Coral Beach on Ixtapa Island is a small crescent of sand favored by locals, ideal for spending a relaxed day in a beach chair enjoying fresh seafood and occasionally slipping into the water to snorkel. The coral reef and colorful fish are just a few steps offshore, making it easy to explore the marine life without a long swim.
To get there, take a short ferry from the Playa Linda pier near the crocodile reserve in Ixtapa. Once you arrive, choose from several similar restaurants that line the shore—each offers ceviche, fish tostadas and other Mexican dishes served with cold beer. If you prefer something lighter, fresh coconut water served in the shell is a popular choice and makes for a great photo while you lounge in the sun.
All shore restaurants rent snorkeling gear at reasonable rates, so you can head straight into the water. The reef is in relatively good condition despite steady visitor traffic, and snorkelers commonly spot indigo wrasses, black pufferfish and a variety of other colorful species close to shore.
For a change of scenery, follow a short trail over the hill that leads to another, quieter beach. The trail climbs high enough to give you sweeping views of the entire island and, across the water, a distant view of the Ixtapa hotel zone—an appealing vantage point for photos or a brief rest before continuing your beach day.
Coral Beach is well suited to travelers seeking an easy, no-fuss beach experience: accessible by ferry, lined with casual dining options, and offering straightforward snorkeling right from the sand. Whether you want to relax with fresh seafood, capture scenic photos, or explore shallow coral gardens, this small island crescent offers a pleasant, low-key coastal escape.