Zihuatanejo: Las Gatas Beach Snorkeling and Kayaking Tour

Thinking about adding a splash of adventure and local charm to your trip to Zihuatanejo? Then this Las Gatas Beach Snorkeling and Kayaking Tour offers a fantastic way to experience the coast beyond the usual sunbathing. It’s a well-rounded excursion that balances fun, relaxation, and cultural insight, all wrapped into about five hours of memorable activity.

What we find particularly appealing about this tour is its flexibility—you can choose to simply relax in a hammock between towering palm trees, or get your adrenaline going with snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Plus, the natural setting—an exclusive, secluded beach discovered by a famous diver and actor—adds a special glow of authenticity. One possible consideration is that it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, so if you’re not comfortable in the water, this might not be your ideal choice.

This tour would suit travelers who enjoy active outdoor experiences, want a taste of local culture, and appreciate the chance to relax in a beautiful, less crowded setting. It’s suitable for small groups, making it a more intimate way to explore Zihuatanejo’s coastline.

Key Points

• Authentic coastal experience with both adventure and relaxation options
• Small group environment ensures personalized attention
• Includes snorkeling gear and bottled water—great value for the price
• Culturally enriching, learning about regional traditions
• Secluded beach setting offers privacy and exclusivity
• Not suitable for non-swimmers

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This guided adventure from Ketavi Tourist Excursions offers a compelling mix of activities on the beautiful shores of Las Gatas Beach. Located just outside Zihuatanejo, this beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant underwater life. It’s a favorite among travelers seeking to combine water-based fun with cultural exploration—all in a manageable five-hour window.

The tour kicks off with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a small comfort after a hot day exploring or traveling. Once you arrive, you’ll hop aboard a boat that takes you along the coast to a privately-accessed beach. The journey itself offers lovely views of the bay and Sierra Madre Mountains, adding a scenic backdrop to your adventure.

The Beach: An Exclusive and Secluded Hideaway

Las Gatas is famed for its peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Unlike the busy beaches further south, Las Gatas retains a feeling of being a secret escape. As one reviewer puts it, you’re essentially visiting an “exclusive and secluded beach hideaway”—a perfect spot to escape crowds and enjoy nature.

The beach is lined with towering palms, and the shade they provide makes it ideal for relaxing after your water activities. You might spend some time lounging in a hammock, as many do, and enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the panoramic views of the bay. This balance of leisure and activity makes the experience appealing for a wide range of travelers.

Water Activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding

Your guide will equip you with snorkeling gear—included in the tour—so you can explore the underwater world just offshore. Given the protected bay, the water is usually calm, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for snorkelers and paddlers alike.

Kayaking and paddleboarding allow you to get up close with the scenery—paddling around the bay, you’ll see marine life, rocky formations, and perhaps even some local fish. Reviews describe the snorkeling as “exploring many of the underwater wonders,” which suggests decent visibility and interesting marine life, though specifics aren’t detailed.

For those craving adventure, this is a chance to be active without the hassle of planning your own trip. Plus, the use of high-quality snorkelling equipment ensures you’re well-equipped for underwater discovery.

Learning About Local Culture and Traditions

Beyond the water, the tour emphasizes cultural learning. Your guide will share stories about the region, adding depth to your experience. This element makes the excursion more than just a beach day; it’s an opportunity to connect with the local traditions and history.

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Relaxation and Refreshments

After your aquatic adventures, the tour encourages time to rest in shaded hammocks. This is a highlight for many travelers, offering the chance to unwind and soak in the stunning bay views. Bottled water is provided, helping you stay hydrated under the Mexican sun, and you might find local drinks or snacks on sale from beach vendors.

What To Expect: The Full Breakdown

The tour begins with a pick-up in a small, comfortable group—limited to just ten participants—ensuring personalized attention from your multilingual guide (English, French, Spanish). The small size also means you’re less likely to feel like just another face in the crowd, and more like a guest on a shared adventure.

After roughly an hour of travel from Zihuatanejo, you’ll arrive at the boat launch point. The boat ride to Las Gatas takes about 15-20 minutes, offering lovely views of the coast and the Sierra Madre mountains. Once ashore, the guide will set up your snorkelling gear, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the underwater life just offshore.

The water activities are flexible—whether you prefer to stay close to the shore or venture further out, the calm waters make it accessible even for inexperienced swimmers. If you’re feeling adventurous, paddleboarding provides a different perspective of the bay, and the kayaks allow for exploring the coastline at your own pace.

Throughout, your guide shares insights into local traditions and the history of Las Gatas Beach, originally “discovered” by diver Oliverio Maciel. Such stories give a sense of authenticity and connection that many travelers appreciate.

The Return and Relaxation

After about 2-3 hours of water activities, the group reconvenes for some downtime. Many travelers just relax in the shade, enjoying the scenery and perhaps snapping photos. The tour wraps up with the boat ride back to shore, and transport typically returns you to your hotel or accommodations in Zihuatanejo.

Pricing and Value

At $90 per person, the tour offers a solid value considering the included amenities: snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and transportation. The small group size enhances this value, making it a more intimate and personalized experience. Considering the cost of similar excursions in the region, this price is competitive, especially given the added cultural insights and the quality of the setting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy water-based activities and are comfortable in the ocean (non-swimmers need not apply). It’s ideal for those looking for a relaxed, authentic day that combines adventure with cultural learning. Families with older children, couples, and solo travelers who value small groups will find this tour particularly appealing.

Who Might Want to Skip?

If you prefer a purely relaxing day on the beach with minimal physical activity, this tour might not be ideal. Also, non-swimmers or travelers seeking a more structured or all-inclusive beach resort experience may find the freeform nature of this outing a bit too unstructured.

The Sum Up

This Las Gatas Beach snorkeling and kayaking tour presents a great way to engage with the natural beauty of Zihuatanejo’s coastline. It balances active water adventures with ample opportunities for relaxation and cultural insights, all within a small-group setting. The exclusivity of the location, combined with the scenic boat ride and friendly guides, makes it a memorable choice for those who want more than just a beach day.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who love being active outdoors and value authentic experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. The tour’s modest price point, coupled with its inclusions, delivers good value—particularly when you consider how much you’ll get to see, do, and learn in just five hours.

If you’re comfortable in the water and looking for a manageable, engaging day trip that combines adventure with cultural flavor, this tour deserves a spot on your Zihuatanejo itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for non-swimmers since a significant part involves snorkeling and exploring the water. If you prefer to stay on land, this might not be the best choice.

What should I bring for the tour?
You should bring a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Having a camera and some cash for optional purchases or tips can also be helpful.

Are snacks included?
The tour provides bottled water, but snacks are not explicitly included. You may want to bring your own or purchase them at the beach.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride from Zihuatanejo to Las Gatas Beach lasts about 15-20 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.

What language are the guides available in?
Guides speak English, French, and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, but only for families with children who are comfortable swimming and engaging in water activities. It’s best suited for older children or teenagers.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

This tour provides a well-rounded taste of coastal Mexico—active, scenic, and culturally interesting—without breaking the bank. It’s perfect if you want to experience the real charm of Las Gatas and come away with lasting memories of your time in Zihuatanejo.

You can check availability for your dates here: