Playa Las Gatas, Zihuatanejo: How to Enjoy a Perfect Day
Posted: August 29, 2023 by Roger
Playa Las Gatas is a beautiful beach located in one of the corners of Zihuatanejo Bay. White sand, clear waters, and marine life are what you'll find in this natural pool of the Mexican Pacific. This ultimate guide will show you things to do in Playa Las Gatas, hotels, prices, hours, and how to get there.
Playa Las Gatas
Playa Las Gatas (Las Gatas Beach) is located at the end of the Bay of Zihuatanejo, in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It’s next to Playa La Ropa and about 10 minutes from Downtown Zihuatanejo.
As soon as you arrive at Playa Las Gatas, you’ll feel like you’re arriving in a paradise full of life and vibrant colors.
Its blue water and white sand make this little corner of the Bay a place you’ll never want to leave.
At Playa Las Gatas, you can relax, swim, and explore the abundant marine life. Try delicious regional dishes and live amazing experiences.
Why is it called Playa las Gatas?
Playa Las Gatas (Cat Beach) is named after the nurse shark that used to live in the area years ago and was harmless. If you like diving, this beach is perfect for you.
How to Get Playa Las Gatas?
Water taxi. The best way to get to Playa Las Gatas is taking a boat across the Bay of Zihuatanejo.
Head to the main pier and take a water taxi that will take you to Las Gatas. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes. Traveling by boat in the middle of the bay is an experience in itself, that will make you want to take out your camera and capture the moment.
Walking along the rocks. This is another, more economical way to get to Las Gatas, but it will take more time.
At the end of Playa La Ropa, by La Gaviota, you will see a path along the edge of the sea that takes you to Las Gatas. It is a rocky path, so it is advisable to wear good shoes and step carefully. Walking this path to the entrance of Las Gatas will take about 10 minutes.
You should keep in mind that you cannot bring anything that contaminates the beach, including disposables and bottles.
Schedule and Price (2023)
Daily departures from the main pier to Playa Las Gatas are from 8 am to 6 pm. The ticket price is around 150 pesos round trip. Ask for your life jacket when boarding.
- Schedule: 8 am - 6 pm.
- General price $150 MXN (round trip)
- (Children under 3 years old do not pay fare)
Tips:
My advice is to leave early to enjoy the day at the beach. And prepare your return before long lines form. The boat driver will usually suggest a return time, so be there a little early.
Persons with reduced mobility. This beach may be difficult to access for people with reduced mobility, especially when boarding the boat.
Beach shoes. If you swim near the reef, wear beach shoes, as the rocks are often very slippery. Also, if you walk to the end of the beach, towards the rocks, you could hurt your feet if you don’t wear shoes. It is better to wear sandals or beach shoes.
Things to Do in Playa Las Gatas
Playa Las Gatas is an excellent choice for families with children. The stone breakwater protects the beach from strong currents, making it feel like a large, natural pool. Here are some ideas for what to do in Playa Las Gatas.
1. Explore the Beach
One of the things to do at Playa Las Gatas is walk along the beach and enjoy the view. At the end of the beach, you can take stunning photos of the Bay of Zihuatanejo. Be sure to wear water shoes or sandals to protect your feet from the rocks.
2. Snorkeling
At Playa Las Gatas, there are many things to see if you go snorkeling. You can see the coral reefs and colorful fish that surround the breakwater.
3. See the Bronze Christ Underwater
Under the water, at Playa Las Gatas, you can see the Bronze Christ submerged at a depth of 8 meters. You can see marine animals that surround the bronze statue.
4. Take a Banana Ride
You can also enjoy water activities, like taking a banana boat ride in Las Gatas and enjoying the scenic ride around the bay.
5. Try a seafood platter
You can’t leave Las Gatas without trying a delicious seafood platter that includes several typical dishes, such as ceviche, tiritas, pescadillas, shrimp, fish, and salad. If you wish, you can order individual dishes. The price of the dishes is more expensive than in other areas of Zihuatanejo. In high season, some restaurants require a minimum consumption requirement, so be sure to ask questions before entering one.
Hotels near Playa Las Gatas
There are many hotels and accommodations near Playa Las Gatas where you can stay. Here is a list of places to stay near Playa Las Gatas. You can find a more detailed guide below.
La Casa que canta, a small luxury hotel
Thompson Zihuatanejo: 5-star resort. Private beach, infinity pool, gourmet restaurant. Stylish rooms with balcony and WiFi. Renovated with mid-century style. Perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations or events.
Pie de Playa la Ropa
Pie de Playa la Ropa, located just steps from La Ropa Beach in Zihuatanejo, offers air-conditioned rooms for a comfortable stay. Situated within a 15-minute walk from La Madera Beach and 1.3 miles from Principal Beach, the hotel features family rooms.
Thompson Zihuatanejo, a Beach Restort
Thompson Zihuatanejo: 5-star resort. Private beach, infinity pool, gourmet restaurant. Stylish rooms with balcony and WiFi. Renovated with mid-century style. Perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations or events.
Complete Guide: Hotels in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
Final Recommendations
In this guide to Playa Las Gatas, we have seen some things you can do at the beach. Getting there is easy. Take a boat from the main pier and in a few minutes you will be discovering one of the most beautiful beaches in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. Once you visit Las Gatas, you will want to come back again and again.
I recommend taking a look at my step-by-step guide to visit Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
Complete Guide: Ixtapa Zihuatanejo: The Ultimate Travel Guide
I hope this post has been helpful for you. If you have more questions, send me a message and I might write an article about it.
Did you know?
Here are some resources to help you to organize your next trip to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
