Snorkeling at Las Gatas Beach, Zihuatanejo: Jesus Statue

Las Gatas Beach: snorkel with a guide, see the underwater Jesus statue, then lounge in the bay

Snorkeling at Las Gatas Beach in Zihuatanejo includes a 45-minute guided snorkel with an instructor, a 12-minute boat tour of Zihuatanejo Bay, and a walk along the Malecón waterfront with your guide explaining the fishing trade and local history. Hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkel gear and a guide in English or Spanish are included; the tour runs about 4 hours. Food and drinks are not included, though you'll have time to rest in a lounge chair and swim between activities.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and beach tour at Las Gatas

• Walk to restaurant on Las Gatas Beach
• Snorkel with instructor for 45 minutes
• See tropical fish and underwater Jesus statue
• Boat ride across Zihuatanejo Bay for 12 minutes
• Learn about beaches and Las Gatas Water Break
• Walk along Paseo del Pescador Malecón
• Visit Zihuatanejo Main Pier

The Experience

Las Gatas Beach sits on the calm side of Zihuatanejo Bay, and the weekday crowds stay thin enough that you can actually see what's in the water. Your guide walks you down to the restaurant area where you'll gear up, then you spend 45 minutes in the water with a snorkel instructor. The tropical fish are the draw—starfish, rays, hermit crabs—but the real landmark is the 15-foot bronze Jesus statue sunk in the bay, something most visitors to Zihuatanejo never find on their own.

After snorkeling, the boat ride across Zihuatanejo Bay takes about 12 minutes and covers the beaches visible from the water; your guide names them and tells you the history behind each one. Near the end of the ride, he explains the archaeology of the Las Gatas Water Break itself. Once you're back on land, you walk the Malecón—the commercial fishing pier—where your guide points out the best time to watch the daily catch being bought and sold, and recommends restaurants and shops worth your time.

The whole outing runs 4 hours from start to finish. You'll have time to sit in a lounge chair, swim in the clear water and rest between the snorkel and the boat ride, though you'll need to bring your own lunch or buy drinks at the beach. Bring sunblock, a towel and beach clothes; bring extra cash if you want to rent a wave runner, book a massage or order drinks beyond what you've packed.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• local guide in English or Spanish.
• boat ride across Zihuatanejo Bay.
• snorkel equipment and instructor for the 45-minute water time.
• lounge chair access at the beach.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Luis de la Maza Ixtapa Zihuatanejo tours

Is this one for you?Four hours is short enough to fit snorkeling into a half-day itinerary without eating the whole morning, which leaves you free to explore the Malecón restaurants your guide recommends or head back to town for lunch on your own schedule. If you need a full-day beach day with meals included, look for an all-inclusive beach club instead.

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Top questions

What will I see when I snorkel at Las Gatas Beach?

Las Gatas Beach holds tropical fish, starfish, stingrays and hermit crabs in the shallow water, plus a 15-foot bronze statue of Jesus Christ submerged in the bay—the main reason many people book this snorkel instead of another beach in the area.

How long do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

The snorkel itself lasts about 45 minutes with an instructor in the water beside you; before that, your guide walks you 6 minutes down the beach to the restaurant where you'll put on your gear.

Is lunch included in the price?

Food and drinks are not included, so you'll want to bring your own lunch or budget for meals and drinks at the beach restaurant; bring extra cash if you'd like to order anything while you're there.

What happens after I finish snorkeling?

After snorkeling, you take a 12-minute boat ride across Zihuatanejo Bay where your guide explains the history of each beach you pass and the archaeology of the Las Gatas Water Break, then walk the Malecón fishing pier to learn about the local catch and get restaurant recommendations.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Zihuatanejo are included, along with the boat ride, snorkel equipment and a guide who speaks English or Spanish.