Sí Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Beaches
Two of the very best are the town’s of Ixtapa and its neighbor, the former fishing village of Zihuatanejo on the country’s Pacific coast.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Destination & Adventures
Discover
Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo
Two of the very best are the town’s of Ixtapa and its neighbor, the much smaller former fishing village of Zihuatanejo on the country’s Pacific coast. Although the larger of the two, the former coconut and mangrove producing town of Ixtapa has been carefully master-planned as a tourist hub to good effect, its streets and beaches uncluttered and easy to get around. The contrast to traditional beach resorts is even greater in beautiful Zihuatanejo, which has worked hard to keep its small town feel. Lying along a small, well-protected bay, it’s a delightful and safe town to explore, home to a number of fine hotels and restaurants. Fun activities include shopping in its fish market or, better still, taking a fishing excursion to catch something of your own.


Experience
Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa is a Pacific Coast beach resort in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Curving El Palmar Beach is lined with high-rise hotels, bars and restaurants. Fishing boats leave from Ixtapa Marina, adjacent to a golf course. The granite rocks of Los Morros de Potosí are a popular dive site, while the Delfiniti dolphinarium offers the chance to swim with dolphins. The laid-back resort city of Zihuatanejo lies just southeast.
These twin destinations share a beautiful setting, with the crashing waves of the Pacific to the west and the Sierra Madre mountain chain to the east. However, Ixtapa has a modern vibe whereas Zihuatanejo has an old-Mexico feel to it. Some of the more popular activities in this area include scuba diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing.
Playa Ropa
The main beach for swimming and water sports is Playa La Ropa. This perfect beach is about a mile long with, usually mild waves making it perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. It’s usually possible to body surf the 1 to 3 foot waves there on a normal day.
According to local legend, a Spanish galleon sank nearby and clothes from the wreckage washed up on the shore. The waves range from mild to medium-sized, although they become large in the rainy season, which is ideal for water sports.
The main beach for swimming and water sports is Playa La Ropa The longest beach of Zihuatanejo’s bay and approx. 1 km (0.63 miles) long. Soft to medium waves most of the year. Medium to high waves during our rainy season. Water sports rentals. Many restaurants and snack-bars along its shore that open from breakfast to dinner. It is probably the most famous and popular beach of our destination. Its name “the clothes beach” according to a local legend, is because a commercial Spanish galleon returning from the Orient shipwrecked at the entrance of the bay and its cargo of fine silks and clothing washed ashore.
Playa Las Gatas
If you like snorkeling then Playa Las Gatas is ideal whether you’re a beginner or an old-hand; it has a reef that forms a haven from the waves, although surfers can sometimes be seen catching waves as they curl around the entrance to the bay. Get away to this quiet stretch of sand secluded from the world, with practically no waves. It is ideal for snorkeling or diving. Along the way, enjoy the view of the pre-Columbian breakwater that was built by a Tarascan king to create a giant swimming pool.
Las Gatas is considerate as one of the best places to practice snorkeling due to its calm and crystal waters, Las Gatas Beach is Located in Zihuatanejo Bay and is only assessable by boat, This beach is famous for its wave breaker made of rocks that protect this beach from big waves
from shore into the underwater sea wall where you will find hermit crabs, tropical fish, coral reef formations, different types of sea urchins, star fish, sea cucumbers and also an artificial coral in the shape of a bell. During the snorkeling you will also have the opportunity to see a statue of Jesus Crises Under water. While you snorkel there will be a tour guide showing you all of the beautiful under water marine life in Las Gatas Bay. Across the bay. A seclude beach with practically no waves due to the underwater reef constructed by our ancient civilization (see “Our History” section). Ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Many water sports available. Lots of restaurant on its shores. Recommended for a whole day outing. Best way to get there is by taking the shuttle boats from pier at Playa Principal beach. It got its name from the the docile and harmless nurse or cat sharks that lived at the bottom of this beach many, many years ago.
Playa La Madera
The waves are usually good for bodysurfing at Playa La Madera where you can wade out quite a distance before reaching the breaking waves. There is a waterfront walkway from the Playa Principal that passes several small picturesque coves, although you still may have to get your feet wet due to the surf splashing against the walkway. The beach’s name originated in viceregal times when Spanish merchant ships loaded oak, pine and mahogany wood here. The swells run from mild to moderate and it is an ideal place to relax. Located in downtown Zihuatanejo and of approx. 400 meters (0.25 miles) long. Many restaurants alongside. Beside this beach is the main Pier from where you can take a boat to Playa Las Gatas beach or for a fun day of fishing and it is where the passengers from luxury cruises arrive for a tour of our cities. From here you will be able to admire the four beaches located within our bay. Officially it bears the name of “Playa del Puerto” (Beach of the Port) but everybody refers to it as “Principal” (Main beach) and that way its known.
Playa Municipal
La Playa Municipal is the beach in front of downtown Zihuatanejo. At one end there is El Muelle Municipal (the Municipal Pier) where you can catch a water-taxi to Playa Las Gatas or charter a fishing boat, and at the other end is El Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande where you can learn about local pre-Columbian history. Port Beach is more than 1,200 feet long. It’s in downtown Zihuatanejo, next to the main pier Located in downtown Zihuatanejo and of approx. 400 meters (0.25 miles) long. Many restaurants alongside. Beside this beach is the main Pier from where you can take a boat to Playa Las Gatas beach or for a fun day of fishing and it is where the passengers from luxury cruises arrive for a tour of our cities. From here you will be able to admire the four beaches located within our bay. Officially it bears the name of “Playa del Puerto” (Beach of the Port) but everybody refers to it as “Principal” (Main beach) and that way its known.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Beach Highlights
- Playa Ropa
- Playa Las Gatas
- Playa La Madera
- Playa Municipal
- Playa Contramar
- Playa El Palmar
- Playa Larga
- Playa Blanca
Playa Contramar
Playa Contramar is a beautiful place to snorkel but the beach is made up of surf-polished rocks and not sand. It’s recommended to go there by boat and take a lunch. There is no reliable restaurant there but the coral and rock formations underwater are well worth seeing (look for the tunnel!).
Playa El Palmar
The main beach in Ixtapa is called Playa El Palmar and if you like a beach lined with high-rise hotels then this is for you. There is a smaller somewhat secluded beach fronting the Westin Hotel called Playa Vista Hermosa which is semi-private and accessible through the Westin. Where the main hotel’s strip is located in hotel’s Zone I. Semi-open bay of about 2.5 kms. (1.6 miles) long. Most water sports available including parachute rides. This is Ixtapa’s main beach, a broad stretch of pleasantly-soft sand and it’s one of the places to watch spectacular sunsets. Its named “the palm trees beach” because it was a huge coconut plantation there before Ixtapa was developed. Del Palmar Beach is in the hotel area. Enjoy the semi-open bay with soft golden sands while skydiving, windsurfing or jet skiing, along with other water sports.
Playa Larga
One of the longest beach in our destination, more than 3 kms. (1.8 miles) long. Big waves because it is open sea. Many informal seafood restaurants. Nothing but suntan, food and great long walks or jogging. Best way to get there is by taxi. It gets its name “the long beach” because of its extension. Witness the spectacle of the tall waves as they crash repeatedly into the sand while you enjoy a pleasant walk.
Playa Blanca
At Barra el Potosí, immerse yourself in the waters of Playa Blanca, and be one with the sea and the river. During rainy season, the river becomes a large lagoon that you can swim in. Another of the longest beaches of our destination. Located south of Zihuatanejo and after Playa Larga beach. Here is located the renown “Barra de Potosi” (Potosi’s river mouth) with many informal restaurants. In some of them you can pick the fish and they will prepare it to your liking. You can take a tour that includes an appetizing seafood lunch or go on your own. High waves in open sea, medium to soft on Barra by the river. You can also take a deep in the river that is almost like a huge lagoon when its mouth to the sea is closed during dry season. If you don’t have a car (own or rented) you can get there by taxi or bus (ask for detailed information). Its named “the white beach” because of the prevailing color of its sands.
Playa Linda
Enjoy the surf tournaments that take place at Linda Beach. Visit the natural estuary that is protected and fenced. You can watch the crocodiles that live there or take a horseback ride around it. North of Ixtapa. More than 1 Km (0.65 miles) long. Here is the pier where you can embark for a visit to the island. Medium to high waves most of the year. Here is where surfing tournaments are held. At the entrance you will find an enclosed natural mangrove lagoon with alligators and has a lookout point so you can see them. Various water sports available. If you will like to visit the surrounding area, you can take a horseback riding tour from this point. The origin of its name is unknown but we assume that someone liked it very much and called “Linda” (Beautiful).

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Activities & Adventures
Explore Your Destination
Your vacation in Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo is sure to consist of plenty of fun and excitement, but how about adding a touch of adventure as well? For those who can’t shake that adrenaline bug, consider booking exciting excursions, such as zip-lining through the jungle, setting sail on a catamaran cruise or snorkeling and diving, to make the most out of your destination.
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