Playa Linda — Surfing, Wildlife & Island Adventures in Ixtapa
Just 25 minutes north of Pacific Vacation’s Villa Bahía and Villa Encantada, Playa Linda is one of Ixtapa’s most dynamic beaches — a long, golden shoreline framed by palm trees, surfable waves, and a lively crocodile lagoon at the river mouth. It’s the starting point for boat trips to Ixtapa Island, a favorite among surfers, nature lovers, and families seeking an adventure away from the crowds. Playa Linda combines wild beauty and local color, making it one of the most unique beaches in the Zihuatanejo–Ixtapa area.
Getting There
From Pacific Vacation, take the scenic Boulevard Playa Linda route north toward Ixtapa. The drive takes about 25–30 minutes, passing through lush coastal scenery and parts of Ixtapa’s resort zone before arriving at the beach entrance.
Things to Do at Playa Linda
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Surfing & Bodyboarding – Best in the mornings before the wind picks up.
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Visit the Crocodile Lagoon – A quick, family-friendly stop right by the beach entrance.
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Horseback Riding – Rent horses for scenic rides along the beach at sunset.
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Boat to Ixtapa Island – Combine your beach day with snorkeling and island dining.
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Beach Walks & Photography – Wide, scenic shoreline perfect for long strolls.
Live Cam — Playa Linda, Ixtapa
Get a real-time view of Playa Linda’s surf, palapa restaurants, and the pier to Isla Ixtapa. This live webcam updates throughout the day so you can check the waves, the weather, and the vibe before you go.
Eat | Drink | Relax
Several rustic beach palapa restaurants line Playa Linda’s sand, offering fresh-caught seafood and cold drinks with ocean views:
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Restaurante El Manglar de Playa Linda – Traditional palapa restaurant serving grilled fish, garlic shrimp, and coconut cocktails right on the beach.
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Casa del Sol Playa Linda – Known for margaritas, ceviche, and ocean-view tables shaded by palms.
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Restaurante El Pargo – Local favorite for whole fried fish and cold beer steps from the surf.
Insider Tip:
Most beachfront restaurants here offer loungers and shade umbrellas for guests who order food or drinks — ideal for a full beach day with surf, lunch, and relaxation.
Swim & Surf Conditions
Playa Linda is one of the few true surf beaches in the Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo area. The waves here break over a sandy bottom and are best at mid- to high tide, offering fun, punchy beach breaks for intermediate surfers. Early mornings often bring clean, glassy conditions before the wind picks up in the afternoon.
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Best for: Intermediate surfers
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Wave type: Beach break
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Board type: Shortboard or funboard
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Vibe: Local surf community, mellow weekday mornings, busier weekends
When the swell is small, the inside section near the river mouth becomes perfect for body surfing and boogie boarding, making it a versatile beach for both beginners and surfers looking for mellow rides.
Crocodile Lagoon & Nature Walks
Behind the dunes, you’ll find La Playa Linda Crocodile Lagoon, a natural estuary teeming with crocodiles, turtles, and exotic birds. A safe wooden walkway allows visitors to observe wildlife up close, with local guides on site to share information. It’s an easy 10-minute visit and one of the most popular family-friendly attractions near Ixtapa.
Ixtapa Island Access
At the north end of Playa Linda, small boats ferry visitors to Isla Ixtapa, known for snorkeling, seafood restaurants, and calm swimming coves. The ride takes just 10 minutes, and you can choose from four beaches on the island — including one on the back side that’s ideal for snorkeling over coral reefs. Most boats operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Pacific Vacation Travel Tip
Plan to arrive early to watch the surfers, walk through the crocodile sanctuary, and take the boat to Ixtapa Island for lunch. Return in the afternoon for a drink at El Manglar and watch the sky turn pink over the Pacific — it’s one of Ixtapa’s most scenic sunsets.
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