Playa las Gatas

Playa las Gatas is a secluded white sandy beach at the southern end of Zihuatanejo Bay in central Mexico. Washed by gentle Pacific waves, the name “Las Gatas” comes from the nurse sharks that once inhabited this sheltered coast.

The narrow beach has shallow aquamarine water with small waves and a coral reef. It is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving but rarely has enough wave action for surfing. The beach is always quiet but there’s a catch - it can only be reached by boat or on foot from La Ropa involving a steep descent down the cliffs. In summer there is a local boat service from Zihuatanejo Pier for about $40 for a return trip.

Despite the remote location, Las Gatas Beach has a good selection of fish restaurants with great views (naturally!) and good service. The beach is overlooked by a lighthouse perched on the cliffs.

There are some watersports at Playa las Gatas including wave runner rentals, kayaks and snorkelling gear.