Zihuatanejo Bay

Getting to Know the Bay's Beaches and Rhythms

The bay itself is compact, and that is part of its appeal: most of its beaches can be reached on foot, by a short taxi ride or by small boat from the town pier. Playa Principal, right in front of the centre, is a working beach where fishing boats come in during the morning, so it is better for watching daily life than for swimming. A walkway around the rocks leads to Playa La Madera, a small, calm stretch backed by guesthouses. Further along, Playa La Ropa is the long, sheltered favourite for swimming. Playa Las Gatas sits across the water and is usually reached by boat. Its shallow, protected water makes it a popular choice for first-time snorkellers.

Zihuatanejo shares its airport with Ixtapa, the planned resort development a few kilometres north-west. The two places feel very different. Ixtapa has large hotels along an open beach, while Zihuatanejo keeps the scale of a fishing town. Many travellers stay in one and visit the other as a day trip. If you are coming overland from Morelia, the drive towards the coast via Lázaro Cárdenas is a common route. Check current road conditions and travel advisories before you set out, and try to drive in daylight.

Practical notes for a calmer visit

• The dry season, roughly November to April, brings clearer water and steadier weather. Summer is hotter and more humid, and afternoon storms are common.
• Fish markets and family-run restaurants near the centre are the place to try local dishes such as tiritas, thin strips of fish cured in lime that are typical of this coast.
• Agree on fares for boats and taxis before you set off. Carry some cash in pesos, because smaller vendors may not take cards.
• Swim only where locals do. Open-ocean beaches outside the bay can have strong surf and currents.

For ideas on combining the bay with other stops, browse our itineraries. The coast guide has wider context on the Pacific shoreline.