A long left-hand point breaking over a rocky bottom in the small fishing village of Chacala, Nayarit, this wave rewards patience and timing above all else. It needs a swell with significant west in it to really fire, working from waist-high up to solid overhead-plus. NW to W swells are the trigger, offshore winds out of the east keep faces clean. Mid to low tide tends to expose the inside hazards more, so read the water carefully before committing. Works well for intermediate through advanced surfers, though the crowd mix can range from sparsely local to gringoloaded on weekends and during peak season. Bottom: rock and reef. Season: consistent northwest swell windows November through March. Consistency: fickle without west component, fun to pumping when the window aligns. Access is by boat from the Chacala fishing docks, do not leave valuables on the vessel.
The lineup can fill with visiting surfers and resort day-trippers, particularly on weekends. Locals do surf here and drop-in friction has been reported. A respectful, cheerful attitude goes a long way. If the point is stacked, the inside peaks often go unridden and are a practical alternative. Dawn sessions or midweek visits cut crowd pressure significantly.
Head north on Mexico 200 from Puerto Vallarta and follow signs into the fishing village of Chacala. The standard access is by boat from the dock, arranged with local fishermen for a fee. Secure your bags before heading out. There is a small beach area suitable for a rest or lunch break. No formal surf facilities on site, bring everything you need including water.
When Chacala is not cooperating, the broader Nayarit coast has several beach and point options both north and south along Mexico 200. Lo de Marcos and Sayulita are within an hour and offer more consistent, accessible options on smaller or more northerly swells.
Forecast by Windy.app
