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Playa Contramar

4.5
·222 reviews·Zihuatanejo, Mexico

A secluded pebble beach in Zihuatanejo known for its clear, calm waters, abundant marine life, and stunning sunrise/sunset views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
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the beach

Playa Contramar

Best Time

Early mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A secluded pebble beach in Zihuatanejo known for its clear, calm waters, abundant marine life, and stunning sunrise/sunset views.

4.5
(222 reviews)

"Amazing and quiet place where you can relax because it doesn't get as populated as the other beaches."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Water Shoes Essential

The pebble beach can be tough on bare feet. Pack water shoes for comfort and easy exploration.

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your snorkel to discover the abundant fish near the ruins.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 222 reviews

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pebble Beach Serenity

Pebble Beach Serenity

The main stretch of Playa Contramar

Unique pebble shore with clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and observing marine life.

Underwater Exploration

Underwater Exploration

Near the ruins in the bay

Crystal clear water teeming with fish, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Sunrise and Sunset Views

Sunrise and Sunset Views

Overlooking the bay

Breathtaking vistas at dawn and dusk, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pebble Beach Vibe

Playa Contramar is a unique pebble beach, not your typical sandy paradise. The gentle waves and clear waters are perfect for a relaxing dip, but be prepared for the unique terrain underfoot. Comfortable water shoes are a must for exploring this hidden gem.

Discover a Quieter Escape

This beach is known for its tranquility, often less crowded than its neighbors. Its somewhat hidden location means you can truly unwind. Plan your visit to fully appreciate the serene atmosphere and natural beauty without the hustle and bustle.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tu próxima visita es en Playa EL CONTRAMAR🫰🏻🤩 #zihuatanejo #zihuatanejoguerrero #ixtapa #ixtapazihuatanejo #fyp #viral #viajeros #mochileros #semanasanta #ss25
@kevinjaret4
18.9K likes • 375.3K views

👟 Water Shoes Essential

The pebble beach can be tough on bare feet. Pack water shoes for comfort and easy exploration. Reddit

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your snorkel to discover the abundant fish near the ruins. Reddit

Playa Contramar ☀️🌊 #ixtapa #zihuatanejo #mar #playa
gabbyriverab
43 likes • 1.2K views
Playa el Contramar Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
selena_perezrosas
29 likes • 3.4K views

☀️ Pack Sun Protection

There's little shade, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Rugged Trail Access

Be prepared for a short, rugged walk down to the beach. Reddit

Contramar te transportará a la playa sin salir de la ciudad, algo que lo hace especial son sus altos techos recubiertos con petates que dan la impresión de que está en una palapa playera, lo que crea un ambiente apropiado para todo aquel que necesite un escape de la ciudad. Aunque si hay algo que distingue a este lugar por encima de otros restaurantes que apuestan a la cocina de mar es el sazón de...
marianabraunoficial
41 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Water Shoes Essential

The pebble beach can be tough on bare feet. Pack water shoes for comfort and easy exploration. Reddit

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your snorkel to discover the abundant fish near the ruins. Reddit

☀️ Pack Sun Protection

There's little shade, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Rugged Trail Access

Be prepared for a short, rugged walk down to the beach. Reddit

🚫 No Vendors Here

Enjoy a peaceful experience with no vendors, just pure relaxation. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(222 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa Contramar is lauded for its unique pebble beach, tranquil atmosphere, and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors appreciate its secluded nature and lack of vendors, offering a peaceful escape. However, some note the rugged access trail and the impact of nearby development on the natural beauty.

"Fun cobble stone beach with gentle waves and beautiful scenery. Unfortunately the owners of the adjacent Villa Luna Kuku have destroyed the natural beauty of half the beach with an ugly stone patio. 🤦"

William Quast

"Amazing and quiet place where you can relax because it doesn't get as populated as the other beaches because of its location being almost hidden."

Matt E.M.

"It's a bit of a walk down a rugged trail. Small horse shoe bay with crystal clear water with lots of fish to see in the ruins"

Mike Broadway

What People Like

Unique pebble beach
Tranquil and quiet
Clear waters for swimming

What People Dislike

Rugged trail access
Development impact

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa Contramar is a bit of a hidden gem. From Zihuatanejo, you can often access it via a paddle from La Ropa beach.Reddit Alternatively, there's a rugged trail that leads down to the beach, so be prepared for a short hike. Reddit Some visitors mention it's almost hidden, adding to its secluded charm. Reddit

It's not as straightforward as some other beaches. Its location is somewhat hidden, which contributes to its quiet atmosphere. Reddit Look for access points near La Ropa beach or follow local advice for the trail. Reddit

Direct driving access is limited due to its secluded nature. The primary access is often by foot or paddle from nearby beaches. Reddit

For a day trip, consider combining it with a visit to La Ropa beach and paddling over, or be prepared for the walk down the trail. Reddit Arriving earlier in the day ensures you can enjoy the tranquility. TikTok

Public transport typically gets you to the general Zihuatanejo area, but the final approach to Playa Contramar is usually on foot or by water. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa Contramar is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its natural beauty for free. Reddit

As a natural beach, there are no official opening or closing hours. It's accessible during daylight hours, with sunrise and sunset offering particularly beautiful views. Reddit

No booking is necessary. Playa Contramar is a natural beach, and you can visit spontaneously. Its less-populated nature means you likely won't need to worry about capacity. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions beyond respecting the natural environment. However, be aware of strong currents or high waves, especially during certain seasons. Instagram

Yes, it's a great spot for a quick visit to enjoy the unique pebble beach and clear waters. However, many visitors find it so relaxing they wish they had more time. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Playa Contramar is characterized by its unique pebble beach, not sand. The water is clear and the waves are generally gentle, making it great for swimming. Reddit

Yes, swimming is a popular activity. The clear, calm waters are inviting, though it's always wise to be aware of any currents. Instagram

One of the appeals of Playa Contramar is its lack of vendors and restaurants, offering a truly relaxing and natural experience. Reddit

Besides swimming and relaxing, it's a fantastic spot for snorkeling due to the clear water and abundant fish. Reddit Enjoying the sunrise and sunset is also a must. Reddit

While the pebble beach might be a bit challenging for very young children, the calm waters are good for supervised swimming. The unique geology can also be interesting for kids. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The unique pebble formations, crystal-clear water, and the stunning sunrise/sunset views offer incredible photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Many visitors rave about the breathtaking vistas during sunrise and sunset, making it a prime spot for photographers. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay and coastline. If you plan on snorkeling, an underwater camera or waterproof housing is recommended. Reddit

The entire bay offers scenic views. Exploring the rocky areas can provide interesting foreground elements for your shots. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local ordinances before flying a drone to ensure compliance.

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