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 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.

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.

From shore the underwater sea wall is 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 secluded beach with practically no waves due to the underwater reef constructed by an ancient civilization. Ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Many water sports available. Lots of restaurants 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. 

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. Many restaurants alongside. 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. From here you will be able to admire the four beaches located within the bay. Officially it bears the name of “Playa del Puerto” (Beach of the Port) but everybody refers to it as “Principal” (Main beach.) 

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 in front the Westin Hotel, called Playa Vista Hermosa.  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 before Ixtapa was developed. 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 here, 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 length. 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 this 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. 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.