FRESH FISH ANYONE? LOOK NO FARTHER THAN CHACALA MEXICO!

Posted on April 21, 2012 by

Fishermen’s Wharf isn’t just in San Francisco!

Fresh fish anyone? Look no further than Chacala, the fisherman’s wharf of Nayarit, but it’s actually just NORTH of San Francisco – that is, the “other” San Francisco, (San Pancho)  situated on the beautiful coast of Riviera Nayarit.

It is another busy morning at the little marina situated at the north corner of Chacala Beach. The catch of the day is a bit of a grab bag, depending on the temperature of the water, what’s running, how far outside of the bay the big ones are running and of course, the weather conditions.

This morning  they showcased some great looking Corbina, Mahi Mahi and Rooster fish. Poking around a little more exposed some delicious morsels of octopus and lobsters. Note that these are nothing like Maine offers us, but none the less, I am not one to turn my nose up when it comes to a nice fresh lobster tail straight out of the “drink” and at the cost of 100 pesos per kilo, it will look great on my dinner plate tonight, I’m thinking as I select a few of the plumpest ones. Like the cooking shows always mention, “tell your fishmonger to clean and prepare, blah blah” as I scratch my head and wonder just WHO “has” a FISHMONGER?? Well, there was no need to ask as he quickly whisked the tasty guys off the scales and voila. Before my eyes, they were cleaned, trimmed, halved and totally ready to throw onto the BBQ! YUM. Is there a reason NOT to eat lobster for breakfast? None that I can think of!
The best time to arrive at the marina,  if you have the hankering to grab some to throw on the BBQ,  would be early morning or at least before 11am.

The fishermen really know about multitasking, as they have only just returned from their very early morning fishing trips and it’s now time to become masters at cleaning and filleting, which they truly are.

Just as well the hammocks are nicely tucked by the water and in the shade – seems the morning was exhausting for this one!  Another bonus to this job is the ever present company of the long beaked guests that call this little marina “home”. The fisherman’s hut is right next to all the panga boats that are docked in the tiny marina at the end of the trail.

Just another reason to check out Chacala! Stroll along the “jungle malecon”, take in the amazing views, pass a little history with the likes of an old fort and giant centuries old trees that look like the Hobbit may have once lived here.

Chacala is a perfect place to spend your spring Mexico vacation, as the days are warm and sunny with the evenings still a bit cool, and the summer rains have not started yet. The flowers in the springtime in Mexico are amazing! Take a tour to the Alta Vista Petroglyphs, get some fishing in or relax on the beach with a cold beer or lemonade.

A couple of great places to stay are the Chacala Hostel and Surf Shop that has a really nice space, and the upstairs surf shop / lounging area has a great view to check out the wave action for surfing and to hang out with Mike and Lindy. Mike makes and repairs surf boards  and is also a surfing instructor, and Lindy runs the Hostel. They are cool to hang out with and have a beer or two!
If you are looking for something larger to meet your Chacala rental needs, you may want a private home overlooking the ocean with a lovely pool like Casa Carolina.

Come to beautiful Chacala for your springtime Mexico vacation, relocate to the Riviera Nayarit for Life!

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Samena Santa in Chacala Mexico

Posted on April 7, 2012 by

Samena Santa Chacala Style

Happy Samena Santa and Happy Easter to all of our advertisers and viewers  from the crew at RivieraNayaritFun.com and all of our town websites AllSayulita.com, AllSanPancho.com, AllLodeMarcos.com, AllGuayabitos.com, AllLaPenita.com and AllChacala.com.
No matter what your religion, Samena Santa and Easter day allow all of us on opportunity to be more caring and heart centered with our friends and families, creating a group vibration that spreads the love around the planet.
So Enjoy and embrace the holiday Chacala!
Happy celebrating and many blessings!

Time to Celebrate

Samena Santa all starts with a week long celebration on the Riviera Nayarit, with beaches filled with familia and friends, laughing and dancing until the early hours of the morning. The Mexicans really know how to have a lot of fun, as they love to play, and love to dance to the very loud music! One of the reasons the I adore the Mexican culture, is their sense for love for their family. Everyone from the very oldest to the little babies come to the different beach towns on the Riviera Nayarit to celebrate life. I love to watch them play, and dance to the brass bands on the beach, throw sand at each other and eat and party!  If you like Mexican culture, Easter week, or here in Mexico is known as Samena Santa,  is the time to come immerse yourself in the wonderful Mexican culture.

Holy Week

In the religion Christianity there is the last week of Lent, and the week before Easter. It also includes the religious holidays of Palm Sunday, Maudy Thursday or Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It, however, does not include Easter Sunday. There are variations of the Christian Religion, and each day has a specific meaning, with certain rules. Easter Sunday, which immediately follows Holy Week, is the great feast day and apogee of the Christian liturgical year: on this day the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated.
Easter Sunday is the first day of the new season of the Great Fifty Days, Easter-tide, there being fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.

The starting point for Samena Santa’s extensive history is the death of Christ, but the celebration that we see today on the Riviera Nayarit in all of Mexico is the result of centuries of evolution.  And, on the Riviera Nayarit, it is one big party and celebration with live music going until 4:00AM and campers spread out over the beaches and filling the RV parks, bombs going off (something about the spirits) and fireworks. Everyone shares space and is quite friendly from my experiences. Its also a great way to practice your Spanish!
Its a fun time to dive into the Mexico culture as Mexicans come to the Riviera Nayarit from all over Mexico for their Samena Santa vacation.

Enjoy your Easter Celebration with love and joy in your hearts, and I’ll see you later on the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico.

Visit the Riviera Nayarit for your Mexico Vacation, relocate to Mexico for life!

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CHACALA’S ROOMS WITH VIEWS ON THE RIVIERA NAYARIT

Posted on March 28, 2012 by

Pack the camper and the kids and get in quick!

Beautiful Chacala, located on the amazing Riviera Nayarit in Mexico comes to the rescue for upcoming Semana Santa. While the south end has been fenced off for the last few years, it has hurt the community with camping in mind. In time gone by, the south end offered ocean front spaces which were gobbled up by motor homes, tents and other RVS, all eager to enjoy this beautiful stretch of safe, clean swimming and frolicking. Due to the sale of the land, this changed things dramatically, much to the dismay of the (would be) return beach lovers.

This year, we have seen the major clearing and cleanup in this area, only to discover that the whole area is being opened up to the public for the Semana Santa period.
So, if this isn’t enough to bug your eyes out, (hang onto your hats)  there are rows of “banos” being set in place and these are not just holes in the ground!! They are real toilets – (nearly homes and gardens style!) Now, this is true royal treatment. True budget holiday in paradise! And they are making showers as well.
Something to note is that, in years passed, campers and RV’s were a major source of revenue for the many beachfront palapa restaurants, which suffered somewhat with the sale and closure of that land. Hopefully this will be a busy and profitable season in Chacala as well as the rest of beautiful “Riviera Nayarit”.

If you would care to enjoy Semana Santa in a rental, Chacala Hostel and Surf Shop is a very reasonable alternative, just 1/2 block to the main beach, plaza and village. Click here to check it out.  www.nayarit4fun.com, or if you need a larger home, try Casa Casa Carolina!

Come to the beautiful Chacala on the Riviera Nayarit for a Semana Santa party in Mexico.

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Chacala Mexico claims the spotlight on Saturdays!!

Posted on March 22, 2012 by

Organic Market Now in Chacala Mexico

Chacala claims the spotlight on Saturdays with an organic market right here on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico!
This is being held by locals and visitors alike with a percentage of proceeds going towards “Cambiando Vidas”, which means “Changing Lives”.
The Chacala market offers are crates of fresh organic lettuce, fruits and other seasonal offerings straight off the truck from the local farms. It doesn’t get much fresher than that, unless you grow it yourself!

Delights for the Sweet Tooth

Come to the Chacala Market and enjoy mouthwatering home made chocolate cheese cakes and breads. Mar de Jade bakes some “mean” fresh loaves stuffed with fruits and toasted sesame seeds adorning. These are a gourmet delight toasted up with some of the special spreads that have come out of the kitchen that morning.
Make a trip on over early morning as the early bird really does catch get the cream of the crop.

Where is the Organic Market?

If you are familiar with the friendly community of Chacala, the location is just a few doors down from the entrance – large wooden doors – of Marina Chacalilla. Just ask anyone you pass, especially if they are clutching their precious little bag on their way home filled with the bounties of their yummy purchases! Market begins at 7:30 till it’s all GONE (around 12).

Chacala’s a Great Place to Swim

Why not make a day of it? Chacala has an amazing swimming beach, ideal for a dip or a little snorkeling. Some days are even ideal for a beach surf at the far south end, alternatively hopping on a short panga trip to the famous La Caleta famous surf break. *Boards can be rented locally from Chacala Surf Shop, just 1/2 block up from the main beach, close by the little local hardware store.

Enjoy a little breakfast at one of the many beachfront restaurants. There is also a great ice cream shop with great coffee as well!  There are also many rentals from Hostels to Chacala rental houses. Not an easy choice, as there are so many smiling faces that will be happy to serve you in this charming village called “Chacala”.

 Come to the town of Chacala in Mexico for a great vacation or relocate to the Riviera Nayarit for life!

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The Art of Surfing and La Caleta, Chacala Mexico

Posted on March 5, 2012 by

The Art of Surfing on the Riviera Nayarit

The Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico has 240 kilometers of coast line where surfers come from around the world to ride the waves. Chacala is a great place to learn, and the more advanced Las Caleta offers waves that surfers dream of.

What Causes a Wave?

To understand what causes surf, we look at the swell direction, tide and wind. These factors combined in the right combo creates the desired shape for a  good surf . When a wave rolling along encounters a sand bar or rocky bottom, the lower part of the wave’s energy drags against this resistance and slows down. The top part of the wave’s energy continues moving at the same speed and that is why it starts tipping forward, eventually breaking.  The more dramatic the bottom profile of the reef or sandbar, the hollower the wave becomes. The direction of the surf break is also dependent on whether the area has a hard bottom or a sand bottom. Sand bottom peaks move around the beach and transfers the sand so the peak doesn’t stay the in the same location. These, however, are preferable for beginners to learn this popular sport. Lessons are usually provided for basically all ages. Surfers have progressed into the more “mature” age bracket in recent years, unlike the syndrome of years gone by, where the perception of surfers were associated with youth, hippies, budget travelers, etc. We now see surfers of all age brackets, many with very high tech and expensive boards and accessories.

Lets Go Surfing!

Ahhhhhhhh. Perfect condtions!! Early morning, clear skies, surf cracking on the beach, creating the desired barrel shape – this is what we wait for!  Time to grab the board and wax !

Chacala has a great surf shop (Chacala Hostel and Surf Shop) with a professional 40 year surfing veteran ready to teach you how to surf, or you may want to take an advanced lesson to improve your surfing technique. Surfing lessons include the surf board. The instructions are very easy to follow. With an initial briefing, practical moves and tips out of the water first, you then proceed into the ocean on the safe sandy bottom conditions of the main beach in Chacala, with the instructor at your side at all times. You are slowly guided through maneuvers, talked through the formation of the wave that you need to look for and before you know it, you’re standing on your board taking the ride of your life, moving down the face of the wave just on the sheer power of the natural ocean. The feeling is so exhilaration it’s no wonder this sport is becoming so ever increasingly popular and was/is the “sport of Kings”. (surfing handbook)

Next step -LAS CALETAS!!

Las Caletas is very unique, due to it’s natural and isolated location, with jungle surrounding a slightly rocky point and bay that is most easily accessed by panga. This pleasant short ride will take about 10 minutes for a slight fee, depending on how large your group is. (price is per boat, not per person)
This is only a left break because the rocky point faces south. The waves hit the point and wrap around into the cove.

These conditions make for a larger surf break, hence attracting more experienced surfers from Mexico and around the globe. At the Chacala Hostel and Surf Shop,  include surfing lessons and  boards, along with a beautiful Hostel for rental accommodations. Check out the picture of this surfer at Caleta.
Here are some other pics to check out from the 2012 Mexico Surfing Tournament as well, as well as the article with the winners!

Come to the Riviera Nayarit for some great surfing in Chacala and other locations in beautiful Mexico.

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Chacala Bay Great Whale Watching Destination

Posted on February 17, 2012 by

Every time I visit Chacala, I go up to BK’s Casa Carolina up on the hill and look out over the bay. December through March are the prime times to be looking for whales in the pacific ocean off Mexico’s western coast.

Living at Los Compadres Resort on the hill overlooking La Peñita de Jaltemba, I often look out at the Jaltemba Bay. The other day I saw a couple whales breaching the water out by the island. I decided it was time to get out on a boat and see them up close. I went out with Gil on the Chica Loca from Riviera Nayarit Adventures in Sayulita.  They launch their trimaran from the marina in La Cruz.

Puerto Vallarta Banderas BayDual whale tales seen in Banderas Bay during full moon Feb 2012

A Mexico vacation is considered as the top tourist destination in Latin America and currently the tenth place in the world. Areas such as the Riviera Nayarit are teeming with historical sites, rich culture, and exciting attractions that many people, even the locals, have come to enjoy and love. Although this country is renowned for its iconic monuments and dazzling white beaches, there is one thing that you must try especially when you happen to visit this colorful nation between the months of January and March. It is called whale watching.

tour boatWhale watching has become a celebrated tourist activity especially in the Mexico Pacific where these big cetacean mammals usually show themselves off shore, proudly spouting water from the blowhole above their heads while flapping their huge tails against the sea surface. Not too many people are fortunate enough to see real live whales in person and witnessing this kind of whale action can certainly lead you breathless and in awe.

Whale watching season usually starts on November and ends at the last week of March. However, January and February are the best months for you to get a glimpse of these species (particularly humpbacks and gray whales) in Banderas Bay and Matanchen Bay. If you want to have a more memorable experience by closely interacting with these gentle giants, then you might want to try whale watching in Jaltemba Bay. In here you will find shallow waters where gray mother whales take care of their calves. You can touch and see them eye-to-eye, thus giving you an amazing experience that you will never forget.

There are daily whale watching tours and overnight excursions that are readily available for you to choose from during these months. These tourist companies will not give you a guarantee for whale sightings, but you will have better chances (usually nine out of ten tours) when you visit the Mexico Pacific at the end of January to early March.

There are some reminders that you need to watch out for as soon as you have decided to try whale watching at the sunny beaches of Mexico. There are several types of whale watching tours that is suitable to all kinds of tourists. If you are doing this with your kids, you need to choose a day tour where you would spend less time in the water and more time on the ground. If you are a whale specialist, then interacting with the whales will be more suitable for you so you might want to select the kind of tour that enables you to get near them.

Come visit Chacala, take a Whale Watching Tour and call the Riviera Nayarit your new Vacation Paradise.

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MUSIC EVENT TO ROCK CHACALA!!!!

Posted on February 3, 2012 by

Come join in the fun! All Welcome!! Chacala Rocks!

A music event set to rock Chacala is open to everyone, and its all happening right here in the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico! This special night is being sponsored in order to raise funds for Chacala’s up and coming musicians of the future. Many local kids will be given the opportunity to develop their musical talents, thus stimulating the music program.
The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11th at the main plaza on the north end of the beach. From 6 p.m.

Musicians for the Event

First to perform will be Sandie and Rudy and friends, an acoustic group from the US, featuring three part harmony sung in the style of folk, Americana, and bluegrass.
The lively, talented band, Raíces Negras takes the stage for the reminder of the night. Raíces Negras translates into “black roots,” the perfect description for the origin of their eclectic mix of salsa, cumbia, ska, jazz, reggae and rock. Raíces Negras is the most popular band in Sayulita for all occasions, drawing a full house wherever they play.
Their upbeat vocals and horn section translate into dynamic, rhythmic enjoyment.

Benefit for the Music Program of Chacala

This night of music is being offered free of charge, however it is a benefit for the Music Program of Chacala and donations are welcome. Desserts, drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Why not wander around and sample some of the many delicious offerings at the dozen beachfront palapa restaurants lining the sand and make a day of it? Or enjoy a refreshing dip in the big pool called the Pacific Ocean? Chacala has a perfect, safe, calm beach for swimming, even for the little ones, and has recently been awarded the coveted “Clean Beach” certification by the State of Nayarit.

We expect to attract locals and visitors alike from up and down the coast. When Chacala hosts a party, it’s something to know about! And, if you need a place to stay for the evening so you do not have to worry about driving, check out the Chacala Surf Shop and Hostel for great rates and friendly hosts.

Come and enjoy the day in Chacala and an evening of music and dancing on the amazing Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico!

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The Third Annual Jaltemba Bay Rotary Fundraiser

Posted on January 24, 2012 by

Jaltemba Bay Rotary Celebrates in 2012

The third annual Jaltemba Bay Rotary fundraiser was celebrated on Saturday, January 21st at Tonita’s III in La Penita and a fun time was had by both Rotarian’s and all of the wonderful folks that support Rotary Club. Folks came from all over the Riviera Nayarit, including Lo de Marcos, Rincon de Guayabitos and Chacala.
The festivities included the beautiful Mexican Tepozcalli dancers from Las Varas and live music for some dancing with Manuel and Son.
A lovely chicken dinner was served that included a beverage of your choice. The bartenders were happy to serve you! One margarita coming up!

There was also three different auction fundraisers, the Chinese Auction, the Silent Auction and a Live Auction, which made for a really fun time!
A huge kudos out to Marylin who did a super job with the silent auction! Thanks Marylin! The students from Chacala also attended and celebrated the evening with dancing and fun. Everyone really enjoyed themselves, as you can see.  Click here to check out more pics in the RivieraNayaritFun picture gallery.
This is the main fundraiser for the Rotary Club, and it was a sold out show! The Jaltemba  Bay  Rotary club has built 4 kindergartens, bathrooms, and has sponsored many students and so much more! The Jaltemba Bay Rotary Club would like to thank everyone for coming as it means a lot for the children and all peoples in the Jaltemba Bay and Riviera Nayarit communities.

Community Service Awards

Every year the Rotary Club members give out awards to the outstanding citizens in Jaltemba Bay.  This year there were four volunteer groups that were recognized and honored for their services to the community.  These folks go way beyond themselves to help others. We applaud you!

There was a video clip of all of the volunteer groups, and then they were presented with beautiful plaques. Each had something to say, acknowledging themselves and all of the other people that had made their volunteer groups successful.
If you are interested in becoming a Rotary Member, the Rotary meetings are held every Wednesday at Pina Coladas at 8:00am in Guayabitos. I am very proud to be a Rotary member here in Mexico and help bring in changes that help the peoples and the community without changing their wonderful culture.

JBAR – Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue – Lin Chimes

 

Marguerita Challenge – Jim Williams and Esteban Valdivia.

Los Amigos de Jaltemba – Carlos Flores

Cancer de Mama – Judy Krajnc and Maruca Dinsmore

Chacala is located on the beautiful Riviera Nayarit and is the perfect place to come for your Mexico vacation or relocation!

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Chacala Mexico on Riviera Nayarit Has Certified Beaches

Posted on December 15, 2011 by

Mexico vacation certified beach in Chacala NayaritEach town along the Riviera Nayarit has its own culture, and Chacala holds claim to a certified beach, one of only a dozen or so along the coast of Mexico vacations.

Just over an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Chacala is a remote beach town that sits like a bowl against a mountain ridge and the ocean. It is best to have a car if you are coming to visit the neighboring towns, otherwise you can walk everywhere in town.

Chacala activities include all the usual beach town activities, and also includes bird watching, a popular activity all along the Riviera Nayarit.

There are plenty of beachfront Chacala Restaurants from which to choose, and several not on the beach as well. You can also buy meat at the carnicerias (butchers), and get other groceries at the super markets.

Most Chacala Business Services and Personal Services, such as hair stylists, massage, day spas, car rep[air and what now are also available in town, or you can take the collectivio to Las Varas if you need something not available locally.

Come visit the Chacala Shops and enjoy the Chacala Shopping experience, supporting local Mexican artisans who make their crafts for your enjoyment and pleasure. Plenty of trinkets to take home as gifts as well for those who are cost conscious.

Staying at a Chacala Vacation Rental might include a stay at a private Chacala rental, or enjoy a community Chacala Villa Vacation Rental with another family or couple. Depending on your length of stay, you might also want to consider Chacala Hotels, or Chacala Long Term Rentals.

Come visit Chacala on the Riviera Nayarit for your next Mexico Vacation.

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Visit Safe and Clean Chacala Beach and Bay

Posted on November 27, 2011 by

Chacala Beach

Imagine visiting a beach with pristine clean white sand. Then imagine floating on the waves, looking down through the crystal clear water to the ocean floor. You have just described Chacala Bay.

Chacala Bay is one of only 14 beaches and bays in all of Mexico to be federal beach certified.

The standards are high. The rewards are many. Residents and visitors enjoy a clean beach and bay, provided by a extensive trash program, 24 hour beach security and daily lifeguard supervision. Congratulations to the residents of Chacala!

Chacala is off the beaten path, and sits in a lovely bay north of Jaltemba Bay. Days trips from Chacala include the petra glyphs near Alta Vista or shopping in La Penita or Las Varas.

Come visit the Riviera Nayarit for vacation, or consider relocating to Mexico for retirement. Chacala is a lovely Mexico vacation or retirement destination.

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