Guerrero · Mexican Pacific
- Position
- 17.6°N · 101.6°W
- Region
- Guerrero, Mexico
Overview
Twin towns, two personalities
Zihuatanejo is the historic town and municipal seat, gathered around a well-protected bay that has long been a winter anchorage for cruising sailors. Ixtapa, about 5 km to the northwest, was built as a resort, with long beaches, hotels and its own marina.
For charter guests, the two halves of the destination serve different purposes. Marina Ixtapa is the base for many private yachts and sportfishing boats. In Zihuatanejo, the municipal pier at the end of Paseo del Pescador is where fishermen land their catch, pangas ferry visitors to the bay's beaches and the famous sailfish tournament is based.
The headline here is sport fishing. Sailfish and marlin are caught year-round, often a short run offshore, and the area has built an international reputation for catch-and-release billfishing. But a day on the water does not have to mean fishing: Isla Ixtapa's beaches and the snorkeling at Playa Las Gatas make easy, family-friendly outings, and a sunset cruise on Zihuatanejo Bay is a lovely way to end a trip.
Sport fishing
Billfish a short run offshore
Sailfish and marlin are caught throughout the year off Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo, with much of the fishing a few miles offshore and catch-and-release widely practised. The area's reputation goes back decades; in 2001, Sport Fishing magazine ranked it among the world's top destinations for sailfish.
The International Sailfish Tournament, based at the Zihuatanejo pier, traditionally takes place in spring. If you would like to fish around tournament dates, ask early.
Fishing charters use dedicated sportfishing boats with tackle and crew. Licences, inclusions and the catch policy are confirmed by the operator for your booking.
Sailfish & marlin
Year-round billfish, usually catch-and-release.
Marina Ixtapa
A common base for sportfishing boats.
Groups
Boat size sets the number of anglers.
Tournaments
Spring sailfish tournament at Zihuatanejo.
Islands & beaches
Easy days by boat
Some of the area's best beaches are easiest, or only practical, to reach by water.
Isla Ixtapa
A small island a few hundred meters off the coast, with beaches including busy Cuachalalate, quieter Varadero and Playa Coral, which has a small reef for snorkeling. Public water taxis cross from Playa Linda; a private charter lets you set your own pace.
Playa Las Gatas
At the entrance to the bay, an old stone breakwater and a coral reef keep the water calm, making Las Gatas the area's most popular snorkeling beach. There is no paved road, so the boat is the practical way in.
Playa La Ropa & Playa Madera
Calm, gently shelving beaches inside the bay, best for swimming. La Ropa is known for its calm water.
Barra de Potosí
A fishing village on a mangrove lagoon south of Zihuatanejo, where local guides offer lagoon tours and, in winter, humpback whale-watching trips.
Seasons
When to visit
Winter is the classic cruising season, when sailing yachts gather in Zihuatanejo Bay; the annual Sailfest charity event is held there each February.
Hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30, peaking in late summer. In 2024, the remnants of Hurricane John re-formed offshore and came ashore again further up the coast.
Turtle nesting is protected on Playa La Ropa from roughly August to December.
Water quality in the bay can be affected by runoff, so we steer swim stops to the cleaner beaches and the island.
For your quote
- Fishing, beach day or sunset cruise
- Date and number of guests or anglers
- Staying in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo
- Half or full day
Current fleet & availability
Fish, swim or sail in Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo
Tell us whether you are planning a fishing trip, an island beach day or a sunset cruise, plus your date and group size. We will check the boats available.
Related destinations
More of the Mexican Pacific
Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Ixtapa. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Do charters leave from Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo?
Both. Many yachts and sportfishing boats use Marina Ixtapa, while the Zihuatanejo municipal pier is the traditional base for fishing pangas and beach shuttles. We confirm the departure point for your vessel.
Is the sailfishing off Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo really that good?
The area has a long international reputation for billfish, with sailfish and marlin caught year-round and catch-and-release widely practised. Results always depend on the day.
How far offshore is the fishing from Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo?
Much of the fishing takes place a few miles offshore, so you spend more time fishing and less time travelling. The captain decides on the day.
Can we visit Isla Ixtapa on a private boat?
Yes. The island lies just off the coast; public water taxis run from Playa Linda, and a private charter can include it at your own pace.
Where is the best snorkeling near Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo?
Playa Las Gatas, protected by a reef and an old breakwater, and Playa Coral on Isla Ixtapa.
Can we reach Playa Las Gatas by road?
Not practically. There is no paved road, so most visitors arrive by boat.
Are there whales near Ixtapa?
Humpback whale-watching trips are offered in winter from Barra de Potosí, south of Zihuatanejo. Sightings are never guaranteed.
How far is Ixtapa from Acapulco?
About 240 km along the coast, so they are separate destinations rather than a day trip from one another.
When is hurricane season in Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo?
The Eastern Pacific season runs from May 15 to November 30, peaking in late summer. In 2024, the remnants of Hurricane John re-formed offshore and came ashore again further up the coast, so flexible dates help during those months.
Which beaches in Zihuatanejo Bay are best for swimming?
Playa La Ropa and Playa Madera are calm, gently shelving beaches inside the bay, and La Ropa is known for its calm water. Runoff can affect water quality in the bay, so swim stops are steered toward the cleaner beaches and Isla Ixtapa.
When is the Zihuatanejo sailfish tournament?
The International Sailfish Tournament is based at the municipal pier and traditionally takes place in spring. Confirm the current year's dates before you plan, and ask early if you would like to fish around the event.