Zihuatanejo: Snorkeling Trip to Ixtapa Island with Lunch

Planning a day out on the water in Mexico? If you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic escape with a good mix of activities and a tasty seafood lunch, a snorkeling trip to Ixtapa Island from Zihuatanejo might just fit the bill. While this tour isn’t perfect for everyone, it can offer a solid experience for those craving marine sights and beachside downtime, all wrapped into about four and a half hours.

What piqued our interest about this tour? First, the easy, inclusive transportation makes it simple to hop on and enjoy a hassle-free day. Second, the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and see marine life up close sounds like a real highlight. That said, one thing to consider is that some reviews mention mixed experiences with the water activities, which suggests it might not be ideal for adventure-seekers. Still, if you’re after a relaxing, guided day by the sea with a decent lunch, this trip could be worth considering.

This tour suits travelers who want a straightforward, well-organized water day with family-friendly options, especially if you’re happy to rent water sports gear on-site rather than having it included. It’s perfect if you’re in Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa and want to spend a few hours enjoying the beach, marine life, and fresh seafood without breaking the bank or over-planning.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transportation, boat ride, lunch, drinks, and a knowledgeable guide make this a fuss-free option.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and other water sports are available, though equipment isn’t included—rentals are at your own cost.
• Scenic Location: Ixtapa Island offers great views, clear waters, and marine life—ideal for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.
• Tour Guide Expertise: The guides generally receive praise for their knowledge and attentiveness, enhancing the experience.
• Mixed Reviews on Water Sports: Some travelers found snorkeling boring or felt the snorkeling was overhyped, so expectations should be realistic.
• Cost-Effective: At $44 per person, it offers good value for a half-day tour that covers transport, lunch, and activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience kicks off with hotel pickup, making life easier if you’re staying in Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa. The air-conditioned transportation is comfortable, and the boat ride to Ixtapa Island takes you there in about an hour. Once on the island, your guide will give some safety instructions and tell you about the water activities available.

The highlight is the snorkeling—the waters around Ixtapa Island are noted for their clarity. You’ll have time to swim, explore, and see marine life, with guides sometimes bringing up sea stars and sea urchins for close-up encounters. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, there’s also the option to relax on the beach, swim, or rent kayaks and jet skis (these are not included in the price).

Lunch is served at a restaurant on the island, featuring fresh seafood, and you get two drinks per person—water, soft drinks, or beer. While the meal is included, some reviews mention small portion sizes, so don’t expect a feast. The atmosphere is casual, perfect for unwinding after your water activities.

The trip wraps up with transport back to your hotel, typically after about four and a half hours total—giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day without feeling rushed.

The Real Deal: Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

What travelers loved: The guides are often commended for their friendliness and knowledge, making the trip more enjoyable. The views and marine life are generally appreciated, with some travelers raving about the photos they took, especially if they purchased the photo package. The value for money seems reasonable, considering the transportation, lunch, and guided experience.

What some found lacking: Not everyone was thrilled with the snorkeling—one review called it boring for beginners, with fish only seen when the guide fed them, and additional charges for photos. Some also felt the water sports options, like jet skis and banana rides, were not included, so if you’re expecting all activities to be free, that’s something to keep in mind.

Price and value: At around $44 per person, it’s a decent deal for a half-day trip that covers transport, a meal, and guided snorkeling. Just remember, water sports gear isn’t included, so you’ll need to rent if you want those.

A Deeper Dive Into the Itinerary

Morning pickup begins at your hotel’s lobby, with transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The drive isn’t lengthy, but it’s enough to get you excited for the day ahead. Once you arrive at the boat dock, you’ll board a boat that shuttles you across to Ixtapa Island. The ride itself is scenic, often offering views of the coastline and the ocean.

Upon arrival, your guide will give safety instructions and brief you on the available water activities. This is a good moment to ask about equipment rentals or any specific concerns. Many travelers appreciate guides who are attentive and eager to share information, as one reviewer pointed out, noting the guide “was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and shared so much interesting information with us along the way.”

Snorkeling and Marine Encounters: The waters around Ixtapa Island are praised for their clarity. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot colorful fish, sea stars, and sea urchins—sometimes brought closer by guides, which adds an interactive touch. However, some travelers found the snorkeling underwhelming, citing a lack of marine activity unless the guide feeds the fish—in which case, the experience is more about the feeding than the natural environment.

Beach time and water sports: After snorkeling, many guests relax on the sandy beaches, soaking up the sun or swimming in the calm, warm waters. If you’re feeling more adventurous, watercraft rentals like kayaks, jet skis, or banana boats are available—but note that these are paid separately. You’ll probably find the rental prices reasonable, but it’s good to plan for additional costs if you want to do more than just snorkel.

Lunch and downtime: The seafood restaurant offers a straightforward menu with fresh catches, perfect for a casual meal. The included drinks—water, soft drinks, or beer—are a nice touch, though some reviews mention that the portions are small or that extra charges apply for certain drinks like coconut water. This part of the day offers a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy the ocean views.

Return trip: After a few hours on the island, the boat takes you back. The entire trip lasts roughly 4.5 hours, making it an ideal half-day activity that leaves you plenty of time for the rest of your exploration or just unwinding at your hotel.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed day by the beach with some snorkeling and marine life viewing, this tour hits the mark. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge add value, especially if you’re new to water activities. It’s also suitable if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy calm waters, good food, and scenic views without the need for advanced water sports.

However, if you’re seeking high-adrenaline water adventures or want comprehensive snorkeling with abundant marine life, you might find this trip somewhat limited. Also, for those expecting all water sports equipment included, it’s worth planning for extra costs.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

For travelers visiting Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa who want a straightforward, guided day on the water, this snorkeling trip to Ixtapa Island offers solid value. The combination of transport, a friendly guide, a scenic boat ride, free-flowing drinks, and a seafood lunch makes it a convenient choice—especially if you’re content with a laid-back beach day punctuated by some snorkeling and swimming.

The experience is best suited for those who enjoy gentle water activities and want to avoid overly commercialized, crowded tours. The reviews suggest that guides really make a difference, turning what could be a basic trip into a memorable outing. Just keep your expectations realistic about the snorkeling and water sports, and you’ll likely have a good time.

If you’re looking for similar experiences, check out other tours such as the Ixtapa super combo or kayaking excursions, which are conveniently linked in the tour provider’s offerings.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start your day without extra hassle.

How long does the trip last?
The total duration is about 4.5 hours, including transportation, island time, and return.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, the boat to the island, a seafood lunch with drinks (water, soft drinks, or beer), a tour guide, and life jackets.

Are water sports equipment included?
No, water sports gear like snorkel sets, jet skis, or banana rides are not included but are available for rent on the island.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the snorkeling worth it?
Many find the snorkeling enjoyable thanks to the clear waters and marine life, but some reviews mention it’s not very active unless fish are being fed.

What about the lunch?
The seafood lunch is casual and fresh, but portions might be small, and extra charges may apply for specific drinks like coconut water.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for most ages, but note that water activities are optional and water sports rentals are paid separately.

Are there any age restrictions?
People over 95 years old are not suitable for this activity, but most travelers of all other ages should be fine.

This snorkeling trip to Ixtapa Island from Zihuatanejo offers a relaxed, well-organized way to enjoy some water fun, scenic views, and fresh seafood—all wrapped into a manageable half-day tour. It’s a good pick for those who prefer a guided experience with some downtime on the beach, without the pressure of intense water sports or over-hyped activities.

You can check availability for your dates here: