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Ixtapa is a planned resort area on Guerrero's Pacific coast, developed from the 1970s onward a few kilometers north of the old fishing town of Zihuatanejo. Large hotels line the long beach of Playa El Palmar, backed by a marina, golf courses and tidy streets. The two places share an airport and complement each other, with Ixtapa offering polished resort comforts and Zihuatanejo keeping a more local, traditional character.
Days revolve around the water. Boats leave Playa Linda for the short crossing to Isla Ixtapa, where calm coves are good for snorkeling, and Playa Quieta lives up to its name with gentle surf. Near Playa Linda, the Cocodrilario Tamakun lets visitors view crocodiles in a mangrove setting. A paved bike route links the hotel zone to the beaches and lagoons, making cycling an easy way to get around, and birders watch for herons and other wading birds along the way.
Zihuatanejo town is a quick taxi ride away, with its bay, waterfront promenade and beaches such as Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas. Surfers and those seeking a low-key village atmosphere head north to Troncones. Ixtapa suits families, couples and winter-sun travelers who want convenience. The dry season is the busiest, while summer brings heat, humidity and rain.
WiserMap travel guideIxtapa Mexico Playa Linda Isla Ixtapa and CrocodilesPlan a trip to Ixtapa on Mexico's Pacific coast: Playa Linda, Isla Ixtapa, a crocodile reserve, bike paths, Zihuatanejo, local food, where to stay and tips.Read the guide
Playa Linda is a long open beach north of the Ixtapa hotel zone and the departure point for boats to Isla Ixtapa. Near the pier is a small market of craft stalls and palapa restaurants, and a fenced estuary where you can often see crocodiles. The surf can be strong away from the pier, so swim only where locals do.
Playa El Palmar is the main beach of Ixtapa, a wide curve of sand in front of most of the big hotels. It is good for walks, sunsets, parasailing and jet ski rentals. Waves often break close to shore and there can be a strong undertow, so watch the warning flags and swim with care, especially with children.
As the name suggests, Playa Quieta is a calm, sheltered beach on a cove north of the hotel zone, facing Isla Ixtapa. The gentle water makes it one of the better places for families to swim and paddle. Part of the beach is used by an all inclusive resort, but the public can reach the sand; bring shade and water.
Playa Las Cuatas is a small, pretty beach on a cove at the south end of Ixtapa, near the road toward Zihuatanejo. It is quieter than El Palmar and has rocks at each end where you can snorkel on calm days. Access is limited and it can be rough at times, so check conditions and do not leave valuables on the sand.
Isla Ixtapa is a small wooded island a short boat ride from Playa Linda, with several calm beaches such as Playa Cuachalalate and Playa Varadero. People come to snorkel, swim and eat fresh fish at the beach restaurants. Boats run all day; take an early one for clear water and agree on the return time before you leave.
Marina Ixtapa is the yacht harbour at the north end of the hotel zone, surrounded by restaurants, cafes and shops on a waterside promenade. Sport fishing boats and sunset cruises leave from here. Walk the docks in the late afternoon and watch out for crocodiles in the canals, which are protected and should never be fed.
The white lighthouse at the entrance of Marina Ixtapa is a well known landmark of the resort town. It stands near the end of the marina breakwater and is a popular place for photos at sunset over the Pacific. Combine it with a walk around the marina, and bring a hat and water because there is little shade.
A paved bike and walking path runs from the Ixtapa hotel zone past the golf courses and lagoons toward Playa Linda, and another links Ixtapa with Zihuatanejo. Bikes can be rented in town. Ride early in the morning when it is cooler, carry plenty of water, and keep an eye out for iguanas, herons and crocodiles near the lagoons.
Club de Golf Palma Real is an 18 hole course in the middle of the Ixtapa hotel zone, laid out between palms, lagoons and the ocean. It is open to visitors, with club rentals and a clubhouse restaurant. Book tee times for early morning to avoid the midday heat, and do not go near the water hazards, where crocodiles live.
Delfiniti Ixtapa is a dolphin center in the hotel zone where visitors can watch and swim with bottlenose dolphins in programs led by trainers. Sessions last from about half an hour to an hour and include a short briefing. Reserve in advance during school holidays, and note that photos are usually sold by the park.
Magic World is a water park at the north end of the Ixtapa hotel zone with slides, wave pools and play areas for younger children. It makes an easy half day out for families who want a break from the beach. It can be busy on weekends and holidays, so go early, bring sunscreen and check the opening days, which vary by season.
La Puerta is the open air shopping and dining area in the centre of the Ixtapa hotel zone, across from the main beach hotels. It has souvenir shops, pharmacies, bars and restaurants that stay busy in the evening. It is easy to reach on foot from most hotels and is a good place for a casual dinner after sunset.
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Photo: Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Microstar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Microstar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
