Attractions & Things to Do

Beyond the beach

Chacahua offers more than just surfing and bioluminescence. Explore the national park, participate in turtle conservation, or simply enjoy the unique geography of this island village.

Understanding Chacahua's Geography

Chacahua is a narrow sandy island between the Pacific Ocean and the lagoon. Knowing the layout helps you navigate.

Main Side (Lado Principal)

The tourist side facing the calm lagoon. Most accommodations, restaurants, and the main boat dock are here. Calm waters safe for swimming.

Otra Lado (Other Side)

The local side facing the open ocean. Mostly residential for local fishing families. Strong currents and waves make swimming and surfing dangerous here — it's not done.

💡 The surf break everyone talks about is at the point (la punta) where the island meets, not on otra lado.

Sea Turtle Conservation

Chacahua is a critical nesting site for olive ridley and leatherback sea turtles. Local conservation groups patrol beaches during nesting season (July-December), protect eggs from poachers, and organize hatchling releases.

  • •Nesting season: July - December
  • •Hatchling releases: typically 45-60 days after nesting
  • •Ask at your accommodation about volunteering
  • •Night patrols welcome respectful participants
  • •Do NOT use flash photography or white lights

→ Participate in a release during your stay — it's unforgettable.

Birdwatching & Mangroves

The Chacahua National Park protects extensive mangrove forests that are home to over 130 bird species. Kayak or boat through the channels for the best views.

  • •Best time: early morning (6-8am)
  • •Migratory season: November - March
  • •Species: herons, egrets, pelicans, frigatebirds, kingfishers
  • •Kayak rental: ~200-300 MXN/day
  • •Guided boat tours available

→ Bring binoculars and download a bird ID app before arriving.

Lagoon Activities

The calm lagoon waters offer activities beyond bioluminescence tours — kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply swimming in the protected waters.

  • •Kayak rentals at several spots
  • •SUP not widely available — bring your own if keen
  • •Sunrise on the lagoon is spectacular
  • •Crocodiles exist but attacks are very rare

→ Best explored in the early morning before afternoon winds.

National Park Excursions

Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua covers 14,000 hectares of coastal lagoons, mangroves, and tropical forest. Boat trips can explore further into the park.

  • •Day trips to other lagoons available
  • •Fishing trips can be arranged
  • •Crocodile spotting tours (usually morning)
  • •No official entrance fee for the park

→ Ask boatmen about multi-hour exploration trips.

Photography Opportunities

Sunsets over the lagoon, fishing boats on the beach, local village life — Chacahua offers authentic scenes far from tourist polish.

  • •Sunset: west-facing lagoon side
  • •Sunrise: ocean side (otra lado) but respect local privacy
  • •Fishing boats return mid-morning
  • •Bioluminescence is nearly impossible to photograph well

→ Please ask before photographing local residents, especially children.

Just Being Here

Honestly, the main attraction is the pace of life. No roads, no cars, no rush. Hammock time, reading, journaling — Chacahua rewards those who slow down.

  • •Bring books (there's no bookstore)
  • •Download content before arriving
  • •Practice doing nothing — it's harder than it sounds
  • •Stay at least 3 nights to truly decompress

→ Leave your productivity mindset at the dock.

What NOT to Do

  • ✗Don't swim on otra lado (dangerous currents)
  • ✗Don't use flash or lights near turtle nests
  • ✗Don't expect to get much done — embrace the pace
  • ✗Don't litter — there's no municipal garbage service
  • ✗Don't expect reliable wifi or cell service