Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Our beaches with photos...

For Trailer Parks for RV's check at bottom of this page

Pictures and descriptions
We have more than 25 miles of beaches but only the well known
and most patronized are listed here with specific information

Many of our beaches are protected by our "Lifeguards Program" and in March 2007 they were granted the "Blue Dolphin" international certification for Safe Beaches. We are the first resort in Mexico to get this certification. We care for our tourists!

For your safety, please patronize beaches with lifeguards on duty and stay within their watch areas. Abide by their recommendations and instructions for a fun and safe time.

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Principal Beach (Main)

Zihuatanejo

Located in downtown Zihuatanejo and approx. 900 meters (0.5 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.

La Madera Beach (The Wood)

Zihuatanejo

It is the smallest beach within our bay, approx. 200 meters (0.1 miles) long and with very soft waves. Ideal for relax and with a few restaurants and snack-bar on its shore.

La Ropa Beach (The Clothes)

Zihuatanejo

The longest beach of Zihuatanejo’s bay of approx. 1.8 kms (1.1 miles) long. Soft to medium waves most of the year. Medium to high waves during our rainy season. A large variety of water sports rentals. Many restaurants and snack-bars open from breakfast to dinner. It is the most famous and popular beach of our destination!!!.

Las Gatas Beach (The Cats)

Zihuatanejo

It is 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 Principal beach).

El Palmar Beach (The Palmtrees)

Ixtapa

In Ixtapa where the hotel’s strip is located. Semi-open bay of about 2 kms. (1.2 miles) long. White and fine sands. Many water sports available including parachute rides. Since it is considered as an open sea beach, hotels will post water condition with flags. Red color means be very careful, big waves and/or undertows at all times; Yellow color means precaution, sporadic big waves or undertows; and Green color means safe. If it is red, please stay very close to the shoreline.

Larga Beach (Long)

Zihuatanejo (South Area)

One of the longest beach in our destination, more than 3 kms. (1.6 miles) long. Big waves because it is open sea. White-yellow sand and lots of it. It has many informal seafood restaurants for a delicious and reasonable lunch. Nothing but suntan and great long walks or jogging. Best way to get there is by taxi. Lifeguard only at restaurants area.

Blanca Beach (White)

Zihuatanejo (South Area)

Another of the longest beaches of our destination., located south of Zihuatanejo and after Playa Larga beach. Here is also located the renown Barra de Potosí with many informal restaurants. You can take a tour that includes an appetizing seafood lunch or go on your own. White sands and high waves in open sea, medium to high on Barra by the river.

Linda Beach (Beautiful)

Ixtapa (North Area)

Located north of Ixtapa. More than 2 Kms (1.2 miles) long. Here is the pier where you can embark for a visit to the island. Medium to high waves. At the entrance (away from the shoreline and with fences) you will see a small swamp with alligators. If you will like to visit the surrounding area, take a horseback riding tour up to Pantla River from this point.

Cuachalalate Beach

At the Island

On this beach is located the pier where the visitors arrive in the shuttle boats. It faces the shoreline with soft to medium waves most of the time. Lost of seafood restaurants and snack bars. Many water sports rentals available including water ski and small sailing boats among others. It is maybe the most popular beach in the island.

Varadero Beach (Docking)

At the Island

Beach of calm waters and fine sand. Many restaurants and snack-bar on its shore and also many water sports available such as rides in banano, small surfing boards, snorkel equipment, etc. Most tours purchased through a certified tour operator will arrive at this beach in the island.

To avoid painful sunburn try to make your first exposure no more than 15 to 20 minutes. It can be longer if you use a high protection suntan lotion, but be sure to re-apply it after a swim in the sea or pool. Please be very careful with your children and apply them protective lotion quite often.

Public entrances to "El Palmar" beach in Ixtapa are located beside the Barcelo Hotel, Posada Real Hotel and by the Beach Club. For the beaches in Zihuatanejo's Bay there are many public entrance points. On "La Ropa" beach in Zihuatanejo and "Playa Linda" in Ixtapa you can rent canopies, umbrellas, lounges and chairs operated by the Beach Administration Services.

It is forbidden to camp in "Playa El Palmar" beach in Ixtapa and in any beaches in Zihuatanejo's Bay. Please abide by these regulations and avoid being re-located by the authorities!!! For options on Trailer Parks see below.

There are not nudist beaches or designated nudist areas in our destination. If you do so, it will be at your own risk.