Diving and Snorkeling

Come to Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Mexico and dive into a new world to see extraordinary life forms with the most unusual shapes and colors living together in sea filtered sunlight. Our sea bottom is part of the southwestern coastal plain, which contains structures of volcanic rock and accumulations of marine sediment. In structures farther off the coast you find blocks of granite and rock surrounded by colorful fish. There are also beautiful underwater cliffs, round hills, palisades and some remarkable undersea caves.

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Dive Map

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo have more than 50 popular dive sites close by. There are a number of diving certification schools offering basic to specialized training along with excursions and equipment. Zihuatanejo Bay alone has 7 sites, some with small waves and shallow water perfect for snorkeling. For scuba diving you will need special equipment, adequate training, certified guides and good health. The most popular snorkeling sites in the area are located at Las Gatas Beach within Zihuatanejo Bay, and on Isla Ixtapa, a short boat ride from the Ixtapa shoreline. You can also charter a panga boat or take a snorkeling cruise with local sailing providers and snorkel at some of the small coves outside of Zihuatanejo Bay proper.

Snorkeling in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa

Snorkeling is fun, easy to learn and does not require a license or heavy special equipment. There are a number of beautiful places to snorkel in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. The top two favorites are Isla Ixtapa and Playa Las Gatas.

Tropical fish

Isla Ixtapa or Ixtapa Island is just a two short taxi rides from the hotel zone, the first by land to Playa Quieta and the second by water from the Zihuatanejo municipal pier to the Island. The four white sand beaches on the island are filled with small restaurants and snorkel equipment is available for rent in many of them.

Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo is accessible by boat from the main pier downtown or via a rocky walking path from Playa la Ropa. The beach is protected from waves by a prehispanic man made reef which, according to legend, was built by a Tarascan King so his princess daughters would have a safe place to swim. The beach is dotted by seafood restaurants and has masks, fins and snorkels for rent.

Another favorite for snorkelers is Playa Manzanillo. Manzanillo Beach is reached by boat around the southern point of Zihuatanejo Bay. Take an afternoon sailing and snorkel trip aboard the Picante Catamaran to enjoy the tropical fish swimming through the coral off this beautiful white sand beach

Dive Sites and dive maps

“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”

The influence of the currents from California to the north and Costa Rica to the south bring us an extraordinary variety of marine life. Some aquatic species can be observed year round while others travel with the cooler and warmer water. Please dive safely and take these simple precautions:

Never dive alone
Be sure that your equipment is always in perfect condition
Do not dive if you have heart or respiratory problems
Do not fly for at least 12 hours after diving
Follow all your instructor or guide’s directions
Practice ecological diving

For your diving safety Ixtapa has its own hyberbaric oxygen chamber in the Naval Hospital in Ixtapa.

Equipment, Training and Certification, Dive trips

Carlo Scuba, Zihuatanejo
PADI certified dive instructions, diving trips, underwater tours and equipment rental. Located on Las Gatas Beach

Ixtapa Aqua Paradise
Scuba Diving School. PADI Dive Center. Located in Centro Comercial los Patios local 137 and inside the Hotel Barcelo in Ixtapa and Puerto Mio in Zihuatanejo. Scuba Diving Courses and trips in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo for beginners and advanced divers. Small groups, we work everyday. Credit cards welcome

Zihua AquaDivers
Enjoy world-class diving in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Guerrero, Mexico in the tropical waters of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, a vacation resort destination unique in Mexico. Naui certified. Diving tours, beginners instruction as well as certification and refresher courses. All equipment provided and excellently maintained. Calle Juan N. Alvarez Nº 30, Local 4, Col. Centro, Zihuatanejo – in front of the Tourist Police next to the Basketball court. Tel: (+52) (755) 544-6666, Cel:(+52-1) 755-102-37-38 (dial 044-102-3738 locally).
Email: dive @ divezihuatanejo.com (remove spaces)

Zihuatanejo Dive Center – PADI certified personnel. Skin diving and snorkeling trips and instruction. Zihuatanejo Dive Center also offers kayak and sailboat trips. Located on the road to El Almacen/Puerto Mio in Zihuatanejo (just over the walking bridge from town). Tel. (755) 544 8554. Email: zihdivers @ hotmail.com (remove spaces)