Beaches in Ixtapa – Playas El Palmar, Linda, Ixtapa Island

Beaches (playas) in and around Ixtapa

Playa el Palmar

Ixtapa, as a tourist destination, was developed starting in the 1970’s (along with other resorts such as Cancun and Huatulco). Before the Federal Government decided to build a world-class resort, this main Ixtapa beach was just a 3 km long stretch of sand, backed by lagoons and coconut plantations.

Ixtapa’s main boulevard, Paseo Ixtapa runs behind the major hotels lining the beach. On the other side of the boulevard is what might be called “downtown” Ixtapa where you will find every kind of restaurant, bar, souvenir shop and other activities. Other large resorts have been developed a little further north around the beach Playa Quieta. A word of caution regarding this beach. As Playa el Palmar, along with many other beaches in the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area, is on the open Pacific ocean and thus can be subject to dangerous breaking surf and strong undertows. While lifeguards are stationed along the beach, common sense should prevail, especially with small children.

Beach activities of course include volleyball, football (soccer), para sailing, boogie boarding, and at the far end, near the marina, surfing.

Playa Linda

Moving up the coast, north from Ixtapa is Playa Linda. Only a quick 10 or 15 minute bus ride from the main Ixtapa hotel zone, the southern end of the beach has an area of restaurants and a small arts and crafts market. Jutting out from this end of the beach is the pier where water taxis shuttle people back and forth to Isla Ixtapa.

Just before reaching the reaching the beach and the small commercial center, there is a mangrove swamp that is home to a good number of crocodiles as well as turtle, iguanas and a variety of birds. Set aside as a sanctuary for these animals, it is completely fenced. The beach proper stretches north some distance. The southern end of the beach is protected by Isla Ixtapa and is thus good for swimming. The northern end of the beach is better for surfing. Playa Linda also has horseback riding stables offering trips along the beach.

Ixtapa Island is all about snorkeling. Home to 4 separate beaches there is a bit of everything – seafood restaurants, coral beaches and winding paths affording a variety of views. As for watersports, apart from snorkeling of course, there is parasailing, jet skis, and banana boat rides.

Isla Ixtapa is accessible by small water taxis (pangas) that currently ferry passengers between it and the pier at Playa Quieta in Ixtapa. Boats are also available from the pier in downtown Zihuatanejo .

• Cuachalalate beach is the first beach on Ixtapa Island. All the boats from the mainland arrive here and the small pier. The beach is lined with seafood restaurants. Banana boats, jet skis and snorkel equipment are all available on this beach.

• Varadero beach is just a couple of minutes walk away. Also well populated with restaurants and various water sports.

• Playa Coral is the most popular, and protected, beach for snorkeling.
• Playa Carey or Playa Sacrificio is the most secluded beach of the four. The walk through the hills and the spectacular views alone are worth the effort.

This is one of a series of articles on the beaches of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. The others are:

• Beaches in Zihuatanejo
• Beaches Outside Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo