Beaches of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

The Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo and Troncones area is blessed with a number of fabulous beaches of varying characteristics. Within Zihuatanejo Bay and the area around Isla Ixtapa there are generally calm-watered stretches of sand and coral ideal for the regular swimmer, snorkeler and water sports enthusiast. The more open beaches of Ixtapa, Troncones and  Playas Larga and Blanca are somewhat wilder and unprotected, often with a heavy surf in which the swimmer should exercise greater caution.

Beaches of Zihuatanejo Bay

Playa Municipal and Fisherman\’s Walk : Along the Municipal beach in front of Zihuatanejo town proper, the Paseo del Pescador or Fisherman’s Walk will take you from the Regional Museum beside the flood control canal over to the pier, past a multitude of shops and restaurants.

Playa La Madera: Madera Beach is located between the Municipal beach and the outcroppings between town and La Ropa. The municipality built a walkway leading from Madera beach across the rocky shore of the bay toward town. This special walk affords some spectacular views to both sides of the bay and the boat moorings in front of Playa Municipal.

Playa La Ropa: Lying within Zihuatanejo Bay, many consider La Ropa Zihuatanejo’s finest beach. Lined with hotels, bungalows and seafood restaurants, La Ropa beach offers you water and beach sports of all kinds.

Playa Las Gatas: An excellent and extremely protected snorkeling beach near the mouth of Zihuatanejo Bay, accessible by boat from the Municipal Pier.

Ixtapa Beaches

Playa el Palmar: Ixtapa’s popular beach and hotel row offers swimming, watersports and many other activities. Open ocean with possible undertows; exercise caution. Surfing is popular in the area near the Marina Ixtapa jetty.

Playa Linda: Located an approximate 10 minutes drive north of Ixtapa, Playa Linda offers a nature preserve, horseback riding and good surfing.

Ixtapa Island – Ixtapa Island is a snorkeler’s paradise, with a number of great seafood restaurants, beautiful coral beaches and winding paths affording a range of views.

North of Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

Troncones Beach and Manzanillo Bay: The Troncones Beach community is located about one-half hours’ drive to the north of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. Miles of white beach and plenty of water and land activities. There is a popular surfing point at Manzanillo Bay. Slightly north lies the small fishing village of Majahua with a lovely beach and more remote vacation havens.

Playa La Saladita: A longboarder’s paradise, La Saladita offers long stretches of beach, a growing local community and one of the best left-point breaks on the coast.

South of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

Playa Larga and Playa Blanca: Parts of one continuous beach near the airport with miles of pristine, white-sand and long stretches of solitude. Great for horseback riding and beachcombing.

Barra and Laguna de Potosí: At the end of Playa Larga lies Barra de Potosí, lined with numerous palm-thatched enramadas serving fresh seafood, and boat and kayak tours of the Laguna de Potosí  — an excellent birdwatching excursion.