Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Welcome to Zihuatanejo, a charming fishing village turned beloved tourist destination on Mexico's Pacific coast. This port retains an authentic, laid-back atmosphere that sets it apart from more developed resort towns.
Cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line frequently call here, offering passengers a chance to experience its golden beaches, clear waters, and vibrant local culture.
Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, enjoy fresh seafood by the bay, or explore the quaint downtown streets, Zihuatanejo provides a genuine and memorable Mexican Riviera experience.
One of the most popular destinations is Playa Las Gatas, a beautiful beach with calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It's easily reached via a short, scenic water taxi ride from the main pier.
The heart of the town is the seaside promenade, El Malecon, where passengers tender ashore. This is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, offering views of the fishing fleet, charming statues, and access to numerous shops and restaurants.
For a more expansive beach day, Playa La Ropa is a long, curving stretch of golden sand just a short taxi ride from the pier, known for its gentle waves and beachfront eateries.
Exploring the beautiful Bahia de Zihuatanejo on a boat tour is another fantastic option, allowing you to see the coastline and visit secluded coves.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Just a 15-minute taxi ride away is the modern, master-planned resort area of Ixtapa. It offers a completely different atmosphere with its high-rise hotels, championship golf courses, and pristine beaches like Playa El Palmar.
For those seeking a more rustic and off-the-beaten-path experience, the surfing village of Troncones is about a 40-minute drive north of Zihuatanejo. It's known for its long, unspoiled beaches, excellent surf breaks, and tranquil, eco-friendly vibe.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Cruise ships do not dock in Zihuatanejo; instead, they anchor in the scenic Bahia de Zihuatanejo. Passengers are then brought to shore via tender boats.
The tender pier is conveniently located at the heart of the town, directly on the main waterfront promenade, El Malecon. This prime location means you step off the boat and are immediately in the center of the action, with no need for shuttles or taxis to explore the downtown area.
The area surrounding the pier is bustling with restaurants, bars, tour operators, and artisan shops, making it incredibly easy to begin your day ashore.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While US dollars are widely accepted in many tourist-focused restaurants and shops, you will often get a better price and it is more convenient for smaller purchases if you use pesos.
ATMs are readily available throughout the downtown area for withdrawing local currency. Credit cards are accepted at most larger hotels, restaurants, and established stores, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors, taxis, and market shopping.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Zihuatanejo is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, particularly in the well-trafficked areas around the bay, downtown, and major beaches. The local community is welcoming to visitors, and a visible police presence is common in tourist zones.
As in any travel destination, it's important to practice common sense safety: be aware of your surroundings, secure your valuables, and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas late at night. Sticking to guided tours for excursions far outside the main town is a prudent choice.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Zihuatanejo enjoys a tropical climate with warm to hot temperatures year-round. The primary cruise season, from November through May, falls within the dry season, promising abundant sunshine, low humidity, and minimal rainfall.
During these months, daily temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit (24-31°C), perfect for beach activities and exploring.
Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen. The rainy season, which coincides with hurricane season, runs from June to October, when cruise traffic is less frequent.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
The downtown area of Zihuatanejo is compact and easily walkable directly from the tender pier. For destinations further afield, taxis are the most common and convenient option for tourists.
Always agree on the fare with the driver before beginning your trip, as taxis are not metered. A short ride to a nearby beach like Playa La Ropa is inexpensive, as is the trip to the neighboring resort area of Ixtapa.
For an iconic local experience, water taxis are available at the pier to take you across the bay to Playa Las Gatas. Local buses also run frequently between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa and are very cheap, offering a more adventurous way to travel.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Zihuatanejo offers excellent shopping for local crafts and souvenirs. The waterfront promenade, El Malecon, and the adjacent downtown streets are lined with boutiques and vendor stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to textiles and pottery.
For a more authentic experience, visit the Mercado de Artesanías (Artisan Market), where you can find a wide variety of goods and practice your bargaining skills. Polite negotiation is common and expected at markets and street stalls.
Look for silver jewelry from the famous mining town of Taxco, colorfully painted ceramics, woven blankets, and leather goods. While duty-free shopping isn't a major feature, the unique, locally made products are the main attraction.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Discover the highlights of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo on this private, half-day tour with a local guide. Traveling in a luxury vehicle, you will see high-end neighborhoods, a wildlife reserve, and various scenic vista points. You'll also visit a farmer's market, enjoy the guide's undivided attention, and can modify the flexible itinerary to suit your interests.
On this amazing 3.5-hour tour, you will learn about the life cycle of the sea turtles that visit this part of Mexico. Your informative guide uses a chart to explain the different turtle species, their incubation time, and the difficulties they face. This service includes round-trip transport and the unforgettable opportunity to watch baby sea turtles make their journey to the ocean. Afterward, you will have the chance to taste a fresh, locally made coconut macaroon.
Embark on a 6-hour cultural tour that explores both the city and countryside. In Zihuatanejo, you will visit the farmer's market, explore local residential areas, and admire the bay from a scenic lookout point. The tour then ventures into the countryside to visit a tropical fruit plantation and a rural community that manufactures clay tiles and bricks. Conclude your day with a great lunch at a beachside restaurant in the Barra Potosi fishing village.
Enjoy approximately five hours of snorkeling and kayaking at the beautiful Las Gatas Beach. A protective sea wall creates calm waters, making it a great place to swim and snorkel in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. This tour includes transportation, kayaks, snorkel gear, lunch, and a professional tour guide for a complete and hassle-free day.
Take an archaeological journey to Xihuacan, a Mesoamerican site locally known as "la chole." This important site was occupied for over 3,000 years by three cultures that maintained contact with groups like the Olmec and Teotihuacan. After touring the great archaeological beauties, your visit concludes with a delicious included lunch.
Take the most complete tour of the Xihuacan archaeological site, the only Pre-Columbian ceremonial center on the continent made from bricks and modeling clay. Travel with a small group in a luxury van for a guided tour through the Cuitlateca vestiges to learn about this unique ethnic group. The experience concludes with an excellent lunch at a traditional countryside restaurant, featuring handmade tortillas and fresh seafood, chicken, or shrimp.
Become a local for the day on this 3-hour food tasting and walking tour through downtown Zihuatanejo. Your local guide will lead you on a gastronomical adventure to six different tasting locations, including the farmer's market and off-the-beaten-path restaurants. You will try regional products like cheese, mole, and tamales while learning about the ingredients and local culture.
Witness the miraculous natural process of a sea turtle's journey to the ocean. Learn how a qualified team protects eggs laid at night by moving them to a sanctuary, safe from predators. After a briefing, you will be given a freshly hatched baby turtle to release onto the beach and cheer on as it runs to the sea.
Experience a memorable 60- to 90-minute horseback riding tour that combines both a ranch and a beach adventure. Starting from a small family-run ranch, your ride continues through a majestic coconut orchard and stops by a small lagoon. The tour then proceeds to the beautiful Playa Larga beach, where your guide will be on hand to help capture your best moments.
Enjoy a unique horseback ride along Playa Larga Beach and through scenic coconut plantations with your guide by your side the entire time. All necessary equipment, including a helmet and western saddle chair, is provided for your ride. The horses are very docile, but if you have riding experience, you are welcome to gallop along the beach.
Take a beautiful morning horseback ride for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes along Playa Larga, the longest beach in the area. Your route winds through coconut plantations and mangrove trees, offering pleasant views of the ocean, lagoon, and mountains. The friendly, well-trained horses are suitable for all skill levels, and a cold beer or water is provided at the end of your ride.
Visit a beautiful island with access to three beaches, including Coral Beach, which is renowned for its pristine waters, colorful fish, and live coral. You can spend your day swimming in the tranquil waters of “Playa Varadero,” snorkeling at Coral Beach, or relaxing at a palm-roofed restaurant. Restaurants on the island offer a variety of fresh seafood, chicken, and beef dishes, and a swiss massage is also available as an option.
Discover the regional lifestyle and see how local people make a living from the area's natural resources. Learn about the many uses of the coconut, from creating different products to using its husk as fuel for wood-fired ovens. You will also get to see how clay is used in the traditional elaboration of bricks and roofing tiles for building homes.
Join us for a 4-hour snorkel beach day at the stunning Las Gatas Beach, known for its calm water and relaxing tropical atmosphere. While snorkeling, you can find an 18-foot bronze statue of Jesus located under the water in the bay. After your underwater exploration, relax in a comfortable lounge chair or swim in the crystal-clear water; please note that lunch and drinks are never included.
Enjoy our flexible and reliable transportation service with a certified, English-speaking driver. You will travel comfortably in our insured and well-kept vehicles, which will have water on board for your convenience. We are happy to accommodate your needs and can make stops at grocery stores or other locations upon request.
Showing 2 ships in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Prices are roughly the same throughout the year. On average Zihuatanejo is rather expensive as a port of call. The diagram below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Zihuatanejo.
Want to hear about the best deals and cruise tips every week? Sign up for our free weekly VIP Newsletter, customized exactly to your preferences!
