Plan a CruiseYour cruise ship will anchor in Zihuatanejo Bay, and you'll take a tender boat ashore to a small dock in Zihuatanejo. This picturesque fishing village offers a charming atmosphere with four beautiful beaches, a range of accommodations, and diverse dining options. For independent travelers with 8-10 hours in port, Zihuatanejo itself is easily explored on foot, while the more modern resort area of Ixtapa is just a short distance away.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon tendering ashore in Zihuatanejo, the main shops and town center are an easy three-minute walk from the dock. Taxis are plentiful and affordable for exploring beyond the immediate vicinity.
To reach Ixtapa, which is approximately three miles from Zihuatanejo, you have several options:
- Taxi: A taxi ride to Ixtapa costs about $4 USD. Taxis are abundant and generally inexpensive.
- Bus: Local buses also run between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, offering a more budget-friendly option.
- Shore Excursions: Your cruise line or local operators may offer organized tours to Ixtapa.
Attractions and Activities
For your 8-10 hours in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, consider these independent activities:
- Explore Zihuatanejo Village (Walkable): Stroll through the charming fishing village. Discover its four distinct beaches, browse local shops, and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, ranging from simple family-owned eateries to gourmet dining spots.
- Visit Mercado de los Artisans (Zihuatanejo - Walkable): This vibrant open market offers hundreds of stalls selling a wide variety of crafts, from blankets to ornate silver items. You can find real bargains here, unlike some of the more tourist-focused shops in Ixtapa. Artisan markets are also often set up along the beach near the pier when cruise ships are in port.
- Day Trip to Ixtapa (3 miles / ~$4 taxi): Head to the modern resort town of Ixtapa, approximately three miles away. It's a lovely destination popular with families and younger travelers, known for its sparkling beaches and rolling mountains. A taxi ride costs around $4 USD.
- Resort Day Pass (Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo - Varies): Many resorts, including world-famous ones like La Casa Que Canta and Tides, offer day passes. These typically provide access to pools, beach areas, and sometimes food and drink, offering a relaxing way to spend your day.
Dining
Zihuatanejo boasts a wide array of dining experiences, from casual, family-owned thatch-roofed restaurants serving local specialties to more upscale gourmet establishments. Prices vary significantly depending on the venue.
Shopping
- Mercado de los Artisans (Zihuatanejo): This is the best spot for independent shopping, offering hundreds of stalls with blankets, silver, and other local crafts. You're likely to find genuine bargains here.
- Pier-side Markets (Zihuatanejo): When cruise ships are in port, local markets often set up along the beach by the pier, offering convenient souvenir shopping.
- Ixtapa Shopping: While Ixtapa has shops, the Mercado de los Artisans in Zihuatanejo is generally better for finding unique items and negotiating prices.
Safety
No specific safety concerns or areas to avoid were highlighted for independent travelers in Zihuatanejo Ixtapa. Exercise standard precautions as you would in any new destination.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The symbol for pesos ($) is the same as for US dollars, which can sometimes be confusing. Look for "US$" or an "S" with a double stroke to clearly identify prices in US dollars. The exchange rate is approximately 17 pesos to 1 US dollar.
US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas throughout Mexico. However, credit cards are not as universally accepted as they are in Europe or the USA, and some businesses may charge an extra fee of around 5% for credit card transactions. Cash is often preferred, especially in smaller establishments and markets.
Language: Almost everyone in the Ixtapa area understands and speaks some English, particularly in tourist-focused businesses. Connectivity: Many cafes in the area offer free WiFi for customers.