Playa Linda is a picturesque slice of Mexico’s southern coast. From the moment you arrive at this coconut palm-lined beach, you’ll be swept away by its allure. Young local families play in the sand, old men drink beer under the straw canopies of beach huts and white horses gallop in the shallow water. Cycle along the waterfront trail, visit the crocodile pit to see reptiles or board the local ferry to reach Ixtapa Island.
Playa Linda is popular but the sprawling beach never feels overly crowded. Take a leisurely stroll along the soft sand or cycle the trail that runs along the water. Bicycles can be rented from the centre of Ixtapa and the 5.6-mile (9-kilometre) trail offers some of the best views in the area.
Choose a spot on the sand, spread out your towel and make yourself comfortable. Find some shade under the tall palms or rent an umbrella or beach hut from a vendor.
Stop by one of the thatched roofed bars dotted along the beach and drink a beer with the locals. Rent a Jet Ski or banana boat from one of the oceanfront vendors and venture out on the ocean.
Take the ferry to neighboring Ixtapa Island. With its calm, clear waters, the island is a great place for snorkeling. A ferry departs Playa Linda for the island every 10 minutes during the day. You can also rent a kayak and make your own way there.
Walk to the end of the beach to find the crocodile pit, a reptile sanctuary home to crocodiles, iguanas and turtles. See the native birds that live in the mangrove forests and learn about the life cycles of reptiles.
Playa Linda is approximately 5.6 miles (9 kilometres) north of Ixtapa when following the coast. The beach can be reached by bike, car or taxi. Free parking is available at the top of the beach. Give your arrival in Playa Linda a different perspective consider reaching the beach by boat, which can be organised from the Zihuatenejo Municipal pier.
