Audio Guide of Playa Gatas

The beach is open 24 hours a day, but visiting during daylight hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. is recommended for greater safety. You can reach it on foot by a trail of about 20 to 30 minutes from La Ropa Beach, or by taking a water taxi from the Zihuatanejo pier for approximately 50 MXN round trip; check the official Guerrero tourism website at guerrero.travel for more details.

Access to the beach is completely free, as it is a public space. However, if you choose the water taxi from Zihuatanejo, the cost is usually around 20 to 50 MXN per person each way, depending on the season; there is no need for advance tickets.

It is recommended to set aside between 2 and 4 hours to fully enjoy the beach, including time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the sand. If you plan a longer visit with lunch at one of the local restaurants, it could extend to half a day.

The beach owes its name to the wildcats that lived in the area in pre-Hispanic times, and it is believed to have been a natural harbor used by Indigenous peoples for rituals and trade. Today, it represents an idyllic corner of Guerrero’s coastal culture, with influences from pirate history in Mexico’s Pacific region.

The best time is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm; avoid the rainy season from June to October. During the day, go early in the morning, around 9:00 a.m., to avoid crowds and enjoy clearer water.

Access by trail is steep and not adapted for wheelchairs, so it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility. However, the water taxi is a practical and accessible option, as the boats usually accommodate people with limitations; check with the operator at the Zihuatanejo pier by phone at +52 755 554 2120 to confirm.

Nearby you will find La Ropa Beach, just a 10-minute walk away, ideal for more relaxation; also the historic center of Zihuatanejo with its market and pier, 15 minutes away by taxi. Do not miss a visit to Ixtapa Island, accessible by ferry, for birdwatching and additional snorkeling; more info at visitmexico.com.

Bring sunscreen, drinking water, and snorkeling gear, as the nearby reef is spectacular; wear comfortable shoes if you are taking the trail. Bring cash for the seafood restaurants on the beach and reserve a table if it is a weekend; respect the environment by not leaving trash behind.