Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo: Las Gatas Kayak & Snorkel with Lunch

Summary

Kayak from La Ropa to Las Gatas then snorkel the seawall for lunch and laughs

You’ll paddle from La Ropa Beach to Las Gatas with a local guide, then snorkel along the seawall where sea creatures hide among coral. Afterward, share a relaxed lunch on the beach and soak up nearly two hours of downtime before kayaking back to shore—expect sandy feet and a few laughs along the way.

What’s the experience like?

My paddle kept drifting left, which our guide Carlos noticed right away—he grinned and just said, “Don’t fight the current, let it help you.” I’d never kayaked out of Ixtapa before, so when we set off from La Ropa Beach, I was half excited, half convinced I’d tip over. The water was that weird green-blue you only see in Mexico, and pelicans kept swooping way too close. We were maybe 45 minutes paddling (felt longer) before we finally hit Las Gatas Beach. Sand everywhere—on my knees, my arms. Carlos handed me a cold beer (I still think about how good that tasted after all that effort), and we sat under a palm tree for a second just catching our breath.

Snorkeling at Las Gatas is different than anywhere else I’ve tried—there’s this old stone seawall that keeps things calm, so even if you’re not super confident in the water you can relax. Carlos showed us tiny hermit crabs crawling over coral lumps, and pointed out these spiky sea urchins hiding in shadows. I tried to say “erizo de mar” in Spanish—he laughed so hard he almost dropped his mask. We swam out as far as this underwater statue everyone calls ‘king of kings’—a big Jesus down there in the blue haze. It’s quiet under the surface except for your own bubbles; kind of peaceful but also strange.

Lunch was simple but perfect—grilled fish with lime and tortillas right on the sand. There was this faint smell of charcoal and sunscreen everywhere. We had almost two hours to just sit around after eating; some folks napped or swam again, but honestly I just watched local families playing soccer near the waterline. The sun was hot but not mean about it. Heading back by kayak felt easier somehow (maybe because I wasn’t worried about falling in anymore). When we got dropped off back at our hotel around 3:30pm, my legs were jelly but my head felt clear—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayaking and snorkeling at Las Gatas

• Pick up at hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo
• Travel to La Ropa Beach
• Get fitted with kayak and lifejacket
• Paddle 45 minutes to Las Gatas Beach
• Have a cold beer or water break
• Snorkel for one hour at seawall
• Return to shore for lunch on beach
• Relax on beach for 1 hour 45 minutes
• Kayak back to La Ropa Beach
• Drop off at hotel around 3:30 P.M.

Top questions

How long does the Las Gatas kayaking and snorkeling tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo are included.

What is included in the lunch at Las Gatas Beach?

You can choose fish filet, shrimp or chicken fajitas, or cheese quesadillas for lunch.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear or kayak?

No, all necessary kayak and snorkel equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is not recommended for children aged 2 or under; children must be accompanied by an adult.

How far do you kayak from La Ropa Beach to Las Gatas?

The kayaking portion takes about 45 minutes each way between La Ropa Beach and Las Gatas Beach.

Are drinks included during the tour?

A cold beer or bottle of water is offered upon arrival at Las Gatas; bring cash for additional drinks.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, all kayak and snorkel gear with life jackets provided, guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout, plus a hearty beachside lunch before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.