Ixtapa Island snorkeling tour with local food & transport

Summary

Snorkeling adventure on Ixtapa Island with coral reefs and fresh seafood

You’ll snorkel among bright fish at Coral Beach on Ixtapa Island, taste fresh seafood under a palm roof, and relax with locals after swimming clear Pacific waters. With equipment and transport included plus a friendly local guide, it’s an easygoing day trip you’ll remember long after the salt has left your skin.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that blue parrotfish? Locals call it ‘loro’ — like the bird,” our guide Armando grinned as he pointed through the glassy water. I’d barely gotten my mask on before he was already naming fish for us, like he knew each one personally. The boat ride from Ixtapa only took about 10 minutes but felt longer in a good way — the kind of anticipation where you keep checking your bag for sunscreen and then forget what you were looking for. There was this salty breeze that made my hair stick to my forehead, but honestly, I didn’t care.

Coral Beach is where we started snorkeling. The water was clearer than I expected — not cold, just that first shiver when you slide in. Armando handed me a snorkel set (I always worry about fit, but it was fine), and suddenly there were these flashes of yellow and electric blue darting around my legs. Someone behind me laughed underwater — you know that muffled sound? It’s weirdly comforting. At one point I tried to say “angelfish” in Spanish and probably butchered it; Armando just smiled and said “pez ángel” like it was no big deal.

After swimming, we wandered over to one of those palm-roofed restaurants right on the sand. The smell of grilled fish mixed with coconut smoke — I still think about that. Lunch wasn’t fancy but tasted better than most things back home: fresh shrimp, lime squeezed right at the table, tortillas warm enough to burn your fingers if you weren’t careful. There were families everywhere, kids running between tables with sand stuck to their calves.

I didn’t try the massage (maybe next time), but just sitting there drying off in the sun felt good enough. The whole day trip to Ixtapa Island was easy — pickup, gear sorted out, even bottled water ready before we asked. On the way back someone pointed out a turtle bobbing near the rocks; everyone went quiet for a second like we all agreed not to ruin it by talking too much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and Island Exploration

• Snorkel at Coral Beach
• Admire marine life at La Isla de Ixtapa Reef
• Enjoy local seafood at island restaurants
• Relax with a Swiss massage (optional)

Top questions

How do you get to Ixtapa Island for snorkeling?

The tour includes public transportation from Ixtapa to the island as part of your day trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all participants.

Are meals or drinks included during the tour?

Bottled water is included; meals are available at local restaurants on the island but not included in the base price.

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for families?

Yes, infants and children can join; specialized infant seats are available and strollers are welcome.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs or prams?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and all areas are suitable for prams or strollers.

Can service animals join this snorkeling tour?

Service animals are allowed on this tour according to provided information.

What beaches will we visit on Ixtapa Island?

You’ll have access to three beaches including Coral Beach and Playa Varadero during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout, use of quality snorkeling equipment so you don’t need to bring your own gear, public transportation from Ixtapa to the island and back again, plus guidance from a local who knows every beach by heart.