A Gorgeous Secret Beach In Mexico Offers A Quiet Escape From The Wild Nayarit Coast Crowds

Mexico draws more American visitors than any other country and among its many splendors, the beaches are arguably its most precious gems. From the romantic getaway of Tulum to the inviting azure waters of Cabo San Lucas, the country's 5,800 miles of coastline is home to some amazing stretches of sandy shoreline.

Situated on the central Nayarit coast is the town of Chacala, a laid-back little beach burg that offers plenty of sun-kissed ocean bliss without the braying hordes found in more touristy, party-scene destinations such as Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta. Long on the radar for surfers keen to catch its regular Pacific waves, Chacala has now emerged as a nice alternative to the bigger beach towns. With a sleepy, crescent-shaped beach, chilled-out vibes, and verdant surroundings teeming with birds and other wildlife, Chacala is a perfect spot to unwind next to the sea.

Chacala offers a slice of Mexican coastal life without megaresorts and the high prices, schlocky souvenir shops, and low-quality eateries that often come with such overdevelopment. While there are ways to avoid tourist trap restaurants in Mexico, when it comes to beach time, you may want to consider heading somewhere a bit off the beaten path if it's tranquility you seek, and Chacala is just that kind of place.

Home to just around 300 full-time residents, Chacala is a fishing village that doubles as a growing tourism center. Its nickname is "Gallery Town" because of its beauty and artsy atmosphere, and the town's fine, golden sand beach is lined with thatch-roofed restaurants selling cold drinks and grilled seafood. Most people who come to Chacala do so to let go of their stress and relax into the slower pace that has traditionally been life on the Nayarit coast, which means plenty of time lounging on the sand.

When not soaking up the serenity on the beach, jump in a boat and head out on a snorkeling jaunt to Isla Coral, where you can take in the wondrous, multichromatic living world right under the surface of the sea. You can also hike four miles over an extinct volcano to Las Cuevas Beach to check out the sea caves (where pirates are said to have stashed their treasure) that are exposed at low tide. Chacala is also a great place to cast a line, with fishing charters that will take you out in pursuit of yellowfin and mahi mahi that you can grill up as soon as you get back to town.

As far as restaurant choices in Chacala, Chico's is situated right on the beach and is famous for its grilled pescado zarandeado (fish marinated in chile paste, lemon, and beer), fresh ceviche, along with cold beer and margaritas, while Lalaxtli Bread & Restaurant serves up top-notch bread, bagels, and brunch dishes.

Chacala is not only an ideal beach getaway: it's a terrific ecotourism destination. The area is home to over 350 avian species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. You can take a boat tour through a mangrove swamp just thirty minutes north of town, where you'll spot not only plenty of birds but also crocodiles, turtles, and other wetland creatures. If you happen to be there in the winter, you can also head out in the hope of catching a glimpse of migrating humpback whales, which make their way along the coast from December through March.

The rolling Pacific Ocean waves have also been bringing surfers to Chacala for some time, with most heading to the break at La Caleta Beach. Like others in the area, La Caleta is only accessible by boat, which can be arranged in town. The water is pristine, the waves mighty, and best of all, it's never crowded. It is a strong swell, however, and best for those who have plenty of experience on the back of a board.

To get to Chacala, it's best to fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Then, you can rent a car, take a bus, or hire a taxi to take you into town. It's about an hour and 20-minute drive, while the bus takes about two hours. It also doesn't stop in Chacala but rather the nearby town of Las Varas. From there, it's just a 15-minute taxi ride into town. For more adventure, check out these underrated bucket-list destinations in Mexico.