Zihuatanejo: Snorkeling Trip to Ixtapa Island with Lunch

Imagine a laid-back half-day escape just a short boat ride from Zihuatanejo, where turquoise waters meet sandy beaches, and the promise of underwater wonders awaits. For $44 per person, this guided tour offers a delightful mix of snorkeling, swimming, and beachside dining, all packed into about four and a half hours. Led by friendly guides, it’s a great way to add some water fun to your Mexican getaway, especially if you’re eager to see marine life and enjoy fresh seafood in a relaxed setting.

What we love most about this trip is how accessible and straightforward it is — transportation, boat rides, and a tasty seafood lunch are included, making it an easy choice. Plus, the guides’ knowledge adds a layer of comfort, especially for first-timers. On the flip side, a potential concern is that water sports like jet skiing or kayaking aren’t included in the base price, so if you’re craving more active water adventures, you’ll need to rent equipment on-site.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of leisure and adventure, with a good shot at authentic encounters with marine life and local cuisine. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a straightforward, value-packed day with friendly guides and stunning views.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $44, this 4.5-hour tour provides solid value for a guided water activity with included transport and lunch.
• Activities Offered: Snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking are available, with rental equipment on-site; water sports are not included in the base price.
• Guides and Service: Knowledgeable guides like Italo and Sammy make the experience more engaging and safer.
• Food and Drinks: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with two drinks, including water, soft drinks, or beer—perfect for refueling after water activities.
• Transport: Air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off, plus boat transfer to the island, keep logistics simple.
• Limitations: Water sports equipment rentals are extra; some reviews mention less exciting snorkeling for beginners or unfulfilled expectations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Snorkeling Trip to Ixtapa Island

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Starting with hotel pickup in Zihuatanejo, the tour begins by transporting you comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, setting a relaxed tone for the day. The drive to the marina is smooth, and the boat to Ixtapa Island is a short, scenic ride. Once on the island, your guides will provide safety instructions and highlight the best spots for snorkeling and swimming.

The main attraction here is the chance to see vibrant marine life in the clear waters, with guides like Sammy who seem eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm. The reviews mention that Sammy took guests snorkeling and even brought up sea urchins and sea stars for close-up encounters, which adds a fun, educational touch to the experience.

While swimming and snorkeling are the highlights, many guests also enjoy trying out water sports like jet skiing, banana rides, or kayaking. These are available for rent at the island, but they are not included in the initial price. That means if you’re craving more active adventures, be prepared for some extra costs and to ask your guide about rental options.

The Seafood Lunch and Relaxing Beach Time

After working up an appetite, you’ll settle in for a seafood lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. Expect fresh fish or shrimp dishes, complemented by two drinks—water, a soft drink, or beer. One guest found the lunch to be satisfying enough to fuel the rest of the afternoon, while another noted that the portion sizes were modest, so bringing a little extra snack wouldn’t hurt if you’re particularly hungry.

The beach area offers plenty of relaxed space to lounge, soak up the sun, or wade into the calm, inviting water. The calmness of the sea makes it ideal for swimmers of all levels, including beginners, although some reviews suggest that the snorkeling might not thrill seasoned underwater explorers due to limited fish activity and feeding practices of guides.

The Value and Overall Experience

For $44, including transportation, boat transfer, lunch, and a guide, this tour generally offers good value. The knowledgeable guides — like Italo and Sammy — seem genuinely committed to creating a positive experience, sharing interesting facts and ensuring safety.

However, a few reviews mention that the snorkeling can be underwhelming, especially for those expecting abundant fish and vibrant reefs. One traveler from Germany called it a “tourist trap” due to extra charges and less-than-expected snorkeling, which highlights that expectations should be managed.

Despite that, many reviews highlight the stunning views and fun interactions with marine life, making it a worthwhile outing for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a straightforward water day.

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Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Rent water sports equipment early: If you want to kayak or do the banana ride, ask your guide upon arrival.
• Bring sun protection: The beach can be sunny and exposed; hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential.
• Plan for modest portions: The seafood lunch is enjoyable but may not be very filling, so consider bringing a snack.
• Opt for the photo package: One reviewer loved the photos taken by the snorkeling guide, which can be a memorable way to take home a piece of your adventure.
• Be aware of possible extra charges: For items like replacing a soft drink with coconut water or renting gear.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, guided water day with decent snorkeling, fresh seafood, and scenic beach time. It’s great for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking a hassle-free adventure. If you’re looking for spectacular reefs or high-adrenaline water sports, this might not satisfy those needs, but if you’re after authentic marine encounters and good value, you’ll enjoy what’s on offer.

Those who appreciate guides who are friendly and knowledgeable will find this tour particularly appealing. Plus, the included transportation simplifies logistics, making it a stress-free way to explore Ixtapa Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Zihuatanejo are included, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The activity runs for approximately 4.5 hours, from pickup to return, including boat transfers, activities, and lunch.

Are water sports included in the ticket price?
No, water sports like jet skiing, banana rides, and kayaking are available for rent at the island, but they are not included in the base price.

What is the quality of the seafood lunch?
Guests typically find the seafood fresh and satisfying, with a variety of options, though some mention portions are modest. Two drinks are included per person.

Can beginners enjoy snorkeling here?
Yes, the water is generally calm, and guides provide safety instructions. However, some reviews suggest snorkeling may not be thrilling for experienced snorkelers, as marine life can be limited.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the gentle waters and family-friendly activities suggest it’s suitable for children, especially those comfortable in water.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and perhaps a towel. If you want to do more water sports, inquire about rentals early. Consider a small snack if you’re hungry after lunch.

Are additional costs likely?
Yes, expect to pay extra for water sports equipment rentals and potentially for special drinks or upgrades like photo packages.

Final Thoughts

The Snorkeling Trip to Ixtapa Island from Zihuatanejo offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to enjoy Mexico’s beautiful waters and beaches. With friendly guides, a delicious seafood lunch, and engaging marine encounters, it’s a reliable choice for those who want a relaxed day on the water without a lot of fuss.

While the snorkeling might not be a dive into vibrant coral reefs, the calm waters and chance to see marine life up close still make for a memorable outing. The included transportation and simple setup make it accessible, especially for first-timers or families wanting to keep logistics minimal.

If you’re craving an easy, scenic, and authentic taste of coastal Mexico, this tour hits the mark. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the water sports and marine activity levels, and you’ll probably have a great time floating in the inviting sea, tasting fresh seafood, and soaking up the sun.

Enjoy your trip to Ixtapa Island, and remember — the best days are often the simplest, especially when spent with good guides, in great company, surrounded by stunning waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: