Zihuatanejo is one of Mexico's top sportfishing towns, with sailfish and marlin boats departing right from the town pier. The laid-back surf town of Troncones sits about 41 km (25 miles) northwest, while Acapulco is roughly 232 km (144 miles) south - too far for a there-and-back day trip, but a scenic option if you're already traveling that stretch of coast.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) sits about 18 km (11 miles) from Ixtapa's hotel zone. A private transfer takes you straight to your hotel or directly to the beach, bypassing the multi-stop shared shuttles that circle through several hotels before reaching yours.
The two are about 6 km (4 miles) apart, a drive of roughly 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Local buses and taxis cover the route, but a private transfer lets you move between the beaches, the marina, and downtown Zihuatanejo on your own schedule, with a driver waiting rather than a fare negotiated at each stop.
Six to eight hours on the ground covers both towns comfortably. Spend the morning on the beach or golf course in Ixtapa, take a short boat ride to Isla Ixtapa for lunch and snorkeling, then wind down along Zihuatanejo's malecón as fishing boats return in the late afternoon. Add an extra hour if you want to browse the municipal market downtown.
Ixtapa is a master-planned resort strip with manicured hotels, a marina, and golf courses. Zihuatanejo, its neighbor 6 km (4 miles) away, is a centuries-old fishing town with a lively pier, seafood stalls, and a walkable seaside boardwalk. Note: this Guerrero-state Ixtapa is a separate town from the Ixtapa located near Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's other coast. Most visitors pair both towns into one day: resort time in Ixtapa, local flavor in Zihuatanejo.
For a classic island outing, take the panga (water taxi) to Isla Ixtapa, ringed by three calm beaches good for swimming and snorkeling. If you'd rather stay on the mainland, Zihuatanejo's Playa La Ropa is the area's signature stretch of sand, backed by palapa restaurants, while the sheltered Playa Las Gatas has the calmest water for families. Pick one rather than rushing between all three.
