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Home / Beaches / Playa Varadero

Playa Varadero

Пляж Варадеро
Mexico · Beach · Zihuatanejo
crystal
Best month: November

Best for

Ideal for families with children and snorkelling enthusiasts who want to enjoy calm water and marine life. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and wild nature.

Best month

November

Water
—
Length
500 m
Playa Varadero is located on Ixtapa Island and offers calm water and shady palm trees. It is a popular spot for snorkelling and relaxation away from the city bustle, reachable by boat.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Playa Varadero is located on Ixtapa Island and offers calm water and shady palm trees. It is a popular spot for snorkelling and relaxation away from the city bustle, reachable by boat.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Crystal-clear water
  • Calm waves
  • Excellent snorkelling
  • Lifeguards
  • Beach restaurants
  • Suitable for families

Cons

  • Crowded in season
  • Access only by boat
  • Paid entry to the island
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families with children and snorkelling enthusiasts who want to enjoy calm water and marine life. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and wild nature.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Playa Varadero is one of the three main beaches on Isla Ixtapa, where you can snorkel right off the shore and observe colourful tropical fish.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
crystal
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.2 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
November December January February March April May
Season end
June
Best month
November
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Dangerous creatures
Sharks (including hammerheads)
Crocodiles (in estuaries)
Sea snakes (Hydrophis platurus)
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
No
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
5 pcs
Best restaurants

Beach restaurants

Mexican

Beach restaurants with seafood and Mexican cuisine

Nearby cuisines

Mexican

Mexican cuisine with seafood

Must try: Ceviche, grilled fish, tacos
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Snorkel mask
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is November, when the water is warm and the air is not too hot.
Local Rules
Littering is prohibited; respect marine life.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Isla Ixtapa

Small island with three beaches and coral reefs

Playa Coral

Beach on the back side of the island with a coral reef

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Varadero: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Varadero: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Playa Varadero: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Playa Varadero: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
Playa Varadero: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November, December, January, February, March, April, May. It ends in June. The best month for a holiday is November. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Varadero: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Varadero: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: Sharks (including hammerheads), Crocodiles (in estuaries), Sea snakes (Hydrophis platurus). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Varadero: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Varadero: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Playa Varadero: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Beach restaurants. Cuisines available: Mexican. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Varadero: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Snorkel mask.
Playa Varadero: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is November, when the water is warm and the air is not too hot.
Playa Varadero: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Littering is prohibited; respect marine life.
Playa Varadero: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa Varadero: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children and snorkelling enthusiasts who want to enjoy calm water and marine life. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and wild nature.
Playa Varadero: what makes this beach unique?
Playa Varadero is one of the three main beaches on Isla Ixtapa, where you can snorkel right off the shore and observe colourful tropical fish.
Playa Varadero: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Crystal-clear water, Calm waves, Excellent snorkelling, Lifeguards, Beach restaurants, Suitable for families. Cons: Crowded in season, Access only by boat, Paid entry to the island.
Playa Varadero: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Isla Ixtapa, Playa Coral. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Varadero: how do I get to the city of Zihuatanejo?
The beach is located near the city of Zihuatanejo. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Zihuatanejo.

City

Zihuatanejo

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.