Ixtlan del Rio - all beaches

This beachfront location is an absolute gem, conveniently located within a leisurely stroll from my accommodation. I had the pleasure of experiencing both a breathtaking sunrise and a mesmerizing sunset during my visit. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a memorable coastal escape.

This tropical beach is quite impressive, with gentle waters and a peaceful atmosphere. However, it's important to note that calm days are few and far between, as the red and black flags are often raised to indicate dangerous conditions. Despite this, if you've specifically chosen this beach as your destination, you're sure to find plenty to enjoy here.

The beach was disappointing with rocky terrain and not living up to the reviews. Those who enjoy walking should consider visiting the Malecon instead. The entrance is rocky and once past that, the water is too deep to enjoy, especially where the waves crash. Both adults and children did not feel comfortable in the water. The beach is much cleaner and better south of the pier, so if you have kids, head in that direction. Those who have traveled extensively will be let down by this beach. On a return visit two days later after rain, the water was brown. A walk on the malecon revealed the source of the issue - a brown river that flows into the ocean.

This beach is stunning and peaceful, ideal for families with young kids and those looking to unwind.

We decided to check out this beach due to its proximity to our Airbnb located in the Versalles neighbourhood. Although the area has a lot of ongoing construction, don't be discouraged as the beach is still accessible. Simply follow the directions provided on Google Maps. The beach tends to be quite crowded with numerous vendors. However, they do offer umbrella rentals which is a plus. The rental prices vary greatly, so it's best to shop around. We managed to find a vendor who only charged us $50 pesos for an umbrella. The sand here is a dark brown colour and appears to be littered with debris. Additionally, due to the presence of horses carrying tourists along the shoreline, there is a risk of encountering animal waste. The water didn't look particularly clean to us, so we opted not to go for a swim. Overall, this beach is not one of our favourites.

This beach is really beautiful and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, despite the rocky terrain. It's also a great spot for taking photos on the rocks. Keep in mind that the access can be a bit challenging due to the steep incline, but trust me, it's definitely worth the effort.