Nature reserve 12 km west of Zihuatanejo
A small wooded island off Playa Linda with calm beaches, snorkeling over coral, and palapa seafood restaurants.
Isla Ixtapa, also called Isla Grande, is a small island just off the north end of Ixtapa, a few minutes by boat from Playa Linda. It is small enough to cross on foot in a few minutes, but it packs in several beaches, trails through dry tropical forest, and some of the clearest water near Zihuatanejo.
Boats land at Playa Varadero, the main beach, which faces the mainland and is usually calm, with a row of palapa restaurants serving fresh fish and cold drinks. Playa Cuachalalate, named after a local medicinal tree, is the busiest on high-season days, with banana rides and water-sport rentals. Playa Coral is the one for snorkelers and divers, with reefs and colorful fish close to shore, and a path leads to quieter spots with views over the open Pacific.
The island is home to iguanas, raccoons, armadillos and many birds, and makes an easy, relaxed day trip from either Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo.
What to see and do
Snorkel at Playa Coral, where the reef starts close to shore; you can rent gear on the island.
Swim at Playa Varadero, the calm main beach where the boats land.
Eat grilled fish at one of the palapa restaurants on the sand.
Walk the trails across the island and look out for iguanas and birds.
Getting there
From Zihuatanejo, take a taxi or bus about 20 to 25 minutes to Playa Linda at the north end of Ixtapa. Boats leave from the pier there throughout the day for a short crossing of a few minutes; you buy a round-trip ticket, and the last boats come back in the late afternoon, so check the return time when you arrive. Some tours from Zihuatanejo also go by boat directly.
12 km west of Zihuatanejo
Directions from Zihuatanejo on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Isla Ixtapa
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Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Isla Ixtapa.
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Weather warm
Isla Ixtapa shares the climate of Zihuatanejo, 12 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Make Zihuatanejo your base
Isla Ixtapa is an easy trip from Zihuatanejo, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Zihuatanejo
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Ixtapa
· Town · 6 km away
Zihuatanejo's planned resort twin: a long hotel beach, a marina, bike paths through mangroves, and boats to Isla Ixtapa. -
Playa Larga
· Beach · 6 km away
A long, open beach just south of town near the airport, with seafood enramadas and room to spread out; the surf is strong. -
Barra de Potosí
· Town · 16 km away
A fishing village on a mangrove lagoon south of Zihuatanejo, with beach palapas, kayaks, and over 200 bird species. -
Troncones
· Town · 23 km away
A laid-back surf village north of Ixtapa: five kilometers of beach, a well-known left point break, and small guesthouses. -
Xihuacan
· Archaeological site · 29 km away
One of Guerrero's largest archaeological sites, at La Soledad de Maciel, with a huge ball court and an INAH site museum. -
Petatlán
· Town · 32 km away
A Costa Grande town known for its pilgrimage sanctuary of Padre Jesús and its gold shops; busiest in Holy Week.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.