Ixtapa offers another variety of beaches. The first is Playa Vista Hermosa, a small cove which is actually the beach of the Westin Brisas. Ixtapa's main beach is Playa del Palmar, a 2-mile long, broad sandy stretch which is the location of the "Hotel Zone", a row of the resort's major 4- and 5-star beachfront hotels ending at the Marina Ixtapa.

Water sports facilities are available along the beach. Since this is essentially open sea, there is surf which at times can be quite strong. Most hotels will have a warning system, by flag color with explanation, at their beach entrance.

About ten minutes beyond the Ixtapa Hotel Zone is the long, pristine Playa Linda. At the edge of the beach is a handicraft mart, as well as a rock jetty from which covered skiffs (pangas) take passengers on a 10-minute ride to Ixtapa Island.  The boats run continously (on demand) from early morning until 5 p.m. A round trip costs about $2-$3 (keep ticket stub to return). You can also go horseback riding here or view the crocodiles at this local reserve.

The Isla Ixtapa's most popular beach is Playa Cuachalalate named for an endemic tree whose bark has been used since ancient times as a remedy for kidney ailments. Like Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, this beach is also lined with good seafood eateries.

At the north end of the beach, watersport rental equipment, instruction and dive excursions are available. A short walk across to the other side of the island takes you to a gorgeous, sandy beach called Playa Varadero, which faces the sunset. It is also lined with small restaurants, and there are water sports facilities. Just behind the restaurants is Playa Coral with crystal-clear water great for snorkeling. A fourth beach, Playa Carey, toward the south end of the island, is small and isolated. The pangas run between the small boat landings at both Cuachalalate and Varadero beaches and Playa Linda on the mainland. Make sure you don't miss that last run to the mainland or you might find yourself paying much more to get back, or actually sleeping over on the beach!