Cruise port · Mexico · Mexican Riviera & Baja
Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa cruise port guide
Zihuatanejo is a small fishing town on a sheltered Pacific bay in Guerrero, paired with the modern resort strip of Ixtapa a few miles away. Ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the town pier, and the appeal is a laid-back beach day at Playa La Ropa or Las Gatas, fresh seafood and a waterfront that still feels local.
- Beaches
- Small-town charm
- Snorkeling
- Seafood
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Mexico
- Region
- Mexican Riviera & Baja
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Spanish. English is spoken at many restaurants and tour operators.
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN). Dollars are accepted at some businesses; pesos work best.
- Best time to visit
- January–December
- Average highs
- 88–94°F through the year
About Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa
Zihuatanejo, known simply as Zihua, has kept much of its fishing-village character, with pangas pulled up on the sand, a waterfront promenade and narrow streets of shops and seafood restaurants. Its horseshoe bay is calm and pretty, ringed by hills and a handful of beaches you can reach on foot, by taxi or by water taxi.
Ixtapa, about 15 minutes away, was built as a planned resort and has big hotels, a marina and long, open beaches. Many cruisers prefer to stay in Zihua for the atmosphere, then spend a few hours at Playa La Ropa or snorkeling at Las Gatas before the last tender.
This is a great port for beach lovers and anyone who enjoys small towns. It's less suited to travelers seeking major attractions or shopping, and because it's a tender port, people with mobility limitations should check accessibility with their cruise line.
Where cruise ships dock in Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa
Zihuatanejo is a tender port. Ships anchor in Zihuatanejo Bay and tender passengers to the municipal pier in the center of town, beside the Paseo del Pescador waterfront. From the pier you can walk to shops, restaurants and the town beach, Playa Principal, within minutes. Playa La Ropa is about a 20 minute walk or a short taxi ride, and water taxis from the pier go to Playa Las Gatas across the bay. Ixtapa is about 4 to 5 miles (7 km) away, around 15 minutes by taxi. Allow time for tender lines, especially when returning in the afternoon.
Best things to do in Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa on a cruise
- 1
Playa La Ropa
beach
Zihua's favorite beach is a long curve of soft sand on the eastern side of the bay, with calm water and beach restaurants that rent loungers and umbrellas. It's ideal for swimming and a long seafood lunch. Taxis from the pier are quick and inexpensive, or you can walk along the coastal path and road.
- 2
Playa Las Gatas
beach
Reached by water taxi from the pier, this beach is sheltered by an old stone reef, traditionally said to have been built by a pre-Hispanic ruler as a private bathing area. The calm water is good for beginner snorkeling, and simple palapas rent gear and serve grilled fish.
- 3
Paseo del Pescador and the town center
culture
The waterfront walk near the pier is where fishermen bring in the morning catch, and the streets behind it are full of craft shops, silver, hammocks and small cafés. It's easy to spend an hour browsing here before or after the beach.
- 4
Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande
history
This small museum on the waterfront introduces the pre-Hispanic cultures of Guerrero's coast through pottery, carvings and maps. It's modest but informative and makes a cool, quiet break from the sun.
- 5
Isla Ixtapa
nature
Boats from Playa Linda, north of Ixtapa, cross to this small island with several sheltered beaches, snorkeling over rocky reefs and seafood restaurants. Combine it with a stop to see the crocodiles in the estuary near Playa Linda. Allow a half day.
- 6
Sportfishing and boat trips
adventure
Zihuatanejo has a strong fishing fleet, and half-day charters target sailfish, dorado and tuna. Shorter sightseeing boats and sunset trips also operate, though cruise schedules usually rule out the latter.
Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 9032 | 9133 | 9233 | 9334 | 9434 | 9133 | 9133 | 9032 | 8931 | 8831 | 8932 | 8932 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7725 | 7725 | 7725 | 7826 | 8127 | 8127 | 8228 | 8228 | 8127 | 8127 | 8027 | 7826 |
| Rain in (mm) | 0.24 | 0.13 | 0.38 | 0.24 | 1.539 | 8.5216 | 6.4163 | 11.0279 | 13.1334 | 7.2182 | 1.436 | 0.26 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
What to eat and drink in Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa
The local specialty is tiritas de pescado, thin strips of fish cured in lime juice with onion and chili, served with tostadas. Pescado a la talla, grilled with a red chili rub, and fresh shrimp are also excellent at beach palapas. Many places serve pozole on Thursdays, a Guerrero tradition. Restaurants on Playa La Ropa and in the streets behind the pier serve the freshest seafood.
Tips for your port day
- Get your tender ticket early if you're going ashore independently, and return well before the last tender.
- Water taxis to Las Gatas leave from the pier area; agree on the return pickup time before you go.
- Carry pesos in small bills for taxis, water taxis and beach restaurants.
- Bring water shoes for Las Gatas, where the bottom can be rocky.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and drink plenty of water; it's hot and humid year-round.
Cruise lines that visit Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa
Often on the same itinerary
Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa cruise FAQs
Is Zihuatanejo a tender port?
Yes. Ships anchor in Zihuatanejo Bay and passengers ride tenders to the town pier, which is right in the center of town.
What is the best beach in Zihuatanejo for cruise passengers?
Playa La Ropa is the favorite for swimming and lunch, a short taxi ride from the pier. Playa Las Gatas, reached by water taxi, is best for easy snorkeling.
Is Zihuatanejo safe for cruise passengers?
Cruise visitors who stay in the town center, beaches and Ixtapa generally report relaxed days. Because Guerrero is among the states with the most serious U.S. State Department warnings, read the latest advisory before your trip and take your cruise line's advice on where to go.
How far is Ixtapa from the Zihuatanejo cruise pier?
About 4 to 5 miles (7 km), roughly 15 minutes by taxi. Ixtapa has big resorts and long beaches, while Zihuatanejo keeps more small-town character.
Is Zihuatanejo the place from The Shawshank Redemption?
Yes, Zihuatanejo is the town the characters dream of reaching in the film, though the final beach scene was filmed elsewhere. Many visitors come partly out of curiosity sparked by the movie.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.