Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Beaches

Ixtapa's main beach, Playa Palmar, is a lovely white-sand arc on the edge of the Hotel Zone, with dramatic rock formations silhouetted in the sea. The surf can be rough; use caution, and don't swim when a red flag is posted. Several of the nicest beaches in the area are essentially closed to the public. Although by law all Mexican beaches are open to the public, it is common practice for hotels to create artificial barriers (such as rocks or dunes).



Club Med and Qualton Club have largely claimed Playa Quieta, on the mainland across from Isla Ixtapa. The remaining piece of beach was once the launching point for boats to Isla Ixtapa, but it is gradually being taken over by a private development. Isla Ixtapa-bound boats now leave from the jetty on Playa Linda, about 13km (8 miles) north of Ixtapa. Inexpensive water taxis ferry passengers to Isla Ixtapa. Playa Linda is the primary out-of-town beach, with watersports equipment and horse rentals available. Playa las Cuatas, a pretty beach and cove a few miles north of Ixtapa, and Playa Majahua, an isolated beach just west of Zihuatanejo, are both being transformed into resort complexes. Lovely Playa Vista Hermosa is framed by striking rock formations and bordered by the Las Brisas Hotel high on the hill. All of these are very attractive beaches for sunbathing or a stroll but have heavy surf and strong undertow. Use caution if you swim here.

Las Gatas Beach

The pretty and secluded Playa Las Gatas (Cats Beach) is an important part of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo sightseeing, it can be seen across the bay from Playa Ropa and Zihuatanejo. The small coral reef just offshore makes it a good location for snorkeling and diving, and open-air seafood restaurants on the beach make it an appealing lunch spot. Small boats with shade run to Las Gatas from Zihuatanejo town pier.