Isla Ixtapa
A tropical paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling, and scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Isla Ixtapa
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tropical paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling, and scenic trails.
"Fun little island. Great food. Great water rides. Great views. Great snorkeling on the backside of the island."
Boat Ride Adventure
Quick and scenic boat trip to the island. Enjoy the ocean breeze! :boat:
Snorkel Paradise
Playa Coral offers fantastic snorkeling. Bring your gear or rent it there! :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa Coral Snorkeling
North side of the island
Vibrant underwater world with diverse marine life. Perfect for snorkelers of all levels.
Playa Cuachalalate
Most frequented beach
Beautiful sandy shores with calm waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Island Exploration
The entire island
Hike scenic trails, discover hidden coves, and enjoy panoramic ocean views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Day Trip Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Ride Adventure
Quick and scenic boat trip to the island. Enjoy the ocean breeze! :boat:
Snorkel Paradise
Playa Coral offers fantastic snorkeling. Bring your gear or rent it there! :fish:
Beachfront Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood at island restaurants, though prices can be high. :shrimp:
Sun Protection is Key
Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for a full day in the sun. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Ride Adventure
Quick and scenic boat trip to the island. Enjoy the ocean breeze! :boat:
Snorkel Paradise
Playa Coral offers fantastic snorkeling. Bring your gear or rent it there! :fish:
Beachfront Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood at island restaurants, though prices can be high. :shrimp:
Sun Protection is Key
Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for a full day in the sun. :sunwithface:
Explore on Foot
The island is walkable; wear comfortable shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Isla Ixtapa is a highly-rated day-trip destination, praised for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling at Playa Coral, and enjoyable boat ride. Visitors appreciate the calm waters for swimming and the relaxed island atmosphere. Some note that dining can be pricey and occasionally affected by restaurant supply boats.
"Fun little island. Great food. Great water rides. Great views. Great snorkeling on the backside of the island. Good day-trip destination."
Tim Hubbard
"Fast and easy boat ride to the island. There are plenty of places to sit on the beach that have umbrellas and lunch. Not so rough water, good swimming, snorkeling, and sea shell hunting."
Brandi Dutton
"Nice island for a day trip from the mainland. The water taxi takes a couple of minutes to get you to Playa Veradero so that you can walk through to Playa Coral to snorkel. There are many restaurants but they aren't cheap."
Nadine Cannell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Isla Ixtapa is via a short and frequent boat ride from the mainland, typically from the Ixtapa marina or Zihuatanejo. The journey is quick, usually just a few minutes, offering scenic views of the coast. 
The boat ride is generally smooth and enjoyable, providing a pleasant introduction to the island's beauty. It's a fast and efficient way to reach your destination.
Yes, water taxis are the primary mode of transport to Isla Ixtapa. They operate regularly from the mainland, making it easy to visit for the day.
No, you cannot take a bus directly to Isla Ixtapa. The island is only accessible by boat from the mainland.
The boat ride to Isla Ixtapa is very short, typically only a few minutes, making it a convenient excursion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal entrance ticket for Isla Ixtapa itself. You will pay for the boat ride to get to the island, and then you can access the beaches and amenities.
Isla Ixtapa is generally accessible during daylight hours, as it's a day-trip destination. The water taxis operate throughout the day, but it's best to check their last departure times.
The beaches on Isla Ixtapa are free to access once you arrive. Your main cost will be the boat transportation and any food or activities you choose.
Boat tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the departure point. It's advisable to have cash on hand for these transactions.
Generally, there are no major restrictions for visiting Isla Ixtapa, but it's always good to be mindful of local regulations and environmental guidelines.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Playa Cuachalalate is known for its calm waters, making it excellent for swimming. Playa Varadero is also a good option for a relaxed swim.
Yes, Isla Ixtapa is highly recommended for snorkeling, especially at Playa Coral on the north side, which boasts a rich marine ecosystem.
You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, hiking, and exploring the island's natural beauty. Some water sports may also be available.
Yes, Isla Ixtapa has several restaurants offering fresh seafood and local dishes. However, be aware that they can be on the pricier side.
The island is quite walkable, allowing you to explore its different beaches and enjoy the scenery on foot.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and scenic viewpoints. Playa Coral and the island's trails offer picturesque settings.
Isla Ixtapa offers beautiful aerial perspectives, making it a great location for drone photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide softer light for photography, with sunsets offering particularly dramatic views.
Absolutely! If you have an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case, you can capture amazing photos of the diverse marine life at Playa Coral.
Generally, photography is welcomed. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy and any posted signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The short boat ride is also an exciting adventure for kids. Pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, as the sun can be intense. While there are restaurants, bringing some familiar snacks might be a good idea for picky eaters. 🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
+1 Consider bringing your own mask and snorkel for comfort, or rent them on the island. The north side of the island, near Morro Colorado, is especially recommended for its diving and snorkeling opportunities. ☀️ Beach Lovers
+1 The island provides a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a day of pure beach bliss. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Isla Ixtapa's Beaches
+1 Playa Cuachalalate is another popular choice, frequently cited as the most frequented beach, offering a tranquil environment for sunbathing and swimming. For those seeking underwater adventures, Playa Coral is the undisputed highlight. Located on the northern part of the island, it's renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a prime spot for snorkeling. +2While the beaches are the main draw, the island itself is a natural paradise. Visitors can explore the island on foot, discovering its lush vegetation and enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The trails offer a chance to connect with nature and find quieter spots away from the main beach areas.
The island's accessibility and diverse offerings make it a perfect destination for a day of sun, sea, and exploration. Snorkeling and Marine Life at Playa Coral
+1 It's considered one of the best spots for snorkeling in the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area, offering an accessible underwater world for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. +1When you visit Playa Coral, you can expect to see colorful fish, and if you're lucky, perhaps even sea turtles or rays. The area known as Morro Colorado on the north side of the island is particularly noted for its diving and snorkeling potential.
While some visitors bring their own gear, rentals are often available. Remember to treat the marine environment with respect to help preserve its beauty for future visitors. Dining and Amenities on Isla Ixtapa
Visitors often praise the fresh seafood available, making it a popular choice for lunch. While the island provides amenities like beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, some reviews mention that the delivery boats for restaurants can sometimes be in front of the swimming areas, potentially causing minor disruptions or fuel smells.
Social
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