On June 9th, my wife and I went on the Horseback riding excursion, and Oscar was once again our amazing guide. I have to tell everyone, he felt more like our cousin back home. He was very personable, and we were able to cut up with one another. He has a great sense of humor as well. He even helped us with our Spanish. When we arrived at the ranch, Eduardo “Lolo” was waiting for us. The horses were well fed and cared for, which made our hearts feel good because we knew they were cared for. We took a beautiful ride along the shoreline, talked, and laughed with Eduardo and Oscar. We were very thankful that Enrique was able to reschedule our excursion from the previous day because of the storm. OSCAR, we want to say, muchas gracias, mi amigo.
Birdwatching and Kayaking: in Barra de Potosí
Explore the peaceful mangroves of Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo as you paddle through calm lagoons surrounded by tropical vegetation and abundant birdlife. Discover hidden waterways, observe local wildlife, and learn about the importance of this unique ecosystem. A relaxing and scenic experience perfect for connecting with nature.
Overview
Discover the peaceful natural side of Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo as you explore a fascinating mangrove ecosystem surrounded by tropical vegetation, calm waters, and abundant wildlife.
Your experience begins as you paddle through tranquil lagoons and narrow waterways framed by mangrove trees. Along the route, observe the unique root systems that create a natural refuge for countless species while herons, pelicans, frigatebirds, and other local birds move through the landscape around you.
The calm environment offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the sounds, colors, and details of this extraordinary ecosystem. Every section of the journey reveals a different view, from reflections across the water to hidden channels and natural corridors formed by the mangroves.
Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll learn about the ecological importance of these wetlands, the wildlife that depends on them, and the role mangroves play in protecting the coastline. Their insight adds a deeper understanding to an experience that is both relaxing and educational.
Perfect for nature lovers, families, and travelers looking for a quieter outdoor adventure, this mangrove experience combines exploration, wildlife observation, and beautiful scenery in one memorable journey through one of Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo’s most remarkable natural environments.
What's Included
- Ground Transportation
- Tour Guide
- Kayak
- Bottle of water
- Light Lunch
Not Included
- Photographs
- Additional recreational activities
Recommendations
- What to bring:
- Binoculars and a notebook if you wish to record species
- Hat or cap and biodegradable sunscreen
- Comfortable footwear for walking on trails
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing to avoid disturbing birds
- Bottle of water
- Camera with zoom lens if you want to photograph birds
- Tips:
- Stay quiet and avoid sudden movements to prevent scaring birds
- Follow the guide’s instructions and stay on marked trails
- Take advantage of early morning or late afternoon for higher bird activity
- Respect the habitat and do not feed the birds
- Restrictions:
- Not suitable for people with severe mobility limitations
- Alcohol consumption is not allowed
- Touching, capturing, or disturbing birds is not permitted
- Keep a safe distance from nests and protected areas
- Activity is subject to favorable weather conditions
Important Information
Accessibility:
This activity is not wheelchair accessible
Note:
The tour may be conducted by boat instead of kayak upon prior request
Requirements:
Must know how to swim safely
Must have basic ability to operate a kayak
Meeting / Pickup Information
Hotel Lobby
1. Select Date
2. Select Time
3. Select Your Units
4. Your Details
The Experience Speaks for Itself
Real feedback from travelers who trusted Sunnyside DMC with their journeys across Mexico.
Muy buen servicio del personal y camionetas prácticamente nuevas y en excelentes condiciones, tour tomado a chichén. 100% Recomendado
Amazing tour to Ixtapa Island! The staff was very friendly and attentive, and everything was perfectly organized. The beaches and crystal-clear water are a true paradise. We got to swim, snorkel, and enjoy every corner of the island. Definitely an experience that exceeded our expectations. We’ll be back for sure!
100% recomendados para planificar vacaciones y recorridos familiares. Tienen mucha experiencia en el sector turístico
5-star rating on Google.
My name is Heidi and I live in Victoria, British Columbia (BC), Canada. Rate 5 star! January 2026 I went to Ixtapa for two weeks and stayed at Posada Real Hotel. Fernando was the Sunnyside representative in our hotel lobby. He was friendly, informative and spoke English very well. We did three excursions with Sunnyside. The tour to Ixtapa Island included a delicious hot lunch on the beach and I paid extra for a snorkelling guided tour. I was able to snorkel by myself after the introduction to the area and sea life. Our guide Mariella took great care to make sure we had the most enjoyable experience. The sunset cruise was so much fun, we celebrated my birthday that day. The crew of the catamaran Picante were amazing! They made sure that everyone was having a good time and provided entertainment that had everyone laughing. The food and drinks were good. The captain spoke English very well and told us about the sights along the way, we even saw humpback whales! The crew put out fishing rods and I reeled in a Spanish mackerel! (I am a fisherperson back home) The turtle release was a highlight for me as I have never done this before. We drove to a remote beach were a family works to conserve the turtle population. Our guide educated us on the endangered turtles and what they are doing to increase the population of green turtles specifically. It was an amazing feeling to dig up the baby turtles, hold them and then release then into the ocean surf. I highly recommend Sunnyside for excursions and will certainly book more with them the next time I am in Ixtapa. Thanks Fernando for making me feel special.
On June 5, 2026, my husband and I went on the City Tour, and Oscar was our guide. He was very knowledgeable about the areas around Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. When we visited the La Ropa area, we stopped at the beach, where there were various restaurants and shops where you could make purchases. We stopped and saw various bird species, crocodiles, and iguanas. We grabbed a bite to eat at Chekos for lunch, and it was delicious, and the customer service was great. They were very friendly people. Afterward, we opted not to go to the downtown marketplace and instead went to the Parthenon. The view was breathtaking, and the artwork was beautiful. Even though the story behind the place sounds horrible, I am glad the government was able to turn it into something that could benefit its citizens. Thank you, Oscar, for making our excursion memorable, and thank you to Sunnyside for an amazing tour.