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.
