Local Water Sports – Snorkeling

"Zihuatanejo is home to some wonderful snorkeling spots offered at a very low price."

-- K.L. Moore --

For those of you who love to swim with the fish, you are in the right place at the right time. Zihuatanejo is home to some wonderful snorkeling spots offered at a very low price. Listed in this article are three of the most popular ones.

First, we have Las Gatas, the isolated beach located across Zihuatanejo Bay. Las Gatas has a coral reef which protects the beach, creating an easy relaxing place to swim and snorkel. The legend about the beach gives us some answers as to why the coral reef is there.

According to the story, Calzóntzin, a Tarascan emperor, created a barrier of stone to keep the waves down in order to create a swimming pool for his little princesses. That stone barrier is now a great place to take in the schools of tropical fish swimming through, as well watching the life on an active coral reef. Las Gatas can be reached by boat from the pier ($25 pesos round trip) or you can walk there; it is a slippery rocky path located at the end of Playa La Ropa. The local vendors walk it twice a day and seem to have no problems. Most of the restaurants and the one dive shop on the beach rent out snorkel equipment starting from $40 pesos.

Isla Ixtapa, the second location for snorkeling in the area, hosts an abundance of species of fish because several underwater currents converge here. In the summertime, whales and manta rays have been spotted. The currents here can be very strong, especially on the side of the island facing the open ocean, so keep this in mind if you are not a very strong swimmer. The side of the island facing the beach is calmer and easier to snorkel. Restaurants are on both sides of the islands and rent out snorkel equipment starting at about $40 pesos. Located in Ixtapa, the island can only be reached by boat from the pier at Playa Linda. The cost of the round trip ticket is $25 pesos. To get to Playa Linda from Zihuatanejo, you can take one of the buses marked ‘Playa Linda’ from the bus stop at the end of Benito Juárez for 4 pesos. The trip takes about 45 minutes. Or, you can take a taxi from Central Zihuatanejo at a cost of $100 pesos and be there in fifteen minutes. From Ixtapa, take the bus marked ‘Playa Linda’ for 3 pesos or a taxi for $70 pesos.

Playa Manzanilla, the third location, is about a 45-minute boat ride from Zihuatanejo. It is a secluded white sand beach and is a great spot to snorkel. On a clear day, visibility can be up to 35 feet. The coral reef located here is huge and very very active. The beach itself is located between the entrance to Zihuatanejo Bay and Playa Larga. There are several area boat charters to the beach and the prices range, depending on how luxurious you would like your boat ride to be.

***Note, this beach is secluded, you will need to bring your own snorkel gear, or, if, on a charter, they will be provided to you. A highly recommended spot for those interested in active coral reefs.

Just a note of caution, remember coral reefs are living entities and a home for many different species of marine life. Touching the coral can cause damage to the reef.

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