Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Excursions

The cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are great places to spend a wonderful day in the Mexican tropics. The cruise lines have assembled thirty excursions for your pleasure.

Your cruise ship will drop anchor in Zihuatanejo Bay, and your ship's tender will take you to the small dock in Zihuatanejo. All excursions start and end at this dock.

If you have taken any of the tours listed below, we'd like your feedback on your experience. Please click on the link of the tour you took, and then click the "Write a Review of This Tour" link and tell us what you experienced.

Beach, Snorkel & Sail

Isla Ixtapa/ Ixtapa Island Getaway

4 to 4½ hours

Enjoy a day at the beach on the idyllic island of Isla Ixtapa, located just north of the resort beach at Ixtapa. Explore the rustic natural preserve, and kick back, relax and take in the sun, the local cuisine and do some snorkeling.

Picante Catamaran Sail & Snorkel/ Zihuatanejo Sail & Snorkel

3 to 3½ hours

There's nothing like spending a few hours on a catamaran in the beautiful waters off Zihuatanejo. This excursion takes you to one of the best snorkeling spots on Mexico's western Pacific coast, Playa Manzanillo.

Snorkel Adventure/ Snorkel & Party by Catamaran

3 hours

Let the cares of the world go by as you cruise to one of Mexico's best snorkeling spots for swimming, snorkeling in the coral reef or just walking on the unspoiled beach.

Las Gatas Beach Break

4 hours

Ah, there is something about Paradise that entrances us all! At Las Gatas Beach, you can snorkel, swim in the warm waters or just kick back and work on your tan.

Canopy

Ixtapa Canopy Adventure

3 hours

This canopy adventure allows you to do it all, with 22 different challenges awaiting you. Included are zip lines, oscillating bridges and other assorted fun activities over the 1½ mile-long course.

City Tours

City Tour

3 hours

You will experience the pleasures of both the luxury resort of Ixtapa and the fishing village of Zihuatanejo on this fun excursion. And if you have a shopping gene, you won't be disappointed.

Ixtapa Resort & Shopping/ Ixtapa Resort Tour

3 to 4 hours

Combine a few hours at one of Ixtapa's exclusive resorts with some shopping for that perfect souvenir, and you've got a day to remember.

Zihuatanejo Walking Tour/ Zihuatanejo Walking & Shopping Tour

3 hours

The quaint fishing village of Zihuatanejo awaits you. You'll visit the local fish market, the town's church and do some shopping for some unique gifts and memorabilia, all the while taking in the town's laid-back chaos that makes this part of Mexico unique.

Highlights of Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo

3 hours

Experience the laid-back fishing village of Zihuatanejo, a quick visit to a more traditional Mexican town and the luxury of Ixtapa, one of Mexico's most exclusive resorts. While you're at it, try out your bargaining skills when looking for that perfect souvenir from the area.

Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo Highlights & Shopping

3 hours

Experience both the laid-back fishing village of Zihuatanejo and the luxury of Ixtapa, one of Mexico's most exclusive resorts. While you're at it, try out your bargaining skills when looking for that perfect souvenir from the area.

Cultural Tours

Country Customs & Traditions

4 hours

Learn how the locals live and make their livings. You'll visit an adobe brick and decorative tile factory, a mango and coconut orchard and the charming village of Petatlan, where you'll see the famous church and have time for shopping for gold and souvenirs.

Mexican Fiesta

2½ hours

This tour takes you on a multi-cultural exploration of the village of Zihuatanejo. As you enjoy a lunch, featuring local specialties, you'll be entranced by local performers entertaining you with traditional Mexican dances accompanied by festive Mariachi music.

A Visit to Petatlan

4½ hours

A 30-minute drive from the Zihuatanejo pier will take you to the village of Petatlan, where you will visit the famous local church and have time for shopping. The gold market here is a destination in itself, and the town's shopping is an adventure.

Mexican Rodeo

3 hours

Experience a working ranch in rural Guerrero state, where you will have the unique opportunity to see an exhibition of rodeo performers in the Charro tradition. A delightful local lunch is included for your pleasure.

Rustic & Folkloric Countryside

4¾ hours

Go behind the scenes of touristic Mexico to experience how the local residents live their lives. You'll visit a tropical plantation, a ceramics factory and a decorative tile-making facility. A delicious local lunch is included.

Countryside Tour/ Town & Countryside

3½ hours

Discover the way of life experienced by rural Mexican craftsmen. After a drive through Zihuatanejo, you'll visit a fruit plantation, a factory where adobe bricks and floor tiles are made, and enjoy a yummy local lunch.

Scuba Diving

Certified 2 Tank Dive

4 hours

This excursion is perfect for the certified divers looking for a great day in the waters of Zihuatanejo. You'll take two dives in some of the most picturesque local waters.

Dolphins

Dolphin Kids/ Junior Dolphin Encounter

2½ hours

This is a dolphin encounter experience tailor-made for your kids. They will have a 20-minute in-water experience interacting with a family of dolphins.

Dolphin Swim/ Swim with the Dolphins

2½ hours

This fun adventure at the Delfiniti dolphin center gives you and the other members of your group a 45-minute in-water experience interacting with a dolphin.

Dolphin Encounter

3¼ hours

This fun adventure at the Delfiniti dolphin center gives you and the other members of your group a 20-minute in-water experience interacting with a dolphin.

Dolphin Spectator

3¼ hours

This tour provides you with the option to participate as an observer at any of the Dolphin tours offered by NCL.

Eco Tour

Troncones Beach & Native Fishing with Nets Experience

6 hours

Visit the beautiful Troncones Beach, where you will experience how native fishermen fish with nets--and you will have the opportunity to try you own luck catching fish. Afterwards, you're given a few hours to bask on the beach, and maybe grab a bite of the scrumptious local seafood .

Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing

5 hours

The waters of Zihuatanejo feature some great fishing, including dorado, barracuda, sea bass, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, shark and marlin. This excursion makes for a great day at sea.

Golf

Golf at Marina Ixtapa

5 to 6 hours

One of Mexico's best golf adventures awaits your play!. The world-class Marina Ixtapa golf course features dune style topography in it's 18 hole, 6,781 yard par 72 course. Watch out for the alligators!

Horseback Riding

Hill & Valley Horseback Riding/ Jungle Horseback Ride

3 hours

Ride on a beautiful trail through jungle paths and lush covered hillsides. You'll see some interesting flora and fauna on your ride, including iguanas, armadillos and a panoply of bird species.

River Beach Horseback Riding

3½ hours

There's nothing like riding a horse on a tropical beach to make the true equestrian say "ahhhh." You'll see interesting wildlife, take in panoramic views of the area and ride through typical Mexican villages and farms.

Horseback Riding

2½ hours

Enjoy a few hours riding through rural Guerrero state, traversing the rustic countryside and fording a local river.

Motorsports

ATV Beach Ride

3½ hours

This excursion allows you to get down and dirty riding through the soft sands of Playa Larga and Playa Blanca, through the jungle and its unpaved roads and the local mangrove forests. For ATV fanatics, this is the trip you are waiting for.

Watersports

Kayak & Snorkel at Las Gatas Beach/ Las Gatas Beach Kayak & Snorkel

4 hours

This adventure lets you start off snorkeling in the waters of beautiful Las Gatas Beach, experiencing a close encounter with the (harmless) local whiskered sharks. Then you'll have the opportunity to kayak through the beautiful scenic coastline. This is a day not to be missed!

Lagoon Kayaking Tour

3½ hours

After being transported to the beautiful village of Barra de Potosi, you'll enjoy a leisurely paddle through the lagoon, with its wildlife, mangrove forests and marine life.

Important Information

Notes on the above cruise excursions:

• The information on the cruise excursions listed above was developed from publicly available sources.
• The cruise lines may elect to add to, change, delete or otherwise alter the itineraries of the excursions above;
• The cruise lines may restrict the number of passengers allowed to go on any particular excursion.
• The cruise lines may impose other restrictions on any particular excursion, including height, weight, minimum age, etc.; make sure to check with them to determine if there are such restrictions.
• There may be seasonal limitations on certain excursions or tours, such as whale watching. Be sure to check with your cruise line to determine if the tour in which you're interested is available when you're on your cruise.

Why buy a tour through the cruise lines?

• They have selected tour operator partners who are safe, reliable, licensed and insured.
• They offer a wide selection of tours, purchasing convenience and can provide expert advice on the most appropriate tour for you.
• They offer a one price, no surprises policy, with no hidden fees.
• They will be happy to credit your onboard account if you've already booked an excursion and there is a change in itinerary of the ship.
• They will wait for you if your tour is late.

Footnotes