Snorkeling at Ixtapa Island, Zihuatanejo: Half-day with lunch

Snorkel Coral Beach, swim a second beach, eat lunch on the island, watch crocodiles on the return

A half-day snorkeling trip from Zihuatanejo to Ixtapa Island includes boat transport, snorkeling gear, a seafood lunch with drink, and hotel pickup. You spend 45 minutes snorkeling Coral Beach with an instructor who knows the best spots for marine life, then choose to swim or kayak at Varadero Beach before returning to the mainland with a stop to photograph crocodiles and iguanas in their natural habitat. The tour runs five hours total and suits all fitness levels. Children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and beach activities at Ixtapa Island

• Snorkel at Coral Beach
• Swim or do aquatic activities at Varadero Beach
• Eat lunch at local restaurant
• Stop to observe crocodiles and iguanas

The experience

What makes Ixtapa Island worth a half-day instead of a full one? Coral Beach alone. The snorkeling there is the draw, and 45 minutes in the water with an instructor who knows where the fish congregate is enough to see what the reef holds without the day becoming a boat trip. The island has three beaches, so after snorkeling you're not done. You move to Varadero Beach and the choice becomes yours: swim in the calm water, rent a kayak, or try jetskiing if you want it. The restaurant on the island serves the seafood lunch included in the price, with bathrooms, lounge chairs, palapas for shade, and showers all there when you need them.

The boat leaves from Zihuatanejo with hotel pickup included, so the morning starts without arranging your own transport. Your snorkel instructor takes you to the spots where the marine life actually is, not a guess, but the places they know work. Forty-five minutes gives you time to see fish and coral without rushing, and the water stays calm enough that it feels manageable even if you're new to snorkeling. After Coral Beach, Varadero Beach is where the afternoon goes flexible: some people swim, some kayak, some sit under a palapa with a drink. The seafood lunch arrives with a drink included, and you eat on the island instead of rushing back to town.

On the return boat to the mainland, the guide makes a stop to watch crocodiles and iguanas in their natural habitat: a moment to photograph them before heading back to your hotel. The whole day is five hours from pickup to drop-off. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you bring only a towel, suntan lotion, and a swimsuit. The tour runs in English or Spanish with a live guide, and children from age 3 can join.

What’s included

• Boat transport to and from Ixtapa Island.
• snorkeling gear.
• 45 minutes guided snorkeling at Coral Beach with an instructor.
• access to Varadero Beach for swimming, kayaking, or jetskiing.
• seafood lunch with a drink served on the island.
• use of restaurant facilities including bathrooms, lounge chairs, palapas, and showers.
• wildlife viewing stop on the return for crocodiles and iguanas.
• hotel pickup and transportation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ixtapa Pacific Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat tour with a guide, so you're snorkeling in a group and the pace is set by the itinerary: best for travelers who want instruction and company rather than solo exploration. The five-hour window suits a half-day slot in your schedule, leaving the rest of the day free for other plans in Zihuatanejo.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (3 to 5 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like at Coral Beach on Ixtapa Island?

Coral Beach is known for vibrant snorkeling with plenty of marine life and fish visible in crystal-clear water. Your instructor takes you to the best spots on the reef, and you have 45 minutes in the water to explore and photograph what you find.

Can I do other water activities besides snorkeling on this trip?

Yes. After snorkeling at Coral Beach, you move to Varadero Beach where you can swim in calm water, rent a kayak, or try jetskiing on your own. The choice is yours for the rest of the afternoon before lunch and the return boat.

What's included in the seafood lunch?

The lunch is served at the restaurant on Ixtapa Island and includes seafood with a drink. The restaurant also has bathrooms, lounge chairs, palapas for shade, and showers available to use.

How does the crocodile stop work on the way back?

On the return boat to the mainland, the guide makes a quick stop so you can observe crocodiles and iguanas in their natural habitat and take photographs before heading back to your hotel.

What do I need to bring, and what's provided?

Snorkeling gear, the boat, and lunch with a drink are all included. Bring a towel, suntan lotion, and a swimsuit. Hotel pickup and transportation are also included in the price.