Ixtapa Island: The Perfect Day Trip to Isla Ixtapa (Guide)

If you ask me about places to visit in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, one of my recommendations is to visit Ixtapa Island. In this guide, I explain how to get to Ixtapa Island and what to do once you arrive.

Ixtapa Island (Isla Ixtapa)

Ixtapa Island is a small island located on the coast of Mexico, just in front of Playa Linda in Ixtapa, Guerrero. It’s only about 25 minutes from Zihuatanejo.

There are three beaches ideal for swimming and many water activities in family. If you are traveling with children, the gentle waves of the island’s beaches are perfect. At Playa Coral, you can snorkel and see the coral reefs, walk along the trails to other beaches, and you could even spot rabbits and deer!

The food on Ixtapa Island is delightful. My family and I loved the fish “a la talla”, which is grilled marinated fish served with tortillas, salad, and your choice of beer, piña colada, or Coke. There are so many other great dishes to try, so you’re sure to find something you love.

You can take a day trip to Ixtapa Island, or you can go on your own. It’s up to you. If you go on your own, you have more control over your trip. You can choose where to eat, what activities to do, and how long to stay.

If you’re a traveler who doesn’t want to stress about getting to Isla Ixtapa or planning your trip, check out my tour recommendation.

How to get to Ixtapa Island

To get to Ixtapa Island, head to the Playa Linda pier and take a water taxi. Departures are from 8 am to 5 pm every day, except in bad weather. The ticket costs 80 pesos (about $4-$5 USD) and includes the round trip. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes.

There are two piers on Ixtapa Island, so be sure to tell the driver which beach you want to go to: Playa Cuachalalate or Playa Varadero, which is the main beach.

To get to Playa Linda, take public transportation that says “Playa Linda”. This will work whether you are in Zihuatanejo or the Ixtapa hotel zone. The quickest option is to take a taxi. Both will drop you right in front of the Cocodrilario (crocodile sanctuary) and the handicraft market.

You can get to Isla Ixtapa from Zihuatanejo by taking a boat. The boat ride is about an hour long and departs from the main pier in Zihuatanejo Bay.

You can also get to Island from Playa Quieta. There are several boats that offer special trips to the island. The cost is a bit higher, but many people think it’s worth it, especially if you’re already at Playa Quieta. This beach is located next to Playa Linda.

Tips:

Get there early. If you arrive early to the pier, you’ll avoid the crowds. You’ll also be able to find the best spot on the beach and your favorite restaurant. You’ll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet before everyone else shows up. Just be aware that the island gets busy from noon on.
Visit the island midweek. If you can, avoid visiting the island on weekends or holidays, when it’s really crowded. This way, you won’t have to wait in line for the boat or to wait too long for your food to arrive.
Think about what you need before you go. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit, sunscreen, and hat. You’ll also want to bring your medication and any other essentials. Or if you are bringing someone with mobility issues, keep in mind that they may face certain difficulties, such as boarding the boat and getting to restaurants, as there is no pavement.

Beaches in Ixtapa Island

On Ixtapa Island, you can go to any beach you want. There are three main beaches, where you can swim and do water activities.

Playa Varadero

This is the main beach on Isla Ixtapa. There are restaurants all along the beach where you can leave your stuff and eat some great food. The waves are really calm, so you can swim without a worry.

Playa Coral

This beautiful beach, located behind Playa Varadero, is perfect for snorkeling. You can see all sorts of colorful fish and coral reefs. There are no boats or anything else here. It’s all so natural. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful beaches on Ixtapa Island.

Playa Cuachalalate

This beach is named after the tree that is abundant in the area. From this beach, you can see the Ixtapa hotel zone. You can do water activities and it’s a great place to escape the noise of the city.

Things to Do in Ixtapa Island

On Ixtapa Island, you can enjoy many water activities, such as swimming in the beach, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, exploring the island, eating, relaxing, or riding the banana.

Snorkeling in Playa Coral

The water is crystal clear, so you can see everything when you snorkel. There are tons of colorful coral reefs and fish to see

You can rent snorkeling gear at any restaurant on Playa Coral. Most of them take credit cards.

You can explore the reef on your own or with a guide. Your restaurant can hook you up with a guide for an extra fee. They’ll take you out on a boogie board with a small group and show you where to look. If you know how to swim and want to take your time, you can explore the reef on your own.

Try Pescado a la talla

”Pescado a la talla” is a traditional dish from the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It’s a fish that’s split in half, marinated with a special sauce, and then grilled over hot coals. The fish is turned several times until it’s perfectly cooked. The restaurant showed us the size of the fish, and we decided that two would be enough for our group of 7. They can help you choose the right size and tell you the prices.

Besides fish, you can find a wide variety of dishes: tiritas de pescado, campechanas, shrimp, lobster, octopus, and more. The food is cooked over wood, so it has a really unique and delicious flavor. And don’t forget the refreshing drinks!

Walk on the trails of Ixtapa Island

If you’re into hiking and exploring, you can do that on Ixtapa Island. Hike the trails that connect the beaches, and you might see some wildlife like iguanas, squirrels, rabbits, and deer.

Get a relaxing massage

There’s nothing quite like a massage. If you’re feeling stressed, why not treat yourself to an outdoor massage?

Relax while gazing at the ocean

Just the sound of the gentle waves on the island is relaxing. The island is so peaceful and serene. You can sit for hours just staring at the ocean. Some restaurants even have hammocks where you can kick back and take a snooze.

Ride a Banana Boat

In Playa Varadero, you can take a ride on a banana boat or an inflatable chair. The adventure is definitely worth it you can share the experience with your friends.

Where to stay in Ixtapa?

If you’re looking for a hotel near Ixtapa Island, I recommend Playa Linda. The hotels have modern rooms and plenty of amenities. Here’s a list of accommodations near La Isla.

Azul Ixtapa All Inclusive Resort

The Azul Ixtapa All Inclusive Resort, nestled on a hillside in Ixtapa, Mexico, just 5 km from the Downtown Ixtapa, redefines the luxury experience. With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, where rock formations adorn the bay, this exclusive resort captivates with its elegance and comfort. Immerse yourself in delight with three pools and a children's water park, while those looking to blend work and pleasure enjoy a state-of-the-art business center. A sanctuary where tropical sophistication reaches its zenith.

Playa El Palmar

Las Brisas Ixtapa

Las Brisas Ixtapa, situated 4.4 km from Zihuatanejo, offers air-conditioned rooms with complimentary parking. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, a specialty restaurant, and a relaxing outdoor pool. Some rooms feature a private bathroom with a hot tub, while others include bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. Certain accommodations come with a seating area and/or terrace or balcony. Las Brisas Ixtapa provides free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. A perfect retreat to indulge in exceptional amenities with stunning views in Ixtapa.

Playa Vista Hermosa

Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa

Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa is located in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, perched on a cliff with ocean views. The resort features 3 restaurants, a bar, a full-service spa, and rooms with small private pools. This hotel is ranked among the top 100 hotels and resorts in the world.

Playa Linda

Emporio Ixtapa

Hotel Emporio Ixtapa is situated on a private beach overlooking Palmar Bay, offering an exceptional experience. With a spacious outdoor pool, full-service spa, and well-equipped rooms with minibars, the hotel ensures comfort and relaxation. Opt for the all-inclusive option and enjoy amenities like 24-hour room service.

Playa El Palmar

Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive, an IHG Hotel

The Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All Inclusive, situated on Ixtapa Beach, boasts an outdoor pool, spa, and gym with a terrace offering breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. The bright, modernly decorated rooms are equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV, some providing garden or ocean views.

Playa El Palmar

Tesoro Ixtapa Beach Resort

Tesoro Ixtapa Beach Resort offers a unique experience with its stunning panoramic ocean views, private beach, and expansive outdoor pool, complemented by tourist information services. The resort combines the best of international and Mexican cuisine, nightly entertainment, and rooms equipped with a minibar. Rooms, featuring satellite TV, provide views of the garden or ocean.

Playa El Palmar

Complete Guide: Hotels in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Final Recommendations

Whether you’re coming for a weekend trip to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo or for more days, consider visiting Ixtapa Island. Here are more guides to help you plan your next adventure.

I hope this post has been helpful for you. If you have more questions, send me a message and I might write an article about it.