Friends, craving a low-key coastal escape with calm water and real-town flavor? Zihuatanejo, tucked into a protected, scalloped bay beside Ixtapa, delivers soft-sand beaches, mountain backdrops, and easy day trips.

Boutique stays cluster on hill and shore, water taxis zip across the bay, and mellow evenings unfold along a palm-shaded promenade.

Quick setup

Fly into ZIH (10–20 minutes by taxi; $10–$15). Base near Playa la Ropa for beach-first days, or the Centro/Paseo del Pescador for markets and dining. Boutique hotels and hillside casitas often run $80–$180 per night in shoulder seasons; beachfront suites trend higher. Most places accept cards; keep pesos for boats and small shops.

Playa Ropa

Zihua's signature 1.5-km crescent balances space and services. The gentle slope suits families; typical chair-and-umbrella sets rent for $8–$12 per day. Expect paddleboards, kayaks ($10–$15/hour), and floating time in warm, clear water. Shade is limited—bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. Arrive before 10:00 for the best front-row sand.

Las Gatas

Reach this snug cove by skiff from the municipal pier (boats depart every 12 minutes; round-trip $3–$4). The natural break keeps water calm for wading and snorkeling; bring your own gear or rent on site ($5–$8). A lighthouse walk from the east end rewards with bay-wide panoramas. Most waterfront restaurants offer loungers with a meal.

Ixtapa Island

From Playa Linda, grab the water taxi (cash, round-trip usually $3). Four beaches ring the isle; Cuachalalate is the classic for swimming and easy access to simple eateries. For snorkeling, stroll to Playa Coral's reef. Facilities are basic—pack water and small bills. Go early to beat day-trip crowds and for calmest conditions.

Xihuacan Site

History lovers, budget a half-day to La Soledad de Maciel (about 45–60 minutes by car; tours often $35–$60 per person). The small museum frames a vast ball court and platform remains from cultures that thrived here for millennia. Wear closed shoes, bring water, and time your visit for morning cool and softer light for photos.

Water fun

Kayak the inner bay on guided outings (2.5 hours, from $30–$45) that weave past rocky points to swim coves. Prefer self-guided? Hourly rentals line La Ropa. Motorized options—parasail or jet-ski; always check flags and avoid wildlife zones. Hydrate often; midday sun is intense year-round.

Dive time

Warm seas (often 80–82°F/27–28°C in summer) and easy boat access make Zihua friendly for first-timers and rewarding for certified divers. Two-tank trips commonly run $95–$135; discover dives for beginners start around $110–$140 with pool/shore training included. Typical sightings include rays, turtles, reef fish, and seasonal pelagics. Ask shops about small-group ratios.

Paseo del Pescador

This breezy waterfront path links the pier with Playa Madera. Come early (6:00–8:00) to see the day's catch laid out on tarps—snappers, mahi, and more—then return at dusk for people-watching and ocean views. Souvenir stands sell textiles and crafts; prices are friendlier than high-rise zones.

El Palmar

If you want classic wide-open surf and a long strolling strand, Ixtapa's Playa el Palmar delivers. Undertow can be strong—swim within flagged zones and heed lifeguards. Stronger swimmers enjoy bodysurfing; on winter mornings, watch for offshore spouts and splashes from migrating giants.

Playa Quieta

Fifteen minutes northwest of town, Quieta lives up to its name. Development is light, shade palms dot the sand, and waters are usually glassy thanks to Ixtapa Island's shelter. Bring snacks and water, or detour to nearby Playa Linda’s simple eateries. Sunset here is reliably golden and uncrowded.

Costa Grande Museum

Set on the Paseo del Pescador, this compact stop (modest entry fee, check hours) showcases regional pre-Hispanic life—ornamented shells, carved stone, and trade objects. It's an air-conditioned, 30-minute primer before or after Xihuacan, with concise bilingual labels.

Bike the ciclopista

Rent wheels in Ixtapa or Zihua and ride the 8-km path through a coastal green corridor. Expect shade, lagoons, and plenty of photo stops. Rentals usually cost $6–$10 per hour; guided rides start around $25–$40. Pack insect repellent and a light snack; kiosks are intermittent.

Whale season

From December to March, boat trips head out for humpback sightings (shared tours often $60–$90, 3–4 hours). Choose operators who keep respectful distances and limit time with any pod. Prefer land-based viewing? Bring binoculars to Playa Blanca or Barra de Potosí—broad horizons help you spot distant breaches.

Golf close by

Golfers can book tee times at two Ixtapa tracks. Palma Real (par 72) winds through palms with water carries; Marina Ixtapa (par 72) adds canal-side strategy. Greens fees vary widely by season and time ($60–$140; club rental extra). Early morning rounds beat heat and breeze.

What to eat

Zihua shines with ocean-fresh plates: try tiritas de pescado (lime-marinated fish with chilies and onion), shrimp grilled with garlic, or red snapper with coastal tomato-spice sauce. Many beachfront spots offer catch-of-the-day lunches from $8–$14. For dessert, look for fruit paletas or coconut-based sweets at simple stands.

Sailfest week

Each winter, Zihua Sailfest brings a flotilla, music, and community fundraisers supporting local education. Expect sunset bay cruises (prices vary), a friendly cook-off, and open-deck tours. It's a festive way to meet locals and visiting mariners while contributing to classroom projects.

Conclusion

Zihuatanejo blends calm coves, island hops, and living history with a walkable, welcoming pace. Whether you're plotting lazy-day swims or mixing in ruins, bikes, and boats, which combo suits your style—three beach days and one inland, or a little of everything every day? Share your dates and interests, and a right-sized, tide-timed plan can come together.