Playa Coral Isla Ixtapa
Discover vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters at Playa Coral, Isla Ixtapa, a snorkeling paradise teeming with marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Playa Coral Isla Ixtapa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters at Playa Coral, Isla Ixtapa, a snorkeling paradise teeming with marine life.
"The water is crystal clear and the beach is very clean. You can see fish right on the shore!"
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The sand is coarse with shells; water shoes are a must for comfortable walking.
💰 Bring Cash for Tips
Boat drivers may request tips; have small bills ready for island transport.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Near the shore
Discover a kaleidoscope of marine life just steps from the beach, perfect for an impromptu snorkel session.
Crystal Clear Waters
The entire beach
Immerse yourself in incredibly clear, blue waters teeming with colorful fish, offering excellent visibility for swimmers.
Snorkeling Adventures
Designated snorkel areas
Explore the underwater world with guided snorkel tours to witness diverse fish species and the vibrant coral ecosystem.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Boat Tips
Footwear for the Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The sand is coarse with shells; water shoes are a must for comfortable walking.
💰 Bring Cash for Tips
Boat drivers may request tips; have small bills ready for island transport.
🐠 Snorkel Gear Rental
Rent snorkel gear for the day to explore the abundant marine life.
☀️ Seek Natural Shade
Limited shade available; consider purchasing from restaurants for a spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The sand is coarse with shells; water shoes are a must for comfortable walking.
💰 Bring Cash for Tips
Boat drivers may request tips; have small bills ready for island transport.
🐠 Snorkel Gear Rental
Rent snorkel gear for the day to explore the abundant marine life.
☀️ Seek Natural Shade
Limited shade available; consider purchasing from restaurants for a spot.
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful beach pristine by taking all your waste with you.
🧴 Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect marine life by using reef-safe sunscreen or avoiding it altogether.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Coral is celebrated for its stunningly clear waters and accessible coral reefs, making it a prime spot for snorkeling right off the beach. Visitors appreciate the vibrant marine life and the overall beauty of the island. However, some find the sand uncomfortable for bare feet and note that boat drivers may frequently request tips, increasing the overall cost of the visit.
"Good place for people to snorkel, the power of the ocean can move you around a bit. There is shade if you are willing to buy a drink or food. Snorkeling gear cost 209 pesos per person for the day."
Nadine Cannell
"We had a great time at this beautiful beach! Crystal cleat water! We saw clown fish and other beautiful fish! It's very busy on the weekends!"
Lilian Resendez
"This beach is beautiful; you can see fish right on the shore because the coral is so close. You can snorkel. The water is crystal clear and the beach is very clean. There are restaurants where you can eat. The only thing I didn't like is that you pay for a ticket to get to the island, but the boat drivers ask for tips when you get on and off, both on the way there and on the way back. You end up paying more than the ticket costs. They claim to be volunteers, but they keep asking you for money. It would be better if they raised the ticket price, but they shouldn't be harassing you with their tip requests."
Silvia Mora
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Playa Coral on Isla Ixtapa, you'll need to take a boat from Playa Linda. The boat ride is part of the experience, offering scenic views as you approach the island.
The boat ticket to Isla Ixtapa typically costs around $100 pesos per person. However, be aware that boat drivers may also request tips for assistance with boarding and disembarking.
Yes, there is a ticket fee to access Isla Ixtapa, which covers your entry to the island. This is separate from the boat fare.
No, Isla Ixtapa is only accessible by boat from Playa Linda. You will need to park your vehicle at Playa Linda before boarding.
The boat trip to Isla Ixtapa is relatively short, usually taking about 10-15 minutes, offering a quick and scenic journey to the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the boat to Isla Ixtapa can usually be purchased at Playa Linda on the day of your visit. It's advisable to arrive earlier, especially on weekends, to avoid long queues.
Boats typically run throughout the day from morning until late afternoon. It's best to check the last departure times from the island to ensure you don't miss the return trip.
Currently, there are no widely advertised special passes or discounts for Playa Coral. The standard boat ticket and potential tips are the primary costs.
The island entry ticket primarily covers your access to Isla Ixtapa. Amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, and food/drinks are usually separate purchases from vendors.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally expected that visitors will patronize the local restaurants and vendors on the island. Bringing a reusable water bottle is always a good idea.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Playa Coral is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities, allowing you to see vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species right from the shore.
The waters at Playa Coral are generally clear and blue, making it suitable for swimming. However, be mindful of the ocean's power, as currents can sometimes be strong. +1
Snorkeling gear is available for rent directly on Playa Coral. The cost is approximately 209 pesos per person for the day.
Yes, there are restaurants on Playa Coral where you can purchase food and drinks. The prices are considered reasonable compared to some mainland restaurants. +1
Shade is limited at Playa Coral. You can secure a shaded spot by purchasing drinks or food from the beachfront restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning photos of the clear blue waters, the vibrant marine life visible from the shore, and the scenic island landscape. Drone shots can also offer unique perspectives.
Absolutely! Playa Coral is ideal for underwater photography and videography due to its clear waters and abundant marine life. Bring your waterproof camera or phone case.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour shots.
Drone usage is permitted and can capture breathtaking aerial views of the island and its beaches, as seen in some social media content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring water shoes for everyone, as the coarse sand and shells can be uncomfortable for little feet.
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
+1 You'll find a good variety of fish species, and the clear waters provide excellent visibility. Consider renting gear for the full day (around 209 pesos) to maximize your exploration time.
Be prepared for the ocean's natural currents, and always prioritize safety while enjoying the underwater spectacle. Budget-Conscious Travelers
Snorkel gear rental is reasonably priced at approximately 209 pesos for the day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling Paradise: Exploring Playa Coral's Underwater World
For the best experience, consider renting snorkeling gear for the day, which costs around 209 pesos per person.
Some tour operators, like Zanka Adventures, offer dedicated snorkel tours to explore the reef and its inhabitants, highlighting the opportunity to see the 'fish of the zone and the coral reef.'
This can be a great way to discover the best spots and learn more about the local marine biodiversity from knowledgeable guides. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect this delicate environment. Island Access and Visitor Experience
+1 While the boat ticket covers your passage, a recurring point in reviews is the expectation of tips for boat drivers, both for the journey to the island and the return trip. Once on Isla Ixtapa, the beaches, including Playa Coral, are noted for their beauty and cleanliness.
For those seeking amenities, beachfront restaurants are available, offering food and drinks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit