Zihuatanejo Bay is naturally enclosed, so the water is calm and the beaches have little surf. Our guests have access to Playa Contramar  via a stone stairway, which winds down to this small beach at the Northwestern end of the Bay. This beach is shaded by palm trees and is only accessible by boat or by footpath. This area is very sheltered and the water is calm. The swimming and snorkeling are excellent.

There are four other beaches within Zihuatanejo Bay:

La Playa Principal, which is the public beach located in front of the town. The municipal pier is located at one end. The local fisherman beach their skiffs here during the day. They fish at night and in the morning display and sell their catch to the local market and restaurants.

Playa La Madera “Wood Beach” gets it’s name from the Spanish colony days when it was the shipping point for mahogany, oak, pine and cedar wood cut from the local forests. This beach is reached by walking along a narrow, seaside trail which you can pick up on the other side of theMuseo Arquelógico (Archaeological Museum – see below).

Playa La Ropa is the longest beach in the area. In the 16th century a Spanish galleon called the Nao made the mistake of entering the Bay, which was then a den for British buccaneers. The pirates fired on the galleon without even having to pull up anchor and the galleon was scuttled. It’s cargo of Chinese silk clothing washed up all over the beach, which is how “Clothes Beach” got its name. To reach this beach it is easiest to take bus from downtown Zihuatanejo.

Playa de Las Gatas, which is at the extreme Southern end of the Bay, is accessible by water taxi from the Municipal Pier or a footpath along the rocky coast from La Ropa. There is no road. According to local legend a Tarascan king named Iréhpan and his family used this beach as a Winter vacation retreat. An invasion of man-eating sharks in the Bay prevented his family from swimming. So Iréhpan ordered his slaves to build a stone breakwater off of the beach to keep the sharks out. Today this breakwater is overgrown with coral and offers the finest snorkeling and diving in the area. This beach gets it’s name from a species of harmless, whiskery nurse sharks that used to be common in the area. Open air fresh seafood restaurants line the beach and lounge chairs are available for rent.

Local Points of Interest in Zihuatanejo

The Paseo de Pescador (Fisherman’s Walk) also know as the malecón, is a 1/3 mile long promenade through the most picturesque part of town. It runs from the Municipal Pier to the Museo Arquelógico. There are many shops and small restaurants in this area, and it is a very pleasant place to enjoy a cool drink and enjoy the sights.

The Costa Grande  is located at the South end of the Fisherman’s Walk. Here you will learn the history of the people who have lived in this area over the past 5,000 years through an exhibit of artifacts found at archaeological sites in the Costa Grande region.
Fining Dining

Your rental rate includes the services of an on-site gourmet chef, a professional who is trained to prepare every type of cuisine including interesting local dishes. Or you can ask your house staff to bring in delicacies from nearby restaurants – and have them served whenever and wherever you like. You can also order your favorite snacks and drinks to be bought for you at the local supermarket.

There are several restaurants conveniently located within the Villa Vera Puerto Mio resort including:

Becco Fino-Gourmet Restaurant & Bar is an extremely romantic location for a beautifully prepared seafood dinner. Beccofinno is located in a beautiful marina fifteen feet above a tidal pool where you see might turtles and rays crocodiles. For reservations call 011-52-755-553-1770

Golf

There are two world-class golf courses in nearby Ixtapa:

The Marina Ixtapa Club de Golf was designed by Robert von Hagge. Phone: 011-52-755-31410 Fax: 011-52-755-30825. Call at least one day in advance. Visit their website.

The Campo de Golf Palma Real was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Phone: 011-52-755-31062 Fax: 011-52-755-31030.

Shopping in Zihuatanejo

Mercado de Artesania Turístico (Artisan’s Market). Located on the western edge of Zihuatanejo at Calle Cinco de Mayo between Paseo del Pescador and Av. Morelos. Over 250 stands selling local crafts, clothing and souvenirs.More information.

The Municipal Market is located on the east side of Zihuatanejo town center on Calle Benito Juárez at Catalina Gonzalez. This is a covered bazaar of vendors selling produce, spices, cheese, tamales and fresh seafood.

Water Activities (see also Eco Tourism below)

We recommend the “Sail & Snorkel Adventure” or a beautiful sunset cruise on the ultramodern catamaran Picante. Please download the brochure (157kb PDF) for reservations and additional information. Visit their website.

Scuba Carlo Scuba, 011-52-755-554-3570, in Playa Las Gatas. Visit their website.

Diving Nautilus Divers -  Diving tours, instruction and certification offered by NAUI certified divers. Visit their website.

Parasailing takes off from Play de la Ropa.

Hobie Cats Rentals, Windsurfing, and Watersking may be arranged at Playa la Ropa.


Zihuatanejo Weather Forecast, Mexico