Chacala is a little beach town about an hour and a half north of Puerto Vallarta. Four years ago it took a half an hour to get from the main highway to Chacala because there was only a dirt road that was all but impassable to anything but a 4 x 4. Now with a new paved road Chacala is 5 minutes from the highway.
Chacala is set on a semi-circular beach which forms a small bay on the Pacific Ocean. Because of this it is more sheltered than most of the coast and swimming here is possible on most days. With the wide sandy beach it attracts many visitors from other parts of Mexico.
There are dozens of palapa (palm thatched) restaurants selling Mariscos (sea food). 
One of the favorites is pescado sarandeado which is fresh fish split and barbecued over a wood fire. All of the sea food is caught by the residents of Chacala just off the coast and you know that the fish you eat today was caught this morning. Families come here for the day and take a table in one of the restaurants and as long as they buy some drinks or food, they are welcome to stay for the whole day. So moms and pops and grand dads and grand moms can relax in the shade, drink and converse while the children play in the surf. 
There's also entertainment for those who care for it. There are roving Mariachis who play traditional Mexican music. Everyone seems to know the tunes and the people being entertained usually sing right along with the musicians.
We found a place to stay on the south end of the beach called Mar de Jade which means "Sea of Jade". 
Mar de Jade is a hotel, but it also hosts many spiritual retreats. At certain times of the year, they host a spanish language school where people can come to do a total language immersion intensive. They have a special connection to the local hospital which they have built and supported. Set on the ocean with a view of the town of Chacala, it is a very special place to stay.
I should also mention that the sunsets are fabulous. These photos were taken in the summer when we get rain almost every evening, so the sunsets in the summer are especially outrageous.
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