Isla Ixtapa and Playa Las Gatas: Easy Boat Day Trips
Two of the best beach days in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo start with a short boat ride. Isla Ixtapa is a small island with calm, clear coves just off the coast, and Playa Las Gatas is a sheltered beach across Zihuatanejo Bay that you can only reach by boat or on foot. Both are easy to do on your own, great for families and perfect for a long seafood lunch by the water.
The Two Trips at a Glance
- Isla Ixtapa: about a 10-minute boat ride from the Playa Linda pier, north of Ixtapa.
- Playa Las Gatas: a short boat ride from the Zihuatanejo pier, or a walk from Playa La Ropa.
- Best for: swimming, snorkeling and lunch on the beach.
- Timing: boats run from morning to late afternoon, so start early and check the last return.
Isla Ixtapa
Isla Ixtapa sits just off Playa Linda, about 10 minutes by boat. Water taxis leave regularly from the Playa Linda pier throughout the day, so you can go and come back on your own schedule. Boat trips can also be arranged from the Zihuatanejo pier.
The island has several small beaches. Playa Cuachalalate, closest to the boat dock, is the most popular, with calm water for swimming and a row of seafood restaurants on the sand. Playa Varadero and Playa Coral are quieter and good for snorkeling, and dive shops on the island rent gear and offer guided dives.
Back on the mainland, Playa Linda itself is worth a stop, with horseback riding on the beach and a crocodile sanctuary nearby.
Playa Las Gatas
Playa Las Gatas lies at the southern edge of Zihuatanejo Bay and has no road access. Boats leave from the pier in downtown Zihuatanejo, near Paseo del Pescador, and run throughout the day. You buy your ticket at the counter and board from the pier. Many visitors walk one way instead, along a rocky path from the end of Playa La Ropa that takes about 15 minutes.
The beach is protected by an old stone breakwater, which keeps the water calm and clear, making it one of the best spots in the area for beginner snorkelers and children. Beach restaurants rent chairs and snorkeling gear, so you can spend the whole day here.
Tips for Your Boat Day
- Go early: mornings are calmer and less crowded on both beaches.
- Bring pesos: for boat tickets, lunch, chairs and gear rental.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a hat: the sun is strong and some entry points are rocky.
- Check the last boat: ask the boat operator for the last return time before you settle in.
- Prefer a private trip: a private boat lets you visit both beaches in one day at your own pace.
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