18 beaches in Guerrero; the good life just 5 hours from Mexico City
Jump into the Pacific Ocean in a state where beauty is the rule, not the exception. Discover Guerrero’s beaches, beyond just Acapulco.
Without a doubt, Guerrero’s beaches are among Mexico’s most beloved destinations. This glamorous state, the site of countless events, lies along the Pacific Ocean. Acapulco has always been the star of the show—first, as one of Mexico’s most important ports where trade between Asia and Europe started, and then for its dazzling beaches and bays that have won it worldwide fame. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is no stranger to the spotlight either. They boast the country’s largest marina and warm beaches.
18 Beaches in Guerrero
1. Petacalco Bay
This is an open bay with regular swells and coarse sand. You can swim in its crystal-clear water, sunbathe, and soak up the rhythmic movement of the waves. If you are looking for a somewhere to get away from it all and find peace, this is just the place.
Where
- 10 miles from Lázaro Cárdenas on federal road 200 and highway 37
2. Troncones Beach
This beach is about 219 to 328 yards wide. It faces the open ocean and receives moderate to strong waves, so we do not recommend swimming. However, it is perfect for strolling along the water’s edge or horseback riding. To one side of the beach are small cliffs from which you can have fun fishing.
Troncones beach has won a reputation around the world as a fantastic spot for surfing. Take advantage of your visit and go on an outing into the jungle or the caves, mountain bike or bird-watch.
Where
- 39 miles from Petacalco Bay on federal road 200
3. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
This tourist resort is one of the country’s top destinations, encompassing the beaches in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. It has won worldwide recognition for its sport fishing and scuba diving.
Along the coastline from El Faro Point to Ixtapa Point are the rock formations and bays that shelter this tourist resort’s beaches. This resort is known for its steep slopes formed by mountains plunging into the ocean and for valleys interspersed with looming cliffs. Along the coastline Palmar Bay opens up, revealing several beaches, all which are very attractive:
- Linda Beach boasts fine sand and placid waves where you can swim, ride horses, or take a boat to the nearby island, Ixtapa Island.
- Ixtapa Island is a rocky islet surrounded by spectacular beaches—Varadero, Coral, Cuachalalate, and Carey—with warm, quiet water. On each of these you can enjoy the beach to its fullest and bask in the sun.
- If you prefer, you can scuba dive on the northern part of the island, a place known as Morro Colorado. The water here is also suitable for windsurfing, water skiing, sport fishing for smaller fish, and sailing. It is a touristic spot where many vessels come; you can get there by motorboat.
- The beach that stands out the most is Carey—more secluded, deserted, and tucked among gigantic rocks that make it feel more private. It is unique for being a topless and nudist beach.
- El Palmar beach symbolizes Ixtapa because of its great touristic importance and natural wonders. It is on the open ocean where the waves are big. Its just over a mile of beach is a great place to windsurf, parasail, dive, fish, take boat rides, and admire the scenery. Surfing is possible on Las Escolleras point. Quieta beach’s calm water is fantastic for swimming or kayaking.
Where
- 16 miles from Troncones on federal road 200 and Playa Linda Avenue
Jungle-covered hills brim with stupendous spots to scuba dive and ride boats. There are yachts and cruise ships ready to take visitors on outings to admire the ocean views Zihuatanejo is known for. Its beaches boast fine sand and gentle waves of crystal-clear water; the climate is warm and wet.
- La Principal is one of the most visited beaches. Its popularity comes from its pleasant corners for enjoying the sun, sand, and sea, and for its wide waterfront promenade where you can stroll while watching the fishing boats.
- La Madera is a small haven embraced by lush vegetation, giving the beach its unique feel. Its narrow strip of sand is guarded by several massive rocks that rise from the ocean. You can swim in its quiet water and take in the natural surroundings.
- La Ropa is one of the most famous and popular beaches in the area because of its calm waves. This is just the spot to windsurf and take boat rides. You can also parasail.
- Las Gatas is set in a small cove, its splendor framed by enormous rock formations. Its calm, shallow water is perfect for families. You can snorkel and dive. In the bottom it is possible to spot interesting coral formations where multicolored fish dart about. In addition, this is home to the bronze Rey de Reyes (King of Kings) sculpture which was submerged off this beach. Weighing around a ton and a half and 13 feet tall, it was created by sculptor Marco Antonio Rivero, from Guerrero. The unbeatable coastal scenery that surrounds the beach can be enjoyed from a boat ride across the bay or by taking a stroll.
- Manzanillo Beach is perfect for snorkeling or admiring the rock formations around it. Larga Beach, also known as Blanca Beach, is Zihuatanejo’s last beach. It is wide and sandy, facing the open ocean. Here you can swim, run, or horseback ride.
Where
- Almost 6 miles from Quieta Beach on federal road 200
4. Barra de Potosí Bay
Barra de Potosí is a lovely open bay crowned by a sandbar, forming an estuary with the de Potosí lagoon. It is perfect for free diving because of its shallow water. Across from the sandbar is Morros de Potosí, a marine bird sanctuary that has turned white from droppings. Swimming is possible all along the beach, but it can become dangerous depending on the currents and strong waves. You can get motorboat rides across the lagoon or on the open ocean.
Where
- 3 miles from Larga Beach on federal road 200
5. La Barrita Bay
A small open bay with intense waves, La Barrita is ideal for relaxing. It is also prized by surfers, and surfing events are sometimes held here. As long as you are nearby, explore Soledad de Maciel archeological site where you can see shrines and petroglyphs.
Where
- Almost 29 miles from Barra de Potosí on federal road 200
6. Piedra de Tlacoyunque Beach
Piedra de Tlacoyunque is a pretty, pleasant corner of Guerrero. It boasts little-known beaches where turtles come to spawn every year. The scenery is striking, and over the years the waves have carved a large archway that you can swim through during high tide or wade through in knee-deep water at low tide. An educational center located here works to incubate turtle eggs and then care for the hatchlings before they return to the ocean.
Where
- 24 miles from La Barrita on federal road 200
7. Michigan Beach
Michigan beach stretches between 164 to 328 feet wide. The surf is strong and sometimes high and dangerous. This is a great place to soak up the peacefulness; perfect if you are traveling with friends. Activities include fishing, bird-watching, and releasing turtles. To get here, you will have to come by boat.
Where
- 29 miles from Piedra de Tlacoyunque on federal road 200. In Nuxco, take the dirt road.
8. Hacienda de Cabañas Beach
This is a strip of coastline on the open ocean whose waves are moderate to strong. You can tour the nearby lagoon, where a wide variety of birds nest. You can also visit Paraíso beach, where relaxation is guaranteed and the night sky is dazzling.
Where
- 31 miles from Michigan on federal road 200
9. El Carrizal Beach
El Carrizal is a community that stretches to the mouth of Coyuca river, where the beach forms a sandbar along a lagoon of the same name. Here, you can enjoy a beach facing the open ocean—be careful because the waves are strong and dangerous. This is just the place to try ecotourism, water sports, and fishing. Take advantage of being close by and visit Azul beach, Mitla and Coyuca lagoons, and the islands of Pájaros, Pelona, and Montosa.
Where
- 32 miles from Hacienda de Cabañas on federal road 200
10. Pie de la Cuesta Beach
Here is one of Guerrero’s most famous beaches, known for its spectacular sunsets. Its lagoon ecosystem makes it a great place to take boat rides or hike through the mangroves. Close by is Tres Palos lagoon, which is in the midst of thick vegetation. If ecotourism activities are your thing, this place is for you: you can horseback ride, take a ride on a sailboat or motorboat, fish, ride a personal watercraft, or water ski.
Where
- 29 miles from El Carrizal on federal road 200.
11. Acapulco
Nature has generously endowed this tourist destination with two splendid bays. It features natural inlets, rugged cliffs, and varied and gorgeous beaches. Considered an international stage, for many years it has been a tourist favorite for its temperature—the average is 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
But it was love that made the port famous, as its sultry days, steamy nights, warm water, and never-ending sunshine creates a lovers’ paradise. Its beaches are plentiful, and tourist amenities are first class.
As far as water sports, Acapulco is king. You can scuba dive, fish, sail, ride an inflatable banana, or zip around on a personal watercraft. If you want to tour the coastline, you can do it on board boats, yachts, and cruise ships. If you are interested in golf or playing soccer on the beach, there are spots just for you.
While you are here, be sure to go to La Quebrada, the famous cliff where professional divers plummet 115 feet into the ocean waves below.
Where
- 16 miles from Pie de la Cuesta on federal road 200
Langosta Beach
Within Acapulco’s traditional zone, this small beach is enclosed by the high hills of Patal and Pinzona which also protect it from high waves. And, you can enjoy the water from a personal watercraft or inflatable banana.
Where
- Almost 7 miles from Pie de la Cuesta on federal road 200, Costera Miguel Alemán Avenue, and Adolfo López Mateos Avenue
Traveling from the mainland to this island is very interesting because you take a glass-bottom boat that let you see the marine life and the statue of Virgen de los Mares (Our Lady of the Sea), the patron of those who work in fishing, where it sits on the bottom of the sea. The statue that is underwater was replaced by one brought by Pope John Paul II. Every December 12th, fisherfolk and divers honor her.
Once on the island, you can enjoy a beach with gentle waves, a small zoo surrounded by trees and plants, and the famous El Palao restaurant, serving guests a wide variety of fresh seafood. You can tour the island’s jungle vegetation and enjoy nature and regional animals. In recent years, it has become a favorite spot to scuba dive. You can find tours available on Caleta and Caletilla beaches.
Where
- Across from Caleta and Caletilla beaches. You can only get there by boat.
Caleta and Caletilla Beaches
These are the classic beaches of old-time Acapulco, naturally sheltered by La Roqueta, the island that deflects the battering Pacific Ocean currents that come at the area. They boast soft sand and quiet waves. The water is suitable for scuba diving. Between the beaches is an islet about 44 yards out holding a water park called Mágico Mundo Marino. Its aquarium exhibits a number of fish and reptile species, as well as putting on a seal show. These were Acapulco’s first beaches to become internationally known. Be sure to visit them while at the port.
Where
- Just over a mile from Langosta on Costera Miguel Alemán Avenue
Tlacopanocha Beach
This is a busy beach favored by those traveling with children and seniors. Its placid water lets you swim comfortably. It is also possible to sport fish here.
Where
- Almost 2 miles from Caleta on Costera Miguel Alemán Avenue
Tamarindos, Hornitos, and Hornos Beaches
Because these beaches are located on the northwest side of the bay, they form one long stretch. They start at Las Hamacas hotel and run until Paraíso hotel. Featuring fine sand and gentle waves, they are adorned by countless palm trees. Activity here starts very early, as this is where people gather before heading out to fish. But, it is also because they are ideal for swimming and parasailing.
Tamarindos beach is unmistakable for its towering palm trees, clean sand, and waves ranging from gentle to moderately intense. It is one of the port’s oldest beaches, and it is common to see volleyball and beach soccer tournaments organized here. Hornitos and Hornos also boast fine sand and medium-sized waves. They are a great place to kick back in a hammock.
Where
- Just over 2 miles from Las Hamacas on Costera Miguel Alemán Avenue
Its strategic location in the very middle of the bay and in the heart of the Golden Zone between the Presidente hotel and Continental Plaza hotel, makes it the bay’s center. The beach presents strong waves, a steep slope, and medium-grain sand. There is always something going on: ride personal watercraft, water ski, windsurf, sail, and snorkel. Enjoy the beach as a family, with a partner, or with friends.
Where
- Just over a mile from Hornos on Costera Miguel Alemán Avenue
Icacos Beach
Here is the bay’s longest beach, starting at Presidente hotel, where the surf is intense, and ending at the Hyatt Regency hotel, with gentle waves. You can windsurf, play volleyball, or kick a soccer ball around. Take advantage of the location to swing by CiCi Water Park.
Where
- A little over a miles from La Condesa on Costera Miguel Alemán Avenue
Puerto Marqués and Majahua Beaches
Puerto Marqués sits on the bay of the same name, to the southeast of Acapulco. This lushly verdant beach’s peaceful waves are excellent for scuba diving, waterskiing, and jet skiing. A pirate hideout in the olden days, today it welcomes visitors who want to kick back and enjoy its quiet waters. To the south of the port is Majahua, with quiet waves and a peaceful ambiance that make it perfect if you want to take it easy and sunbathe. From here, you have the best views of Guerrero’s coast. We recommend both destinations if you are traveling with children or seniors.
Where
- 6 miles from Icacos through the Macrotúnel and on federal road 200
12. Revolcadero Beach
This is the perfect spot to contemplate the ocean’s majesty. Its location along the Pacific means its swells are strong and unrelenting, as well as its undertow. This makes it the ideal beach for professional surfers. You can enjoy this beach on an ATV, fly over it in ultralight aircraft, or by hiking.
Where
- 2 miles from Majahua on Miguel Alemán and Paseo de los Manglares
13. Bonfil Beach
Bonfil beach is especially beloved by young people. Its waves are suitable for surfing. But you can also enjoy the surroundings by sunbathing, riding ATVs or horses, taking long walks, or just hanging out.
Where
- 7 miles from Revolcadero on las Naciones Boulevard
14. Barra Vieja Beach
Barra Vieja is a couple miles long and between 55 to 120 yards wide, depending on the spot. Its fine sand is light gray. As it faces the open ocean, the waves are constant and run from regular to strong; the slope is steep. The beach is great for horseback riding. We recommend hopping over to Tres Palos lagoon—it is a large body of water and home to many bird species. Those who are into bird-watching will love it, and it is also apt for families.
Where
- 10 miles from Bonfil on Potrero-Lomas Road
15. Ventura Beach
This small bay with regular to strong swells has areas where you can swim. If you are looking for the magic of natural surroundings with basic amenities such as a shower, a room to sleep in, and good, inexpensive food, Ventura is the beach for you. It is frequented by nature lovers; fishing and kayaking are available. Nearby is Casa de Piedra beach where you can ride horses or take boat tours. It is the ideal destination if you are traveling with your family.
Where
- 68 miles on federal road 200 to Copala, and from there follow the road to the beach.
16. La Bocana Beach
Facing the open ocean, it gets regular-sized waves, so be careful if you decide to jump in. You can ride a boat around the estuary. There are campgrounds and camper sites. If you are traveling with your family, this is a good option.
Where
- 16 miles from Ventura on federal road 200
17. Las Peñitas Beaches
This destination is made up of two bays: one facing the ocean and the other smaller and protected by a rock embankment. The waves at the latter are smaller, letting visitors swim easily. Both beaches have plenty of sandy shoreline for having fun.
Where
- 5 miles from La Bocana on federal road 200
18. Maldonado Point
The bay here is mainly frequented for fishing, especially for lobster. Its beaches are quiet with moderate waves, and the average temperature is 79 degrees Fahrenheit. You can camp by the restaurants, which are set on the edge of the beach. If you are traveling with children or older adults, Maldonado Point is another option for you. It is prized for its water and scenery.
Where
- 62 miles from Las Peñitas on federal road 200