Playa Las Gatas is reached via a water taxi from the municipal pier in Zihuatenejo. It is about a 10 minute ride and costs about USD 3 round trip (cheap). The beach is not a great swimming beach, but has excellent snorkeling along the rocks near where the boats enter. It is shallow and rocky, with many fish. Since it is somewhat sheltered the water stays fairly clear. In comparison, Playa La Ropa is often murky and the fish density is much lower on La Ropa. Playa Manzanillo is a live coral reef with high fish density, but requires a boat rental and can be murky as it is much less protected. There are restaurants and beach chairs along Las Gatas.

Third visit (01/2002) Playa la Ropa was very clear with excellent snorkelling.