Playa Linda and Cocodrilario, Ixtapa

Playa Linda stretches along the northern end of Ixtapa's coastal road, serving primarily as the boat launch point for trips to Isla Ixtapa, with a steady flow of visitors passing through en route to the island. Alongside the pier, a small crocodile sanctuary, the Cocodrilario, protects American crocodiles native to the adjoining estuary and mangrove system, housing several crocodiles in enclosures visitors can view from a walkway. The sanctuary offers a brief but informative stop on local wetland conservation, explaining the role of the mangrove estuary in supporting the crocodile population and other wildlife. Horses are also commonly available for rent along the beach itself, a popular activity for visitors waiting for or returning from an Isla Ixtapa boat trip. A visit to the sanctuary alone takes about an hour, though most visitors combine it with the boat launch for Isla Ixtapa, making Playa Linda more of a gateway stop than a standalone beach destination. Morning is the best time to arrive, both to beat the queue for Isla Ixtapa boats and to see the crocodiles more active before the midday heat.