Zihuatanejo

Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
02/08/2025
Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo.
Wiper México, Wikimedia Commons

Zihuatanejo is a charming coastal town on Mexico's Pacific coast, offering an authentic Mexican experience with a laid-back atmosphere. It attracts visitors seeking pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Opportunities for socializing can be found in the lively downtown area, particularly along the Paseo del Pescador, which features restaurants and bars. Busy bars near the marina, such as Kokomo Bar and Bandido's, offer a traveler atmosphere with music and dancing, while Playa Madera also hosts beachfront restaurants.

Top 6 Things to do in Zihuatanejo

In Zihuatanejo, one can immerse themselves in a blend of tranquil beach days, engaging cultural explorations, and thrilling aquatic adventures.

1. Snorkeling and Beach Day at Playa Las Gatas

Playa Las Gatas offers exceptionally clear, calm waters, ideal for snorkeling and swimming thanks to its natural breakwater. Under the surface, colorful fish and vibrant coral formations create a captivating underwater world. Beyond the water, the beach is lined with open-air restaurants where one can enjoy fresh seafood and relax. It is recommended to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Cost: Access to Playa Las Gatas by water taxi from Zihuatanejo's main pier costs approximately 100 to 150 Mexican pesos for a round trip. Snorkel equipment can be rented from shacks on the beach. For a guided experience, snorkeling tours that include equipment, a guide, and sometimes lunch and drinks, typically range from $37.75 to $89 USD per person.

Transport: The primary way to reach Playa Las Gatas is by water taxi from the main pier in Zihuatanejo. Boats depart frequently, from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, with the ride lasting 10 to 20 minutes. While a hiking trail from Playa La Ropa exists, it is considered challenging and not generally recommended for most visitors.

2. Sport Fishing Excursion

Zihuatanejo is renowned for its world-class sport fishing. Whether pursuing large game like marlin, sailfish, tuna, or mahi-mahi offshore, or engaging in small-game fishing closer to shore for species such as yellowtails and Spanish mackerel, the waters offer a rich bounty. Charters typically provide all necessary equipment and bait, ensuring a complete fishing experience.

Cost: The cost for a private sport fishing charter varies depending on duration and boat size. A 4-hour private trip averages around $299 USD, while an 8-hour private trip can cost approximately $385 USD. Some larger, longer charters (7 hours deep sea) may cost between $465 and $595 USD, while smaller boats for 2 to 8 people could be around $200 to $300 USD for a full-day fishing and snorkeling expedition.

Transport: Sport fishing charters typically depart directly from the Zihuatanejo pier, which is centrally located and accessible.

3. Baby Turtle Release

Participating in a baby turtle release is a memorable and heartwarming experience. Local conservation camps, such as Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli, offer the opportunity to learn about marine turtle conservation efforts and assist in releasing hatchlings into the ocean at sunset, contributing to their journey to adulthood.

Cost: A small donation is usually requested for participation, typically around 200 Mexican pesos for adults and 100 Mexican pesos for children.

Transport: The Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli is situated on Playa Blanca, approximately 30 minutes from Zihuatanejo town. It is advisable to arrange a fixed-price taxi service for a round trip to ensure convenient transportation.

4. Explore Local Markets

Immerse yourself in Zihuatanejo's vibrant daily life by exploring its local markets. The Mercado Municipal (Central Market) is a bustling hub for fresh produce, local foods, and everyday goods, offering an authentic cultural experience. The Artisans' Market on Calle Cinco de Mayo is perfect for discovering handmade crafts, including pottery, wood carvings, and textiles, which make unique souvenirs. Additionally, the daily fish market along the Paseo del Pescador provides a lively spectacle of local fishermen selling their fresh catches.

Cost: Costs vary based on purchases. Bargaining is a common practice at the Artisans' Market, where most items are handmade.

Transport: Both the Mercado Municipal and the Artisans' Market are conveniently located in downtown Zihuatanejo, easily reachable by walking from most central accommodations. Public buses also provide access to the Mercado Municipal.

5. Relax and Play at Playa La Ropa

Playa La Ropa is recognized as one of Zihuatanejo's most beautiful beaches, characterized by its gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming and various water sports. The shoreline is dotted with numerous restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood, many offering complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas to patrons. For a truly indulgent experience, beachside massage tents provide relaxing treatments with the soothing sound of the ocean.

Cost: Water sports activities such as parasailing range from 350 to 600 Mexican pesos. Stand-up paddleboard rentals are typically 300 Mexican pesos per hour, and a banana boat ride costs 100 Mexican pesos per person. An hour-long beach massage is generally priced between 300 and 400 Mexican pesos.

Transport: Playa La Ropa is located just south of the main town. It is a short taxi ride away or can be reached by a pleasant but hilly 20-minute walk from the central Zihuatanejo area or Playa Madera.

6. Scuba Diving at Los Morros de Potosí

For avid divers, a trip to Los Morros de Potosí offers an exceptional underwater adventure. This popular dive site features distinctive rock formations and a vibrant array of marine life. Zihuatanejo's waters are known for being warm, having good visibility, and generally lacking strong currents, making it a suitable destination for divers of all levels, including beginners.

Cost: A two-dive trip to Los Morros de Potosí typically costs around $125 USD per person. Some operators offer a more extensive three-dive experience that includes lunch and snacks for approximately $175 USD. Prices usually cover rental gear and a certified guide.

Transport: Dive tours for Los Morros de Potosí usually embark by boat from the Zihuatanejo pier, which is a central departure point for marine excursions.

Check out our other pages on Zihuatanejo

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