{"id":15691,"date":"2026-02-04T13:26:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T18:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gatolocosailing.com\/blog\/?p=15691"},"modified":"2026-02-04T13:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T18:33:18","slug":"chacala-a-seaside-gem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gatolocosailing.com\/blog\/?p=15691","title":{"rendered":"Chacala, a seaside gem"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chacala<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here\u2019s a Chacala description straight from Shawn and Heather\u2019s cruising guide, and it\u2019s too perfect not to share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cChacala is the quintessential anchorage most people dream about when setting sail for the warm, tropical anchorages of Pacific Mexico. Its clear blue waters lapping at a white sand beach, surrounded by lush vegetation and coconut palms, makes Chacala an easy favorite on most boaters\u2019 lists. Here, the easy pace of ma\u00f1ana time takes precedence, where nothing could be more important than enjoying a stroll on the beach or a cold cerveza under a palm?thatched roof.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This write?up is so spot?on I had to quote them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Monday, February 2nd<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whales greeted us along the 22?mile leg into Chacala, surfacing off our beam as if escorting us in. We had the anchor down early in the afternoon. It\u2019s Mexico\u2019s Constitution Day holiday, and the beach is absolutely packed\u2014families everywhere soaking up perfect weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After a little lounging aboard, we head into the fray. Mezcal palomas ordered\u2026 and of course, service is slow. While we wait, the Mexican family at the next table hands me a generous shot of tequila over ice from their cooler\u2014classic beach hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The restaurant specializes in a beautifully filleted whole fish grilled over mesquite, so we order one, and suddenly the day is slipping away. A quick wander through the tourist shops, then a long walk to the south end of the beach where we stop for a sunset cocktail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And then\u2014something unexpected. A music video crew is filming right there on the sand as the sun drops behind the point. A pretty magical way to end the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tuesday<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today is hike day. Staying active is important when so much time is spent aboard, so we set out on a loop trail climbing the mountain ridge south of the anchorage. I bail early after getting my fill of uphill, while Chris and Paul push on to the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Back in town we grab lunch, do a little sightseeing, and stop by the port captain to check in. Then it\u2019s back to the boat for some rest before dinner ashore tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tomorrow we\u2019re off to La Cruz near Puerto Vallarta\u2014planning an early start around six. I can definitely see why people fall in love with this little gem of an anchorage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Until the next update<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click the full screen button on YouTube<\/p>\n\n\n\n