Nestled just off the Pacific coast of Mexico, Ixtapa Island is a slice of tropical paradise waiting to be explored. With its calm, turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, this island offers a perfect little retreat off of the mainland. An Ixtapa Island day trip is a must-do on your next vacation to Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo!

Spend the day hopping between beaches, snorkeling around the coral reefs, or simply soaking up the sun while sipping on a little cocktail. The island has three beaches to choose from, and you can’t

Or, if you’re looking for a more in-depth overview of all things to do in Zihuatanejo, check out my guide HERE.

What To Know Before Going To Ixtapa Island

How To Get To Ixtapa Island

Similarly to many other day trip locations around the Ixtapa-Zihua area, there will be many tour operators charging a pretty penny to get to the island. But, you can easily just jump on a boat from the pier at Playa Linda for only $100 pesos per person (about $5 USD).

If you’re staying in Zihua, the pier is about a 30-minute drive. From Ixtapa, you’re likely only a maximum 10-minute drive. All taxis in the area will know where you need to go – they’re quite used to taking people to Ixtapa Island!

Once you get to the pier, you can buy a ticket at the main stand, and head to the end of the pier to wait your turn to board a boat. They operate from 8:30am – 5pm, and load up boats every 10-minutes.

It’s a quick 10-min boat ride from their pier, and you’ll be dropped off at one of two main landing points – Playa Varadero or Playa Cuachalalate. The island is small, so don’t feel pressured to chose where you’ll spend all day, as you can easily walk between all beaches on the island.

If you’re looking to visit during peak season, I’d reccomend arriving at Playa Linda as early as you can to get a jump start on the crowds.

What To Bring

• Beach Accessories
  • Sunscreen, Hat, Water Shoes, Snorkeling Gear (can be rented on the island), Towel, Change of Clothes
• Cash
  • It’s always good to keep small bills on hand for tipping, renting gear, and buying snacks or souvenirs
• Underwater Phone case
  • If you can, order one in advance, but you can also buy one from someone selling on the pier before getting on the boat the Ixtapa Island. You’ll want this while snorkeling – the water is so clear, you can get photos of all the fish you’ll see easily!
• Bug Spray
  • Especially helpful in the evenings, when mosquitos come out!

Other Things To Be Aware Of

• Arrival Time
  • The beaches tend to fill up around noon, so make sure to get on an early boat to secure a prime spot at your preferred beach
• Food and Drinks
  • The island is dotted with beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood, drinks, and snacks like grilled fish and ceviche, so no need to pack food
  • All restaurants on the island sell alcohol, and there’s even a bar that sells drinks in freshly chopped down coconuts
• Additional Costs
  • Keep in mind that the activities on the island all come with a fee (though not crazy compared to US prices!). Rental snorkeling gear, lounge chairs, or water sports activities are all extra, and mostly will need to be paid in cash. Some restaurants also require a minimum spend to use their beach chairs.

What to Do: Explore the Island’s Beaches

Beaches at Ixtapa Island

Ixtapa Island is home to three main beaches, each offering its own unique charm and activities. Spend your day beach-hopping to make the most of everything this island has to offer. The island is small and easily walkable, so you can explore all three beaches without needing additional transportation.

• Playa Varadero
  • This is the first beach your boat will come to, and is the main arrival & depature point for Ixtapa Island. Because of this, it has pretty heavy boat traffic. There’s plenty of restaurants here, though, as well as water activities.
  • If you plan to take advantage of the water sports, definitely stay here for a bit. You can hop on a banana boat rides or rend a paddle board to explore the waters.
• Playa Coral
  • Known for incredible snorkeling with it’s crystal-clear water, Playa Coral is a must-visit. We ended up spending most of our day here!
  • The beach’s calm, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it the best spot on the island for underwater exploration. You can bring your own gear or rent on-site to see the colorful fish and coral up close. They have guides available to bring you to the best spots, so definitely recommend going out with a guide!
  • But, keep in mind that the coral can be sharp, so water shoes are highly recommended.
• Playa Cuachalalate
  • Facing the Ixtapa hotel zone, Playa Cuachalalate is the perfect place to relax in a beachfront chair while enjoying some seafood and drinks from one of the many restaurants. With calm, relaxing waves and shallow waters, it’s great to take a dip in. This beach also offers some water sports, too!
  • The beach’s namesake Cuachalaláte trees provide shade, and make it great for relaxing in the afternoon. We spent the rest of our time on the island here!

Full-Day Exploring Ixtapa Island

Try to arrive at Playa Linda by 9:00 AM to catch one of the first boats to the island. To fully experience all parts of Ixtapa Island, start your day early at Playa Coral for snorkeling, as the waters are calmest in the morning. You’ll get nice clear waters, before the day gets busy and the water gets cloudy.

Renting snorkeling gear costs around $150 MXN, and if you opt for a guided snorkeling tour, expect to pay approximately $300 MXN per person.

Around lunchtime, make your way to Playa Cuachalalate, where you can relax at one of the beachfront restaurants. Snack on some freshly grilled fish platters, ceviche or my personal favorite, coconut shrimp. Most restaurants offer lounge chairs on the beach, and require a minimum spend of about $250 MXN – which isn’t hard to hit with some snacks & a drink. After lunch, head to the water and take advantage of the water sports they offer, like jet skiing or riding on a banana boat.

In the late afternoon, make your way to Playa Varadero to soak up the fun atmosphere. You can go out on a glass-bottom boat ride for around $200 MXN or simply unwind with a cocktail as you watch the waves lap the shore. Since this is one of the beaches that the boats arrive and leave from, you’ll be able to jump back on a boat from this beach to the pier whenever you’re done with the day.

As you explore across the different beaches, keep an eye out for iguanas and tropical birds that roam around the island!

Is Ixtapa Island Worth It?

When in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa Island is a must destination that combines adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re snorkeling through vibrant coral reefs or swimming in the calm waters, this tropical getaway offers a little something for everyone!