tours de zihuatanejo

10 MEJORES actividades y visitas turísticas en Zihuatanejo

Visitas turísticas en zihuatanejo.

• Tours en autobús
• Tours de paradas obligadas
• Tours a pie
• Tours turísticos
• Tours culturales
• Tours privados
• Tours de arqueología
• Tours por la ciudad
• Tours históricos
• Tours de varios días
• Tours de compras
• Hasta 1 hora
• De 1 a 4 horas
• De 4 horas a 1 día
• 5.0 de 5 burbujas
• 4.0 de 5 burbujas y más
• 3.0 de 5 burbujas y más
• 2.0 de 5 burbujas y más
• La clasificación de tours, actividades y experiencias disponibles en Tripadvisor se determina según varios factores, incluidos los ingresos generados por Tripadvisor a partir de estas reservaciones, la frecuencia de los clics de los usuarios y el volumen y la calidad de las opiniones de los clientes. A veces, es posible que se priorice a las ofertas recientemente publicadas y que aparezcan en un lugar más alto de la lista. La ubicación específica de estos nuevos perfiles puede variar.

1. Recorrido privado por la ciudad de Ixtapa y Zihuatanejo

2. Visita a la isla Ixtapa

3. Tour de Snorkel en Isla de Ixtapa

4. Tour Arqueológico Privado Xihuacan

5. Comida de Zihuatanejo: degustación y recorrido a pie (no apto para vegetarianos)

6. Excursión de cultura y arqueología en Xihuacán

7. Kayak y buceo en Las Gatas

8. Presentación de la tortuga en Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

9. City and Country Side Tour con Luis

10. Paseo a caballo por la playa y a través de una plantación de coco

11. Traslado privado desde el aeropuerto de Zihuatanejo a Zihuatanejo

12. Recorrido turístico por la liberación de tortugas marinas bebés con Luis de la Maza

13. Cabalgata en Ixtapa con recogida en el hotel

14. Tour por la campiña, lugares aledaños

15. Ixtapa en bicicleta

16. Excursión a la playa Las Gatas

17. Tour privado a Puerto Vicente

18. Tour Playa Troncones, Manzanillo Bay y Majahua

19. Sitio Arqueologico Tour en Zihuatanejo

20. Visita guiada privada de 3 días de mariposas monarca en Michoacán

21. Tour arqueológico Xihucan

22. "La Isla de Ixtapa" . Tour Privado

23. Paseo por Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

24. 1er día Traslado al aeropuerto El 2do día 6 horas Combo de todas las atracciones

25. Kayak de medio día para grupos pequeños y cabalgatas con almuerzo

26. Snorkel y Kayak en ¨Playa Las Gatas¨

27. Cabalgata Playa Larga

28. Horseback Riding Zihuatanejo

29. City Tour Guiado a Ixtapa y Zihuatanejo

30. Tour Deportivo 3 en 1

Qué están diciendo los viajeros.

• Visita a la isla Ixtapa
• Comida de Zihuatanejo: degustación y recorrido a pie (no apto para vegetarianos)
• Recorrido privado por la ciudad de Ixtapa y Zihuatanejo
• Paseo a caballo por la playa y a través de una plantación de coco
• Excursión de cultura y arqueología en Xihuacán
• Zihuatanejo Dive Center
• Adventure Divers
• Zihua Adventures
• Gitana Sports Fishing
• Picante Sailing Catamaran
• Zihua Tours
• Ketavi Tourist Excursions
• Mero Adventure
• Julio's Tour & Fishing Guide Services

Top Things to Do in Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Places to visit in zihuatanejo, explore popular experiences, ways to tour zihuatanejo.

Private Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo City Tour

Turtle Release Playa Blanca

Zihuatanejo Food -Tasting and Walking Tour (Not for vegetarian)

Las Gatas Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour

Ixtapa Island Tour

• Country Side tour

Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour

Baby Sea Turtle Releasing Sightseeing Tour with Luis de la Maza

1st Day Airport Transfer On 2nd Day 6Hr All The Attractions Combo

City and Country Side Tour with Luis

Half-day tours.

Top Attractions in Zihuatanejo

Other Top Attractions around Zihuatanejo

Kayaking Tours

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Archaeology Tours

Horseback Riding

Ports of call tours, what travellers are saying.

• Playa La Ropa
• Bahía de Zihuatanejo
• Playa Las Gatas
• Playa Larga
• Paseo de Pescador
• Gitana Sports Fishing
• Troncones, Manzanillo Bay and Majahua Beach Tour
• Private Tour To Port Vicente
• Zihuatanejo Dive Center
• Adventure Divers

Premiere Guides in- Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo, MEXICO Things to Do in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Welcome to my website, check out the tours i am sure one of them will be of your interest, you can plan your tours through our website prior to your arrival to insure availability but can always add or initiate a tour once you are here. we are insured and certified by the mexican federal tourist bureau (sectur mexico). so... save yourself time, money and worry by letting us help you design a truly memorable itinerary specific to your needs and desires, take one of our tours and find out why guests arrive as tourists and leave as our friends, we have over 450 excellent reviews on tripadvisor.

On this 3 hour Food Tasting Tour, you will be pick up at the lobby of your hotel at 8 A.M. And driven to Zihuatanejo, you will then taste 6 different Mexican traditional dishes in different locations, during the tasting you will be told about the ingredients that there on each of the dishes and how the dishes are cook. You will be walking approximately 10 minutes from one of the local restaurants to the other, during the walk your informative tour guide will provide you with cultural information and recommendation about the best places to go for dinner. You will try one dish on each of the restaurants. The dishes will be small portions. After trying 4 different dishes, you will then be taken to the house of local Mezcal producer, where you will taste 3 different kinds of Mezcal, this Zihuatanejo Mezcal tasting will take about 15 minutes, that way you will digest and make more room to eat the last two meals. Our accredited tour guide will walk you through Zihuatanejo farmers market to explain you all the different vegetables and other products that we produce in the Zihuatanejo area. The tour will take place in Zihuatanejo down town area, at the restaurants where the locals eat. After finishing the Food Tasting Tour, you will be taking back to your hotel. The tour includes: round trip hotel transport, 6 different dishes of local Mexica Food, bottle of water and tour guide service. Departure Time Price Availability Please Bring: 9:00 A.M. in Ixtapa (Lobby of your hotel).... 9:30 A.M. in Zihuatanejo (Lobby of your hotel). $60 USD Adult $40 USD Child. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Comfortable walking shoes, ligth clothes, spending money and camera or cell phone. Las Gatas Beach - Snorkel tour around the water brake On this 5 hours tour, you will be taking to the tranquil beach of Las Gatas, where you will have the chance to swim, practice water sports or just relax in a comfy lounge chair. It is also the place where you can find Jesus! an 18-foot bronze statue that lies underwater in the Las Gatas Bay. There are no big waves and no undertow because the beach is protected by a water break. The tour includes: round trip hotel transport, boat ride to the beach and back, snorkel gear and tour guide service.

On this 5 hours Mexican Cultural Tour, you will be taking through the low and middle class neighborhoods to see where the locals live and how they live, you will visit the Ixtapa lookout point and the farmers market. On the country side we will visit a farm that has samples of different tropical fruits that we grow in the area, you will also visit a factory where they make tiles and bricks with clay all done by hand. We will also go to Barre Potosi fishing village for lunch. So we will have lunch in a restaurant right on the beach. For Lunch you can get one of the following choices: Chicken on the grill or breaded or chicken fajitas. Fish on the grill or breaded or on garlic sauce. Shrimp on garlic sauce or breaded. All of the dishes come with guacamole & chips, a sope, we also serve you handmade tortillas, beans and salsa. It comes with a beer or soft drink. The tour includes: Round trip hotel transport, lunch and tour guide service.

On this 4.5 hours Eco tour, we will drive you about 30 minutes to get to the horses stable, you will then get on the horse and ride through a beautiful peaceful beach with some white big rock formations in the middle of the ocean and a coconut plantation on the beach that makes the 1 hours Horseback Ride more tropical. After the Horseback ride we will drive you 30 minutes to a nice secluded lagoon where you will ride on a Panga boat (it has a roof) for about 40 minutes to see a dense mangrove vegetation and a lot of lagoon birds. The last part of the tour is an excellent lunch on the beach next to the lagoon. From the boat to the restaurant is only five minutes walking distance. After lunch you will transport back to your hotel.

This 1 hour and 20 minutes horseback-ride experience takes you through Playa Larga beach, coconut plantations, and mangrove trees in the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area. Ride through a pleasant landscapes of mountain ranges, a lagoon, and the ocean. The tour is suitable for both beginner riders and the more experienced alike. It includes round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo or from the cruise ship pier in Zihuatanejo.

The Ocean waters surrounding Zihuatanejo are home to some of the best deep-sea fishing or small game fishing in Mexico. Fish you can catch are: Sail Fish, Magi Magi, Marlin, Bonito fish, tuna fish. Fishing trip includes: 7 hours fishing trip, fishing equipment, fishing license, bait, cooler with 20 drinks, and a crew that speaks English.  

• 25 feet super panga boat - $250 U.S. Dollars (1 to 4 people).
• 30 feet yacht - $500 U.S. Dollars (1 to 6 people).  
• 42 feet yacht - $600 U.S. Dollars (1 to 14 people).

You can choose to go small game or deeps sea fishing or combine both. Take your fish and have it latter for dinner; your hotel chef will cook it for you. The boat is private only your group will go. You can buy extra drinks and snacks to take with you on the pier before you get on the boat.

This 5 hours fishing trip includes life bait, all the fishing equipment, fishing license, 25 feet super panga boat (it has a good roof to protect you from the sunshine), a cooler with ice and 10 drinks (beer, water and soda). The boat has 2 chairs to fish, so 2 people can fish at the same time, on the inside the boat has more room to sit. Bottom fishing is a lot of fun and high chances to catch fish. On this fishing trip you can catch: red snapper, grouper, triggerfish and yellowtail jack. Best captain for bottom fishing in Zihuatanejo (The fisherman has 45 years of experience so he knows where the fish are)!!! The captain is very professional, speaks English and has an assistant. With this man you don't need a fish finder because he is the fish finder.

This outdoor Eco-tour will las approximately 5 hours, it begins at 9 A.M. at the lobby of your hotel, you will be driven from your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo to the beautiful white sand beach name La Ropa, when we arrive to the beach you will be equipped with your life jacket an kayak and we will kayak across the bay for about 45 minutes to get to the calm water of Las Gatas Beach. In Las Gatas Beach we will rest for a few minutes, maybe have a drink, we will also take your order for the lunch and then we will go snorkeling for about 45 minutes, when we finish snorkeling, you lunch will be ready. The water break in Las Gatas Beach makes it an excellent place to swim and snorkel, it protects the beach from the getting waves and it attracts many different kinds of fish and other sea life species. After the snorkeling you will have 2 hours to relax, have lunch and spend some time on the beach, we will kayak back around 1:30 P.M. from La Gatas Beach to La Ropa Beach, when we get there we will drive you back to your hotel. Kids must be 7 years old or more. The lunch includes one beer or soft drink or bottle of water, one appetizer that can be a guacamole with chips or nachos and the main course that can be one of the following choices: Fish filet (on the grill with garlic or breaded or diabla which is spice hot). Chicken (Fajitas or on the grill or breaded). Vegetarian dish: rice, beans, 3 cheese quesadillas and salat. Dress beach clothes. The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, kayak (single or double), life jacket, tour guide, snorkel tour guide, snorkel gear and great lunch on the beach.

Overview This amazing guided experience will take place at Barra de Potosi Lagoon where you will have the best experience, paddling around the mangrove trees and seeing different kinds of lagoon birds in a nice and calm lagoon. This is a 3 hours tour that includes transportation, paddle board equipment and tour guide service. We do the tour in the mornings when there are more birds and when the temperature is a little cooler. Don't be afraid to try this new sport, once you learn how to balance it will be a lot of fun! Description On this 3 hours tour you will be pick up at the lobby of your hotel and drive 30 minutes to get to the Barra de Potosi Lagoon. You will get a 10 minutes lesson to learn the basics about the Paddle Board sport, and then we will put the paddle board in the lagoon and you will paddle around the lagoon for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. After the paddle board experience you will have about 40 minutes to relax and have a drink in one of the local restaurants, maybe walk on the beach or swim. After that you will be transport back to your hotel. The drive back will also take 30 minutes The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel, Paddle board equipment, life jacket, tour guide service and a bottle of water.

Enjoy our 5 hours kayaking tour, we will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo and drive you 35 minutes south-east to get to a beautiful lagoon. Once there we will get on the kayaks and kayak all through the mangrove trees for about 2 hours, to see different kinds of lagoon birds, such as: storks, white pelicans, king fishers, cormorants, anhingas, white ibis and more. We will kayak to the end of the lagoon where there is a beach and on the beach there is a restaurant which is where we will have lunch. After lunch we will drive to el Refugio de Potosí wild life refuge and enter the place to check out one of the biggest skeletons of a sperm whale ever put together (60 feet long), there is also a nice watch tower where you will be able to see the Playa Blanca Beach, Playa Larga Beach, the rock formations name Los Morros de Potosi, the wetlands next to the ocean and the beautiful mountain range. After the Wild life Refuge we will drive you back to your hotel. The lagoon has very calm water, so you don't need to have kayaking skills. Wear a long sleeve shirt to protect you from getting sunburn and clothes to get wet. The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, double kayak or single kayak for 2 hours, lunch and the visit to El Refugio de Potosí, birds guide for the most common birds in this area.

On this 5 hours tour, we will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo and drive you 35 minutes south-east to get to El Carrizal lagoon. Once there we will kayak on El Carrizal lagoon for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, to see different kinds of lagoon birds, such as: storks, white pelicans, king fishers, cormorants, anhingas, white ibis and more. After the kayak we will walk for 10 minutes to get to "El Refugio de Potosí" wild life refuge and enter the place to check out one of the biggest skeletons of a sperm whale ever put together (60 feet long), there is also a nice watch tower where you will be able to see the Playa Blanca Beach, Playa Larga Beach, the rock formations name Los Morros de Potosi, the wetlands next to the ocean and the beautiful mountain range. After the Wild life Refuge we will drive you for 10 minutes to get to Playa Blanca Beach where you will be serve one of the following dishes: Cheese quesadillas Fish filet on the grill with garlic Chicken fajitas or chicken on the grill You also get rice,salad, tortillas and salsa. Wear a long sleeve shirt to protect you from getting sunburn and clothes to get wet. The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, double or single kayak, visit to El Refugio de Potosí, birds guide with the most common birds in this area and lunch on the beach.

On this 3 hours experience, we will be driving you southt of Zihuatanejo about 45 minutes, to get to the turtle farm, in the farm we will select the nest that is hatching and you will have the chance to dig a few baby turtles out of the nest, we will provide you with a small plastic container where you will put the just born sea turtles. The turtles will remain for about 10 or 15 minutes in the container. After 15 minutes the sea turtle will be more active and ready to run, so you will take them to the wet sand about 20 feet away from the ocean and as soon as they are put in the wet sand they will run to the ocean. We will wait until they all make it to the ocean (During the whole process you can take pictures). Then we will drive you back to your hotel. Dress casual. The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, Entrance Fee, Baby Turtle Dig and Release and a bottle of water.

This is a 4 hours experience from the time we pick you up to the time we bring you back. We will pick you up at 7:30 A.M. at the lobby of your hotel and transport you to the Zihuatanejo main pier, in there you will be taken on a 2 hours fishing trip (small game), after the fishing we will come to the beautiful and secluded Manzanillo cove, where you will have the opportunity to snorkel for about one hour and 30 minutes. The coral reef at Manzanillo cove is in great conditions and the visibility is very good. To get the most out of this snorkel experience we will snorkel with you!. After we snorkel we will get on the boat and take you back to the Zihuatanejo pier OR to Las Gatas Beach so you can buy lunch or if you caught some fish they can cook it for you on Las Gatas Beach. This tour is private for groups of 1 to 4 people. "Dress beach clothes". The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, snorkel gear, life jackets, snorkel instructor, private boat a cooler with 20 drinks (beer and water) and all the fishing equipment.

Discover the archaeological ruins of Xihuacan, a recently excavated ceremonial center, on this 4-hour tour from Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo. Visit the zone’s major landmarks and the on-site museum, and learn about the ceremonial center constructed out of bricks and modeling clay during the pre-Columbian era. Then relax at a peaceful lagoon, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. This small-group tour limited to 14 people. includes hotel transport by luxury van. The places to visit on the tour are: Xihuacan site museum, the ball court, the pyramid and the rural community name Soledad de Maciel. The drive from your hotel to the archaeological dig is approximately 45 minutes, spend about 3 hours exploring all of the ceremonial center, then drive 20 minutes to get to a unique Mexican restaurant on the country side away from the tourist area, for a great authentic Mexican sea food, after lunch you will be taken back to your hotel, it will take approximately 40 minutes. For lunch you can get one of the following choices: Cheese quesadillas Fish filet on the grill with garlic Chicken fajitas or chicken on the grill Shrimp in garlic or shrimp breaded Dress casual and be prepare for 90 degrees Fahrenheit temperature and high humidity and high humidity. The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, Informative tour guide, Museum Entrance Fee and Great lunch with one drink.

On this tour you will visit an old colonial town build in the 1500’s, that is reach in culture, with beautiful old Spanish architecture and historical relevance. We start the tour with the pick up at the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo at 6:45 A.M., then we drive 3 hours and 20 minutes to get to Santa Clara del Cobre (the copper town), we will spend almost 3 hours exploring the workshops where they hammer the copper to make all the beautiful arts and crafts, also the copper museum and you will have time to do some shopping. After the visit to Santa Clara we will drive 25 minutes to get to Patzcuaro, we will explore the beautiful Lady of Health Church, the town square (Plaza Vasco), Casa de Los 11 patios (The house of the Eleven Courtyards) and the square Gertrudis Bocanegra. We will eat in Patzcuaro at the main town square in one of the local restaurants. For lunch you can get on of the following choices: Cheese quesadillas, beans and guacamole (for vegetarians) Tarasca soup and chicken enchiladas We will start our way back to Zihuatanejo around 5 P.M. Dress comfortable clothes for walking and for 60 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, Tour guide service and Lunch.

This 2 days adventure begins with the pick up at 7:30 A.M., in the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo. On day 1 you will be taking up to the beautiful Tlalpujahua mining town. Build up in the mountains in the state of Michoacán at an elevation of 8,464 feet. The drive will take 6 hours. The town is now known for the Christmas decorations. The specialty of the artisans in this small town is to make beautiful Christmas spheres. In Tlalpujahua we will have time to wonder around the down town, walk and explore this beautiful colonial town, eat dinner in one of the local authentic Mexican restaurants and we will spend the night in Tlalpujahua. On day 2 we will have breakfast in the hotel at 8:45 A.M., after breakfast we will drive 55 minutes to get to the Monarch Butterflies Sanctuary. We will park the car in the National Park and we’ll get on the horses and ride for about 40 minutes to find the butterflies. You should dress hiking outfit and for 60 degrees Fahrenheit temperature The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo and tour guide service.

This private tour, for just you and your family, will last approximately 4 hours, during this time you will explore the neighborhoods where the locals live, the wild life preserve of Playa Linda, Ixtapa lookout point, the farmers market where the locals go shopping, Marina Yacht club and soak up the shore line scenery of la Madera beach. You will also be taken to the farmers market, the town square, the flea market and the Zihuatanejo main pier. You’ll be provide with information about the good places to eat, best beaches to snorkel, swim and surf. Also some history of the area, recommendations about the best places for shopping. Because the tour is private we can modify the Itinerary as you like. You should dress casual. The tour includes: Informative tour guide service and round-trip hotel transport by air-conditioned vehicle.

On this 2 hours and 40 minutes show, there will be a Mariachi band singing, traditional dances of Mexico, a person doing the animation for the show. The Fiesta begins with a buffet dinner (enchiladas, tamales, atole, pozole and many more Mexican dishes) at 6:40 P.M. The open bar goes on during the show, drinks will come one after another. The Mexican Fiesta includes open bar, Mexican buffet dinner, a mariachi band with a singer and a very entertaining show with traditional dances. This activity takes places at the Barceló hotel located in Ixtapa, it begins at 7:00 P.M. and it ends at 9:40 P.M. We need at least one day notice to make your reservation. You can dress casual or semi-formal. The activity includes: Entrance Fee, the show, open bar (all you can drink) and buffet dinner (all you can eat., Transportation to the place is included but at the end you pay for your taxi back to your hotel.

This is a 2 hours experience that includes eleven different canopy adventures such as hanging & navy style bridges, as well as thrilling ziplines, ranging from 132 yards and 50 ft high to 273 yards and 98 ft-high. Located in the back side of Ixtapa this amazing park is a preserve tropical forest, which host characteristic flora of the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo region. The activity includes: Harness, 1 drink, Zip line instructor, helmet, Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, Entrance Fe.

On this late afternoon ocean ride you will be able to see each and every one of the beaches of the bay of Zihuatanejo, then the catamaran will head out into the open sea and then towards Ixtapa, in between the two towns you’ll see some caves and the Sierra Madre Mountains, in front of Ixtapa you will see some hotel and we will get near some of the islands which are bird sanctuaries cover with guano. On the way back to Zihuatanejo the beautiful sunset will be the highlight of the ride and the picture to take. Departure time ranges from 3:15 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. depending on the hotel you are staying at. This sunset Catamaran ride will take about 2 hours and 45 minutes. You shuld dress casual. The tour includes:  Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa, open bar and snacks .

This 3 hours adventure begins with the pick up at 8:30 A.M. or 12:30 P.M., in the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo. First you will transport from your hotel to where the ATV’s are, the drive will take about 25 minutes. Then you will ride for about one hour and 10 minutes through the jungle, across a small river, up and down a hill, to get to the beach. When you get to the beach you will have 30 minutes to relax and have a drink. After the 30 minutes you will ride the ATV back. The same way you went is the same you go back, the return trip also takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. When the tour is over, you will be transport back to your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo. The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, Ride on the ATV for about 2 hours and 20 minutes, one beer or bottle of water.

On this 7 hours experience, you will be driven south of Zihuatanejo for about 45 minutes to get to the Juluchuca rural community where you will visit one of the workshops to learn the whole process of making coconut candy. The town is also known for the production of sea salt, so you can buy some coconut candy and sea salt to take home. We will continue our drive 20 minutes south to get to El Calvario lookout point to take some pictures of the Mexican pacific coast in the state of Guerrero. The next visit will be to Puerto Vicente Guerrero, a beautiful, relaxing and small fishing village, where we will get on a boat and tour the coastal area of Puerto Vicente Guerrero and Papanoa town, there will also be a rock formation where sometimes you see birds standing on top of it. After the boat ride we will have lunch at a very simple but very good and clean restaurant in Vicente Guerrero Bay right by the ocean. For lunch you can get one of the following choices: The whole red snapper Octopus Shrimp Chicken Cheese quesadillas The fish, octopus, shrimp and chicken can be prepare on the grill with garlic or with "diabla sauce" (spicy hot), we also bring you guacamole, rice, salad, handmade tortillas and one drink. After lunch you will be taken back to your hotel. The tour includes: Round-trip transport from the lobby of your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, tour guide service and lunch.

Design-a-Tour.- If the tour is not listed on this web page, send us an email ([email protected])with the tour you want to do, and we will create the tour according to your interest.

Ground Transportation.- If you need transportation to and from the airport or if you are celebrating a wedding or you have a convention or any especial event in Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo or Troncones or any of the little towns in the area, I can also provide transportation for your family or group any where in town or out of town.

Terms & conditions

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice. All tour prices are per person, except for the fishing; in that particular case the price is for the boat. Let us know if you need more information about any of the tours and trips that are listed here. When you book with us, you will have the following benefits:

• Tour guides that are cerfitied by de NOM (NOM, Mexican Official Norm ).
• Tour guides that are Bilingual.
• Air conditioned vehicles and passenger insurance.
• A Tour guide that is born and raised in the area.
• Time flexibility.
• We are available every day of the year.

Restrictions:

• We are not affiliated with and/or do promote timeshares or other vacation ownerships.
• The tip is not included on any of the tours.
• If because of the weather conditions the tour has to be cancel at the beginning, you will get back 50% of the money or the tour can be reschedule for another day.

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Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo, or Zihua as it’s affectionately called, is a Pacific paradise of beautiful beaches, friendly people and an easygoing lifestyle. Until the 1970s it was a sleepy fishing village, but with the construction of Ixtapa next door, Zihua’s tourism industry boomed practically overnight.

Things to Know

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Playa Las Gatas

Isolated 'Cat Beach' is named – depending on whose story you believe – either after the whiskered nurse sharks that once inhabited its waters, or for the…

Playa La Ropa

The gorgeous white-sand expanse of Playa La Ropa (Clothes Beach) was named after a Spanish galleon that was wrecked and had its cargo of silks washed…

Playa Manzanillo

This secluded white-sand beach near Playa Larga offers the best snorkeling in the area. It's reachable by boat from Zihuatanejo.

Playa Larga

About 12km south of Zihuatanejo, just before the airport, Playa Larga has big surf, beachfront restaurants and horseback riding. This is where Andy…

Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande

This small museum houses six rooms with exhibits on the history, archaeology and culture of the Guerrero coast. It displays feature jewelry, stone tools,…

Playa Madera

Shallow-watered Playa Madera is good for swimming. It's a pleasant five-minute walk east from downtown along a concrete walkway (popular with young…

Playa Municipal

In front of downtown, this is Zihua's least appealing beach for bathing, since the water could be cleaner. But the water is calm and without strong…

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Latest stories from Zihuatanejo

Mar 9, 2022 • 10 min read

Everything you need to know ahead of your visit, from when to go and where to stay to the best things to eat, drink and do while you're there.

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Zihua Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Visiting Tips (2024)

11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Zihuatanejo

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Mar 23, 2023

Author Meagan Drillinger has spent more than a decade exploring Mexico and visits several times per year.

Zihuatanejo has been a laid-back, sleepy hideaway for decades. Leathery surfers walk side by side with local fishermen, while snowbirds browse through small boutiques or have lunch on the sand. Rocky hills protect the teal-colored coves, backed by rows of palm trees. The clay-colored city is an eclectic paradise on Mexico's Pacific Coast, (happily) living in the shadow of its more boisterous neighbor, Ixtapa.

When it comes to the top things to do in Zihuatanejo, the majority of travelers are looking to the outdoors. That's because Zihuatanejo, one of the best small towns in Mexico for tourists , is absolutely beautiful. The bay is protected by craggy hillsides, and the coastline is pocketed with magical inlets and coves. The main things to do in Zihuatanejo are almost always outdoors, whether it's hopping the beautiful beaches, snorkeling with colorful fish, or catching a glimpse of a mighty whale.

While many of the mega resorts, restaurants, and activities can be found over the hill in Ixtapa, residents and visitors to Zihuatanejo appreciate the eclectic blend of local and tourist living. This isn't to say that Zihuatanejo doesn't get touristy. When a cruise ship is in town, the streets can be packed. Still, the charm and energy that Zihuatanejo exudes makes it one of the more magical coastal towns along the Pacific. It's the best of both worlds, if you will.

If you're ready to explore all the best attractions, read our list of the top things to do in Zihuatanejo.

1. Lounge on the Beaches

2. take a boat to ixtapa island, 3. see the ruins at xihuacan, 4. go diving, 5. walk along paseo del pescador, 6. costa grande archaeological museum, 7. go cycling, 8. take a whale watching tour, 9. enjoy a round of golf, 10. zihuatanejo sailfest, 11. take a day trip to troncones, zihuatanejo, mexico - climate chart.

Laid-back is the term you'll most often hear when people describe Zihuatanejo. If there's any action to be found in town, it will surely be found at one of the many beautiful beaches that line the bay and surrounding coves near the sleepy fishing village.

The first one you'll see will be Playa Principal , also known as Playa Municipal. It's the main beach in town, directly in front of the malecon. It's a lovely little spot to watch the sunset or have a snack at one of the many beach restaurants, but the water isn't ideal for swimming because this is where many of the boats park.

Continue down the malecon to discover Playa Madera . This calm stretch of beach is really beautiful - especially at night when you can see the lights of Zihuatanejo twinkling all the way up the hill. You'll find people swimming on this beach without a doubt.

Undoubtedly the most famous beach in Zihua is Playa La Ropa - and it's easy to see why. This wide stretch of powdery sand is always humming with activity. The sand extends for about a mile and is backed by a lovely stretch of palm trees. The water is calm and warm - perfect for swimming. This is where you'll find plenty of activities, from stand up paddleboards to parasailing, and even shopping if you browse the vendors who set up stalls.

Follow a rocky path away from Playa La Ropa to discover Playa Las Gatas. It's much smaller than Playa la Ropa, but it is also much quieter, so if you're looking for a lovely beach to escape the fray, this would be it.

If you head out of town closer to the airport, you'll discover Playa Larga . Undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in the area, Playa Larga is known for being undeveloped. A few boutique hotels dot the coast, but for the most part what you're experiencing here is raw, virgin beach, and some of the most spectacular views in all of Mexico.

Speaking of beaches, one of the top things to do in Zihuatanejo is take a boat ride out to Ixtapa Island. Ixtapa Island is off the coast of Ixtapa, which is on the other side of the mountains from Zihuatanejo.

A quick taxi ride to Ixtapa's Playa Quieta will make it easy to reach the island. You can arrange for a sightseeing tour to the island, as well, which will include transportation to and from the pier.

The island has three beaches, all of which are close together. The calmest waters are off Varadero and Cuachalalate beaches, while Coral Beach is perfect for snorkeling because of its reef. The beaches here are beautiful and pristine, with a wreath of palm trees and plenty of open space. But in addition to sun soaking, visitors come to Ixtapa Island to explore the coral reefs, which are teeming with brightly colored fish and other marine life. After an afternoon snorkeling or diving the reefs, kick back at one of the small restaurants on the island or swing away in a hammock.

Mexico is known for its indigenous cultures, and the magnificent jewels they've left behind. When visiting Zihuatanejo, take a step back in time and visit the ruins at Xihuacan, an archaeological city about 30 minutes from Zihua.

The 3,000-year-old archaeological site is one of the newest to open to the public. What's fascinating about this particular site is that it does not belong to one culture in particular. It is believed to have been a ceremonial center used as a place of worship for different gods from different tribes. Tribes like the Cuitlatecas, Tarascans, Mixtecas, Aztecs, Zapotecas, Toltecs, and Olmecs are believed to have all worshiped here.

The site allegedly reached its peak between AD 650 and 900, when it was one of the largest ceremonial centers of agriculture and religious rites. Flooding is the reason why the city slowly became abandoned.

Xihuacan has several major structures restored, including a 45-foot-high pyramid, as well as a ball court. An on-site museum has more than 800 figurines, carved seashells, ceramics, and more.

Address: La Chole, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo de Azueta, Mexico

Zihuatanejo is the perfect place for beginner divers to test out their sea lungs. The tranquil current over the coral, coves, and around the cliffs make the waters very easy to navigate, especially for those who are just starting out in their diving careers.

The best time to dive these waters is from November to May when the sea is most calm. The waters surrounding Zihuatanejo stay about 82 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Peak diving, however, is typically in the winter, when visitors will be able to see dolphins, manta rays, turtles, tropical fish, whales, seahorses, and more. That said, diving off the shore can be limited, so most dives take place off boats farther out to sea.

If you are a more experienced diver, deeper waters can be found, particularly with caves and swim-throughs. But for the most part, Zihuatanejo is the perfect place to visit for a first time dive or for those looking to gain their certifications.

The recently expanded Paseo del Pescador (Fisherman's Walk) is a paved pathway that hugs the shoreline in downtown Zihuatanejo. The sea-splashed path is lined with shops and restaurants, and is always humming with subdued activity both from locals and visitors. At night it is particularly beautiful when lights illuminate the walking path. You'll be able to walk right up next to the sea, hear the sounds of the waves, and watch the lights fade in and out up the hillsides.

The path goes directly past the main square, which comes alive in the evenings with dancing, street food, and live music. Those meandering the path will have stellar views of Playa la Ropa, as well as the rocky hills that protect the small bay.

Located near the Paseo del Pescador, near the Olof Palme Plaza, is an intimate museum that provides a welcome break from all that sun and sand. The Costa Grande Archaeological Museum was opened in 1947 and tells the archaeological history of this part of Mexico.

The small museum has six exhibition rooms. The first one is an introduction to archaeology in the state of Guerrero. From here, it passes to the Costa Grande Physiography room. Next it narrows into life on the Costa Grande from 800 BC to AD 100, when the coastline of what would become Guerrero was small villages and plenty of virgin, unspoiled nature. Subsequent exhibition halls cover everything from the impact of Mesoamerican cultures on the region to the creation of the towns as we know them in Guerrero today, and the colonial period when the Spanish were in control of these coastal communities.

For anyone who is interested in Mexican culture and indigenous history, this is an important stop, and a quick one that won't take up too much of the afternoon.

Address: Paseo del Pescador s/n, Centro, 40890 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico

So much of Zihuatanejo's magic comes from being outside, and if you enjoy zipping around on two wheels, you'll find plenty of places to play. Zihuatanejo has five miles of bike paths surrounded by the rocky hillsides of Guerrero.

For biking, Zihuatanejo has two main routes. One goes from Ixtapa to Zihuatanejo, and the other goes from the Ixtapa Marina through an ecological park to Playa Linda. You can combine the two for an even longer adventure. More experienced cyclists will love the ecological park, known as Parque Aztlan, as there are a couple of mountain biking routes that take travelers deeper into the rugged landscape.

Mexico's Pacific Coast is world-renowned for its humpback whale sightings. These magnificent giants make their way down from the colder Canadian waters to give birth in the warmer waters off the coast of Mexico. Since Zihuatanejo sits on the Pacific Coast, it is directly in the migration line, which means that for several months out of the year the waters are teeming with pods of humpback whales.

When staying in Zihuatanejo, look for the Picante Cruise boats - you'll recognize these catamarans by the red chili peppers painted on the sails. Picante hosts a whole menu of different excursions, like sunset cruises and private charters, but from December through March they also have whale watching expeditions.

These eco-friendly tours go off in search of the humpback whales in the waters surrounding Zihuatanejo. A bilingual marine biologist is onboard for the duration of the trip and helps to educate passengers. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. The tour includes a jump into the sea for a refreshing dip.

Being so close to the sister city, Ixtapa, puts visitors of Zihuatanejo at the doorstop of two beautiful golf courses. Ixtapa has two world-class, 18-hole courses, just 10 minutes away from Zihuatanejo.

Palma Real Golf Course is a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course. It was opened in 1977 as part of the vision of the masterplanned community that was Ixtapa in the 1970s. The golf course sits on what was once a coconut plantation. The course is a par 72, 6,898-yard course, with pops of character from its lush lagoons and tropical vegetation, overlooking the Pacific.

The second course is the Marina Ixtapa Golf Club , designed by Robert von Hagge, and opened in 1994. Also a par 72 course, Marina Ixtapa Golf Club has 12 bridges, canals, and undulating sand dunes. The entire area spans more than 136 acres.

One of the more beloved traditions in Zihuatanejo is the annual Sailfest. In fact, it's one of the premiere annual sailing events in all of Mexico. The six-day event brings together passionate sailboat fans from all over the world in an event that raises funds for the education of the children of Zihuatanejo. It has been in operation for 20 years.

As part of the six days, visitors can look forward to boat parades, concerts, dances, auctions, cook-offs, street fairs, and much more. The entire event is organized by Pro Los Ninos, a non-profit charity that has worked to build classrooms, kitchens, playgrounds, and new schools, and to provide more than 30,000 school meals a year to children who would otherwise go hungry.

About 40 minutes from the Zihuatanejo airport is the tiny beach village of Troncones. If you thought Zihuatanejo was sleepy, Troncones takes it to an entirely new level. The relatively undeveloped beach village, with a population of about 500 people, is known for one thing: surfing. Troncones is particularly famous for its three-mile stretch of undeveloped beach, which has long been a draw for surfers to this destination.

Troncones Point is the major surfing area here, bringing wave riders from all over the world to the perfect beaches and rolling waves. But even those who aren't proficient in catching waves are still drawn to the laid-back atmosphere.

While exploring Troncones, visitors can also head to neighboring Majahua, which has a smattering of restaurants and a beautiful beach. The entire area is pretty remote and unspoiled, so don't expect a ton of entertainment other than enjoying the pristine scenery.

You probably won't need more than a day in Troncones, as development is really kept to a minimum. But if you did fall in love with the vibe here, Troncones has plenty of accommodations, from beachfront bungalows to more boutique hotels.

Troncones is a taxi-ride away from Zihuatanejo. The ride will take roughly 40 minutes and will cost less than 500 pesos.

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The Best Things to do in Zihuatanejo, Mexico (2024)

Affiliate Disclosure: This Zihuatanejo things to do post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are entirely my own.

Table of Contents

ZIHUATANEJO – AN INTRODUCTION

Zihuatanejo is a charming coastal town located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, just 9 km south of Ixtapa. The community is probably more famous for what it isn’t , than what it is . In fact, it is almost the antithesis of Mexico’s planned tourist resort communities such as Cancun, Los Cabos and nearby Ixtapa.

Refreshingly free of all-inclusives, mega-resort complexes and splashy attractions, this quaint fishing village is perfect for the traveler looking for an authentic Mexico experience. Zihuatanjo is an ideal place to practice your Spanish (rusty or otherwise), try out the local culinary specialties and get to know the residents in the many locally-run establishments.

We have been visiting Zihuatanejo for almost 20 years, and my husband’s family, for almost 40! If you happen to be wondering what to do in Zihuatanejo, Mexico – we want to share with you some of our favourite places.

Please see the following list of Zihuatanejo things to do. Want a quick peek around first? Start with this 45 sec. video.

ZIHUATANEJO VIDEO (45 SEC.)

STAY CONNECTED IN ZIHUATANEJO

Zihuatanejo is one of those places where you can often learn more by chatting with people on the beach than by doing an online search. This is because many restaurants and activity providers do not keep up-to-date websites or social accounts (if they have any at all)!

There are, however, several Facebook groups, populated with locals and frequent visitors, that fill in this gap. These are: Zihuatanejo Let’s Chat and Fun Things to do in Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa.

As an example, baby turtle releases on Playa La Ropa are often announced the day of on the Fun things to do in Zihuatanejo page.

8 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ZIHUATANEJO

We hope you will fall in love with Zihuatanejo as we have! Take a look at some of the top Zihuatanejo activities on the following list.

1. PLAYA LA ROPA

La Ropa Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand just south of the village of Zihuatanejo. With gentle surf, it is a great beach for swimming and water sports (jet skiing, parasailing etc.).

Playa La Ropa is lined with numerous small restaurants, serving fish caught that very morning. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented from a number of establishments along the beach, including the lovely Sotavento at the north end and more casual La Perla near the middle.

Note: Some places will also let you enjoy their beach chairs for free as long as you are spending money on food and drinks.

At the north end of Playa La Ropa (in front of the Hilton property) is an area of rocks that is quite good for snorkeling. We have seen some lovely fish, a spotted ray and even some turtles there. (Do be careful though as the waves can hit those rocks pretty hard on rough days.)

2. GET A BEACH MASSAGE

Fancy a massage with an authentic ocean soundtrack? While walking along Playa La Ropa, you will find at least one beach tent set up offering very well-priced massages (typically 300-400 pesos/one hour).

Many hotels along the beach also have their own spas with more expanded services including manicures and pedicures. If you are looking for a very luxurious experience, check out the spa at the Thompson Hotel near the south end of Playa la Ropa.

3. VISIT EL MANGLAR

While El Manglar is technically a restaurant – we think of it as more of an attraction. This little establishment sits beside an estuary at the south end of Playa la Ropa. From your table, you can view crocodiles, iguanas and beautiful birds. We also think the ceviche and guacamole are quite decent!

Read reviews from recent visitors to El Manglar on Tripadvisor .

4. TAKE A BOAT TRIP

There are a variety of boat trips you can take from Zihuatanejo including early morning fishing trips, diving and snorkeling adventures. These trips can sometimes include exploring the stunning coastline as well as visiting secluded coves, and hidden beaches.

Another option is to take a catamaran or water taxi ride to Playa Las Gatas, a popular beach on the far side of Zihuatanejo Bay. This can make for a fun day trip, as there are numerous restaurants along the shoreline to choose from, as well as some nice areas in the rocks for snorkeling.

For those interested in scuba diving in Zihuatanejo, Dive Zihua receives consistently great reviews. Owners Maude and Simeon offer numerous dive options (including trips to Morros de Potosi), as well as PADI courses, snorkel tours, snorkel equipment rentals and whale watching tours.

Note: Dive Zihua is a PADI dive resort and the first dive shop in the state of Guerrero to have both PADI Eco Centre accreditation and hold a Green Fins membership.

See also: Zihuatanejo Snorkeling Trips on Viator!

5. TURTLE RELEASE

Since 2011, Damaris and Gene Smith have been running Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli from their home on Playa Blanca – a popular turtle nesting beach just south of Zihuatanejo.

For a small donation (200 pesos for adults, 100 for children), they offer an excellent little presentation followed by the opportunity to release a baby turtle onto the beach at sunset – giving those little creatures some extra help on their journey to adulthood.

For dates and times, please see the Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli Facebook page .

Note: As the turtle release only takes about one hour, and Playa Blanca is about 30 minutes from the town of Zihuatanejo, you may want to arrange a fixed price with a taxi service for your trip both there and back.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Better Beyond Travel Blog 🌿 Tara Cannon (@thebetterbeyond)

On some evenings (always close to sunset) there may also be a turtle release on Playa La Ropa. If you are at a nearby hotel, inquire with the front desk. Alternatively, the event is typically announced on the Fun Things to do in Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa Facebook Page.

6. EXPLORE TOWN

Discover the heart and soul of Zihuatanejo by starting at the town plaza right along the main waterfront boardwalk (a.k.a. Paseo de Pescador ). If there is an organized event (basketball game, a festival, a dance competition), it will happening in this location. It also happens to be surrounded by the best gelato and frozen yogurt shops in the city. (Frangolino’s is our favourite!)

Continue on to check out the fishing boats resting on the sand in front of the boardwalk. If it’s early enough, you may be able to admire that morning’s catch and watch the fisherman haggle with the local chefs.

After walking the boardwalk, head deeper into town to enjoy the colourful streets, pop into the local boutiques and markets, and finish up with a meal at one of Zihua’s many wonderful restaurants.

7. DISCOVER THE MARKETS

In addition to conventional storefronts, Zihuatanejo also has a traditional artisan market for souvenirs (Mercado de Artisanias) as well as the Mercado Municipal with its colorful stalls selling fresh produce and local delicacies.

Relatively new to Zihuatanejo is Mercadito Zanka. This lively food market offers over 20 different food carts and frequently, live music. It is an absolute must-visit while exploring town. Learn more on Facebook or Instagram .

8. TRY THE LOCAL CUISINE

Start you day at one of Zihuatanejo’s beautiful cafes. Try UMMA or LOOT behind Playa La Ropa. They are both lovely spots for a cappuccino, pastry, or breakfast. Also very good is Jaguar Negro in town.

Sample freshly caught fish such as snapper, dorado and tuna. Most restaurants do seafood to perfection, but Bandido’s and El Arrayan in town consistently get great reviews.

Some of the best house-made mole, tamales and tortillas can be found at Carmelita’s Cafe . This family-run establishment is often mentioned as one of the best restaurants for traditional cuisine in all of Mexico.

This region in also known for their pozole – a traditional soup made with meat (typically chicken or pork) green chilies, cumin, garlic and lime. Both Restaurante Mexicanos Any and Casa Vieja make various versions of this delicious soup.

For a special evening (including stunning sunset views), try Espuma , Mar y Cielo or Tenaciones .

MORE ZIHUATANEJO ATTRACTIONS & TOURS

While the list above includes our favourite things to do in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, of course, there are other options! Check out even more popular organized tours and activities from Viator.com .

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Home » Travel Guides » Mexico » 15 Best Things to Do in Zihuatanejo (Mexico)

15 Best Things to Do in Zihuatanejo (Mexico)

On the Pacific Coast in the state of Guerrero, Zihuatanejo is a quiet coastal village on a protected bay near the built-up resort of Ixtapa.

The bay burrows deep inland, which leaves Zihuatanejo’s beaches with mostly gentle, aquamarine waters to float and snorkelling in.

The hinterland has the last summits of the Sierra Madre del Sur, and there are Mesoamerican vestiges close by at Xihuacan.

As opposed to Ixtapa’s high-rise self-contained hotel resorts, the accommodation is more boutique in Zihuatanejo, allowing you to see the bay under your own steam and with the help of water taxis from the main pier.

If you know the Shawshank Redemption you’ll recognise Zihuatanejo as the tropical idyll where Red meets Andy Dufresne at the end.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Zihuatanejo :

1. Playa la Ropa

At more than 1.5 kilometres, Playa la Ropa is the longest in the Zihuatanejo Bay and has fine light sand on a gentle crescent.

The surf can be lively, but is rarely out of hand, while there’s a low gradient so children will be safe.

The warm water suits swimming and snorkelling and you try body-boarding on the thigh-high rolling waves.

Underwater you can spot a brilliant array of fish, and if you’re just resting on the shore a pelican will catch your eye from time to time.

There’s a multitude of beach bars and restaurants at Playa la Ropa, serving the sun loungers and also renting out water sports equipment.

As with almost every beach in Zihuatanejo Playa la Ropa has spa tents, and massagers roving along the shore offering their skills.

2. Playa las Gatas

In a small nook on the south side of the Zihuatanejo Bay, Playa las Gatas can take a while to reach on foot.

You might be better off catching one of the skiffs from the main pier on the resort’s waterfront, shuttling across the bay five times an hour.

Every inch of this narrow beach is traced by parasols and sun loungers, managed by the 12 beach bars and restaurants amid the palms behind.

Playa las Gatas is oriented towards Zihuatanejo and you can see the resort framed by the last peaks of the Sierra Madre del Sur.

One of the best beaches for swimming or just floating around, Playa las Gatas is lapped by low waves that graduate to small swells attracting a few surfers in summer.

There’s a lighthouse on the promontory at the entrance to the bay, reached by a winding trail.

3. Ixtapa Island

At Playa Linda you can catch a water taxi out to this unpopulated islet (50 pesos for a return). Ixtapa Island has four beaches, each with a different orientation, but all screened from the brunt of the Pacific Ocean.

The pick of the beaches is Playa Cuachalalate, which faces the mainland and has a shallow arc of dark sand, palm sunshades, sun loungers and five beach bars to the rear for fajitas, tacos and an ice cold beer.

Moments away on foot, Playa Coral is in a large cove with a reef that has vibrant underwater life, so remember to bring your snorkelling gear.

More remote, Playa Carey is loved by naturists, while the sandy Playa Varadero is a good alternative to Cuachalalate with the calmest waters of all.

4. Xihuacan

Also known as La Soledad de Maciel, Xihuacan is an archaeological site not far along the coast to the southeast.

This settlement was occupied for more than 3,000 years by three different cultures (Tomiles, Cuitatecos and Tepoztecas), while excavation work only began as recently as 2007. A small museum has been set up on the site offering context about the monuments that have been uncovered so far, and presenting artefacts like steles, ball court hoops, jewellery and the contents of a burial chamber.

At the site there’s a massive ball court, possibly the largest of any Mesoamerican site, the base of a pyramid covering one hectare and a rise with rock carvings and what may be an altar for sacrifices.

With its warm seas and vibrant marine life, it’s no shock that Zihuatanejo is a big-time diving destination.

There are seven dive centres in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area.

If you’re new to the activity you couldn’t wish for a better place to make your first open water dive.

You could get your PADA certification in a matter of days, while kids can learn the ropes on a “Bubblemaker” course.

You may already have many hours of dives under your belt, in which case Zihuatanejo is a two-tank diving playground.

Underwater temperatures push 28°C from June to October, and diving in canyons and coral reefs you may see whale sharks, sea horses, manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and moray eels.

6. Water Sports

If you have a snorkel and flippers you can slip into the rockier parts of Zihuatanejo’s beaches to glimpse an incredible variety of underwater life just metres from the shore.

This equipment can also be rented, and almost every beach on this list also offers an array of gear, from jet-skis to kayaks.

The currents in the bay are light enough that you could embark on a half-day guided kayak tour.

You could combine this with snorkelling, to view the sea urchins and sea cucumbers that make their homes on the sea wall protecting the bay.

7. Paseo del Pescador

This waterfront promenade curls around the bay in Zihuatanejo, beginning at the municipal pier and ending on the east side of Playa Madera.

As you go you’ll happen upon handicraft shops, restaurants and bars, all under the shade of coconut palms.

If you want a real slice of local life show up early in the morning, between 06:00 and 08:00, when fishermen lay out their catches on tarps.

This can be anything from snapper to shrimp, crabs, swordfish or tuna.

Later in the day you could take the weight off at an outdoor cafe table and watch the fish leaping in the bay.

8. Playa el Palmar

No two beaches in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa area are the same, and Playa el Palmar on the main drag in Ixtapa is the most commercialised of all.

This can have its advantages, especially if you’re in one of the all-inclusive hotels beside it and only need to take a few steps to be on the sand.

Playa el Palmar is more open to the Pacific than the other examples on this list, so children will need to be supervised as the undertow can be sharp.

The upside is that if you can handle yourself in the water you can body surf on the waves, and you may catch sight of a humpback or grey whale from the shore between November and April.

9. Playa Quieta

Away from the tourist drag, Playa Quieta is 15 minutes west of Zihuatanejo, looking out towards Ixtapa Island.

Unlike most of the others on this list, tourist development is so low-impact you may not even know it’s there.

Playa Quieta has little more than a branch of Club Med towards the southern end.

The remainder of the beach is just open sand, with little palm shelters behind where people come for picnics.

You’ll need to bring your own provisions, or make the short walk up to one of the restaurants at the nearby Playa Linda.

10. Costa Grande Archaeological Museum

Right on Paseo del Pescador is a small museum chronicling the pre-Hispanic settlements and cultures on the Costa Grande, which includes a 325-kilometre stretch of coastline but also large tracts of the hinterland.

In six rooms there are pieces from the Mexica, Olmec, Tarascan and Teotihuacan cultures.

Among the fascinating artefacts is a bracelet of copper bells and a decorated conch, which would have been used in ceremonies.

You can also pore over obsidian utensils, clay figurines and ceramic vessels, and find out about the sophisticated trade networks that connected the modern day Costa Grande with the rest of Mesoamerica.

11. Cycling

You may not want to pass a whole holiday lazing in the sun, so beginning at Marina Ixtapa is an eight-kilometre bike trail through a nature reserve containing rainforest.

There are a couple of businesses in both Zihuatanejo and Iztapa offering cycling tours on this trail or simply bike rentals if you want to go self-guided.

Take the Ciclopista Ixtapa at an easy pace and you may be overwhelmed by the profusion of natural life that shows up.

You may see roseate spoonbills, iguanas, herons, parrots, cardinals, lake turtles and armadillos, as you coast through ceiba and parota forest where the trees get up to 40 metres high.

Also on the trail are crocodiles, kept safely behind a fence!

12. Whale Watching

November to April there are thousands of humpback and grey whales off Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Mothers make a long migration from Alaska to Mexico to calve in these warmer waters.

After the calves are born the pods stay close to the coast from around January before beginning the long journey north a few months later.

At this time of year you can sight these pods just by standing on the shore at one of the more open beaches like Playa el Palmar, Playa Blanca or Barra de Potosi.

You could also charter a yacht or contact one of the diving companies like Dive Zihuatanejo for a whale watching expedition, when you may get to see one of these creatures breaching close by.

Golfers are well-catered for as there are two 18-hole courses barely ten minutes away in Ixtapa.

Palma Real Golf Course, currently the most popular one,  arrived in 1977 when the resort was first developed for tourism.

This par-72 6,898-yard was designed by the famed course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. and is set in a former coconut plantation.

Marina Ixtapa Golf Club is also a par-72 and poses a tricky round, with a network of canals for water hazards and dunes for sand traps.

14. Cuisine

As you’d guess, the gastronomy in Zihuatanejo is centred on the ocean and there’s a host of tasty specialities to sample.

The hallmark dish might be tiritas de pescado.

These are raw skipjack tuna or mahi-mahi fillets, cut into strips and accompanied with lemon juice, onions and chillies.

Shrimp is abundant in Guerrero, and comes in mojo de ajo (garlic sauce) or in shrimp tacos.

You could also get some red snapper in mojo de ajo or with a Veracruz-style tomato, garlic, pepper and cinnamon sauce.

15. Zihua Sailfest

This annual maritime event began in 2002 and its main aim is to raise money for Zihuatanejo’s most disadvantaged children.

Over the last 16 years it has grow into one of Mexico’s top sailing events.

There’s a week-long programme comprising a dance, gala dinner, chilli cook-off and benefit concert.

On the water, sunset cruises take place all week, and the main event takes place on the Saturday when there’s a flotilla on the Zihua Bay.

Proceeds from the Sailfest have gone towards local schools, building classrooms, kitchens and playgrounds.

15 Best Things to Do in Zihuatanejo (Mexico):

• Playa la Ropa
• Playa las Gatas
• Ixtapa Island
• Water Sports
• Paseo del Pescador
• Playa el Palmar
• Playa Quieta
• Costa Grande Archaeological Museum
• Whale Watching
• Zihua Sailfest

Julio's Tours

Welcome to julio’s guide service.

Zihuatanejo and its sister city of Ixtapa are located along the beautiful Pacific Coast of Mexico. Downtown Zihuatanejo is called “El Centro” and is a quaint fishing village that sits on a picturesque bay. There are many excellent restaurants and unique shops to explore. You will find the local people very warm, friendly and helpful. I was born and raised here and it remains home to me, my wife and three great children. I have fished the surrounding waters all of my life and know the area very well. I will work very hard to make your experience in our area a very memorable one. I’m a member of The Billfish Foundation and practice the use of circle hooks and “catch, tag and release”. My main goal is to turn your day of “fishing” to a great day of “catching”.

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La Joceline