Playa Las Gatas is one of those dreamy little beaches you just have to visit if you’re in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Tucked away in a serene corner of Zihuatanejo Bay, this beach is the perfect escape if you’re looking for a tranquil, beautiful beach. From its crystal-clear turquoise waters to its palm-fringed shoreline, Playa Las Gatas feels like stepping into a tropical postcard.
Not only is Playa Las Gatas filled with breathtaking scenery—it offers a unique blend of relaxation and activities. Whether you’re in the mood to lounge under a palm tree, explore the vibrant marine life while snorkeling, or savor some of the freshest seafood Mexico has to offer, there’s something here for everyone. And, thanks to its natural breakwater, the water is calm & perfect for a quick dip or lounging on a floatie.
While it’s one of the best beaches in the Ixtapa-Zihua area, getting to the beach is a process, as it’s is only accessible by boat or a pretty challenging hike. But don’t let the challenge fool you – the beach still gets quite popular, so try to plan your trip on a weekday to avoid the business of the weekends.
Zihuatanejo, or “Zihua” as the locals call it, is part of the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area, which includes the modern resort town of Ixtapa and the more traditional fishing village of Zihuatanejo. Whether you’re visiting either town for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, Playa Las Gatas is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing away.
Looking for a more detailed guide for your next trip to Zihua? Check out my post HERE with recommendations on hotels, restaurants, and more to explore.
What to Know Before Going
How to Get to Playa Las Gatas
- BY BOAT
- The beach is only accessible from Zihua by boat (or a pretty intense hike, which I wouldn’t recommend to the standard traveler).
- Water taxis leave from the main pier in Zihuatanejo starting at 8:00 AM and run until 5:00 PM. Tickets cost about $100 pesos per person, and you can grab them right at the dock. It’s a very easy process, with boats leaving quite often!
- If you want to have it all handled for you, you can book a tour through Viator HERE, which includes lunch!
- Beware of overpriced tours! Plenty of people will approach you to buy their tours, but it’s much cheaper to stick to the boats from the piers.
- BY HIKE
- There’s also a hiking trail you can take to access the beach. It’s a pretty rugged, steep route, so I wouldn’t recommend. Plus, I had asked around about where to access the trail, but was never pointed in the right direction. It didn’t seem to be a very accessible option.
Best Time to Visit
- You can visit Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo at any point in the year, as the temps are quite warm all year round, ranging from 67°F to 89°F.
- The warmest months re between May and Sept, and the coolest, between Dec and Feb. But, even during the cooler months, the lows are usually around 70°F.
- Try to go on a weekday if you can, as weekends can get super crowded, especially in the afternoons. Get there early, around 9AM, to soak up the peace before the beach fills up!
What to Bring
- Pack light, but make sure to bring beach essentials like sunscreen, a towel, snorkel gear if you have it!
- You can always rent snorkel gear on the beach, but I always pack my own when I plan to get out in the water!
Spend the Day at Playa Las Gatas
The Journey to Playa Las Gatas
The boat ride to Playa Las Gatas is short and sweet—just 20 minutes—but it’s a fun way to kick off your day. You’ll glide past fishing boats and take in beautiful views of Zihuatanejo Bay.
Once you step off the boat onto the tiny pier, you’ll be hit with stunning views of the beach. The water is clear, the sand is soft, and there’s plenty of palm trees lining the beach.
Head down to the furthest most point of the beach, away from the restaurants, to set up for your beach day. This is where the bulk of the palm trees are, and if feels like tropical oasis! And, if you’re here in the morning, you’ll likely have it just about to yourself! Plus, it’s the most beautiful backdrop for photos.
Snorkeling and Water Activities
The name “Las Gatas” comes from a local legend about nurse sharks (once called “gatas” by fishermen) that used to inhabit the waters here. But, today, it’s a safe and tranquil place for swimming and snorkeling, with a natural breakwater created by coral reefs that calm the waves.
If you’re into snorkeling, you’re definitely in for a treat! The water is clearest earlier in the day, so head out to explore right away. Keep an eye out for coral chunks—that’s where the fish like to hang out. Chances are, you’ll be able to spot some vibrant parrotfish, angelfish, and some other colorful fishies. If you don’t have your own gear, you can also rent from a few different vendors on the beach!
For the more adventurous, there’s a small underwater statue of Christ, known as “El Rey de Reyes.” The statue is located about 13 feet under the water, but you’ll be able to see if a few feet down! Sadly, I wasn’t able to find it, though. Other travelers mention tour guides that will take you out to see, so also keep an eye out for groups of people gathered around a paddle board. Chances are, that’s what they’re gathered around!
But, if you prefer to stay above the water, you can also rent some water sports for the day. There’s plenty of paddle board or kayak rentals along the beach, which is another great way to take in views of the surrounding hillsides.
Restaurants & Bars
There’s no need to pack a lunch or snacks for your trip, as the beach has plenty of restaurants to choose from, all offering fresh seafood and authentic Mexican dishes.
If you set up on the beach by the palm trees, you’ll have to walk back down the beach towards all the restaurants. We had a sweet family sitting next to us on the beach, and they watched our towels for us while we grabbed a bite!
Since a lot of the restaurants also offer beach chairs, you’ll likely sit behind some beach-goers. But, you’ll still have an amazing view while snacking. Make sure to grab a margarita, and you’ve got the ultimate beach meal.
We ended up at Restaurant Otilia, one of the closer beaches to the palm area. There’s tons of great options on the menus, with local favorites including ceviche, fish tacos, and grilled snapper. We tried the coconut shrimp, and let me tell you – it was a must get! They also have a fun pina colada drink that comes out in a pineapple!
On your walk back, find the bar on your left side that has a sign for fresh coconut drinks. How much more tropical can you get?! Plus, the bartenders are super sweet, and make a mean drink (and it’s cheaper than the restaurants)! If he likes you, you might just get an extra shot for free.
Heading Back
When it comes time to head back, just hop on a water taxi and enjoy the ride. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll already be plotting your next trip to this little slice of paradise. There’s something magical about Playa Las Gatas that keeps you wanting more.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to this beautiful region, Playa Las Gatas promises an unforgettable day by the sea. From snorkeling and kayaking to enjoying fresh seafood under the shade of a palm tree, there’s something for everyone to love at this stunning beach.
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