan for a 1.5-hour scenic drive from PV.
- Do not confuse this Nayarit destination with the Chacala Indigenous community of Cabo Corrientes.
Nearby places and attractions
- Chico’s & Las Brisas Seafood Palapas: Iconic palapas serving wood-grilled Huachinango Zarandeado and fresh coconut water. (On the sand)
- Las Cuevas Headland Trail: Scenic hiking path along volcanic headlands leading to secluded, untouched secret coves. (South cliff path)