What to do in Ixtapa

Activities, attractions and tours

A calm river with a rowboat docked on the left, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
A beach with thatched umbrellas, sun loungers, and people playing volleyball.
An aerial view of a coastal island with a beach, boats, and surrounding water.
A coastal city with a bay, boats, and mountains in the background.
A coastal cityscape with a beach, palm trees, and a mountainous backdrop.

Things to do

Horseback Riding in Ixtapa with Hotel Pickup

Horseback Riding in Ixtapa with Hotel Pickup

Rp1.160.965
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Horseback Riding in Ixtapa with Hotel Pickup
Zihuatanejo Baby Sea Turtle Release Eco Adventure

Zihuatanejo Baby Sea Turtle Release Eco Adventure

Rp1.307.540
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Zihuatanejo Baby Sea Turtle Release Eco Adventure
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Island of Ixtapa Day Trip with Lunch

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Island of Ixtapa Day Trip with Lunch

Rp993.731
per adult
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Island of Ixtapa Day Trip with Lunch
Zihuatanejo: Snorkeling in Manzanillo and Las Gatas

Zihuatanejo: Snorkeling in Manzanillo and Las Gatas

Rp1.255.239
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Zihuatanejo: Snorkeling in Manzanillo and Las Gatas
Zacatoso: Snorkeling Expedition

Zacatoso: Snorkeling Expedition

Rp732.223
per adult
Zacatoso: Snorkeling Expedition
Zihuatanejo Ixtapa: Countryside Tour

Zihuatanejo Ixtapa: Countryside Tour

Rp1.987.461
per adult
Zihuatanejo Ixtapa: Countryside Tour
Turtle Release and Observation of Iguanas and Crocodiles

Turtle Release and Observation of Iguanas and Crocodiles

Rp1.464.602
per adult
Turtle Release and Observation of Iguanas and Crocodiles
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Top places to visit

1. El Palmar Beach

Ixtapa’s famous El Palmar Beach is a picture-perfect mix of seemingly endless yellow sand, clear blue water and luxury resorts. Head to El Palmar Beach to play on the sand, skim across the waves on a Jet Ski or enjoy a massage from a trained masseuse. If the crowds on the beach become too much, escape to the condos, resorts and restaurants that line the sand.
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A sunset over a beach with waves and distant rocky islands.

2. Linda Beach

Playa Linda is a picturesque slice of Mexico’s southern coast. From the moment you arrive at this coconut palm-lined beach, you’ll be swept away by its allure. Young local families play in the sand, old men drink beer under the straw canopies of beach huts and white horses gallop in the shallow water. Cycle along the waterfront trail, visit the crocodile pit to see reptiles or board the local ferry to reach Ixtapa Island.
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A calm beach with gentle waves, a pier extending into the water, and boats docked nearby.

3. Ixtapa Island

Venture to Ixtapa Island, off Mexico’s majestic south coast, for a day of snorkeling, kayaking and sightseeing. With its sheltered bays and coves, the island is a popular place for those seeking a quieter beach experience. Join a guided boat tour or rent a panga, a small motorized boat and make your way to the island. Follow scenic hiking trails, swim with dolphins and snorkel in clear waters.
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A beach with clear shallow waters, a sandy shore, and thatched-roof huts in the background.

4. Marina Ixtapa

Visit Marina Ixtapa and spend some time admiring the mix of catamarans, sailboats and yachts. Stroll around the wooden boardwalks and watch as boats arrive via an estuary of sparkling turquoise water. Enjoy views of the surrounding green hills and check out the modern lighthouse. Marina Ixtapa probably won’t take up too much of your time but it’s a good starting point for discovering Ixtapa’s natural and sporting attractions.
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A marina with numerous boats docked, a lighthouse, and a sunset in the background.

5. Quieta Beach

Quieta Beach is a tranquil, sun-drenched cove with scenic views of Ixtapa Island and gentle surf. As its name suggest, it attracts a quieter crowd than the beaches surrounding it. Head to Quieta Beach to eat local seafood on the beach, relax with a massage and enjoy some of the safest swimming conditions in the Ixtapa area.
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A beach with sailboats, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

What to do in Ixtapa

Stay near popular Ixtapa attractions

A beach with clear turquoise water, white sand, and thatched umbrellas providing shade.

Varadero Beach

8.6/10 (284 reviews)
Varadero Beach's crystal-clear waters and pristine sands create a tranquil paradise on Ixtapa Island. Enjoy fresh seafood at shoreline restaurants while gentle waves provide perfect swimming conditions for families.
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Where to stay in Ixtapa

Find the best Ixtapa areas for the activities you enjoy most.

El Palomar

If you're spending some time in El Palomar, El Palmar Beach and Delfiniti are top sights worth seeing.

Campo de Golf

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Campo de Golf and surrounding area, you can visit Ixtapa Golf Course and El Palmar Beach.

A coastal city with a bay, boats, and mountains in the background.

Marina Ixtapa

If you're spending some time in Marina Ixtapa, Marina Ixtapa and El Palmar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Contamar

When in Contamar, you can plan a visit to Ixtapa Golf Course and El Palmar Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A coastal town with a marina, surrounded by hills and dense greenery.

Palma Real

Palma Real might not have many top sights, but El Palmar Beach and Ixtapa Golf Course are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ixtapa worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are loads of great things to do in Ixtapa. Don't forget to enjoy the area's blend of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Ixtapa?
After you've visited major attractions like La Ropa Beach and Varadero Beach, spend some time exploring Ixtapa's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ixtapa?
The top tourist attraction in Ixtapa is La Ropa Beach, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Ixtapa?
Three days in Ixtapa is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travellers book for four days on average. La Ropa Beach, Varadero Beach and Las Gatas Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo.
Is Ixtapa a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to do and see in Ixtapa. Several key sights, like El Palmar Beach and Quieta Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Ixtapa's best neighbourhoods, Almacen is 5 kilometers away from downtown, while Lázaro Cárdenas is 5 kilometers away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ixtapa with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Ixtapa with kids.

What to do in Ixtapa for adults?
Fisherman's Walk is one of the best things to do in Ixtapa. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Ixtapa?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Ixtapa is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. La Ropa Beach is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.