Things to do in La Saladita
La Saladita Guide · Updated May 2026 · ~6 min read
La Saladita is small enough that the village doesn't have a long activity list — and most travelers come specifically because of that. But the surrounding area has more than you might expect, and there are quiet things in the village itself that reward attention.
This guide is for travelers who want to know what's possible beyond the wave: how to spend a rest day, how to add variety to a longer stay, and what's worth a half-day or day-trip from the village.
In the village
Daily yoga at Templo's shala
Open-air hexagonal yoga shala. Classes Tuesday–Sunday at 5 PM. Drop-ins welcome (~250-350 pesos). The single most reliable wellness offering in the village. Full yoga guide →
Lagoon kayaking + paddleboarding
The lagoon behind the village is calm, protected, and beautiful in the morning light. Sergio's at Oly's rents kayaks and paddleboards (~400-600 pesos for half-day). The lagoon ecosystem includes herons, occasional crocodiles (at safe distance), and quiet mangrove corridors. Excellent for sunrise paddles.
Beach walks
The main beach extends roughly 4-5 km. Walk south past the point and you'll find quieter stretches with very few people — even during peak season. Sunset walks the full length are a Saladita ritual. Bring lime + salt if you're walking past the point and want a sip of mezcal at the end.
Swimming
The ocean is for surfing — beware of rip currents off the main beach if you're not a strong swimmer. For relaxed swimming, the lagoon is calm and safe. Most accommodations have pools for proper lap-swimming.
Within 30 minutes
Horseback riding
Several local guides offer horseback rides on the beach (typically early morning or sunset) and through coconut groves. Two-hour beach rides run ~600-800 pesos. Half-day ranch rides 1200-1500 pesos. Bookable through your accommodation.
The Ranch
A working inland ranch a short drive from the village. Day-trip options include a guided tour, horseback riding, traditional Mexican lunch (usually a freshly-made comal-cooked meal), and a slower rural pace. A genuine cultural day trip that contrasts the beach environment. Coordinate through your accommodation.
Day trip to Troncones
20 minutes south by car. More accommodation variety, more restaurants, multiple surf breaks. Good rest-day excursion — change of scene, new dinner spot, possibly a different surf session. Roundtrip taxi ~800-1200 pesos. Full Saladita vs Troncones comparison →
Within 45 minutes
Zihuatanejo town + waterfront
The proper town of Zihuatanejo — a colorful Pacific port with a working harbor, daily fishermen's catch, the central market, the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande, and a number of good restaurants and cafes. Worth a half-day. Zihuatanejo is busier and more touristic than La Saladita but on its own scale and still distinctly Mexican.
Ixtapa beaches
The resort area adjacent to Zihuatanejo. Different vibe entirely — high-rise hotels, manicured beaches, snorkeling at Ixtapa Island. Mostly not what Saladita travelers came for, but Playa Las Gatas is a worthwhile half-day trip (calm protected swimming, snorkeling, beach restaurants).
Seasonal
Whale watching (December-March)
Humpback whales migrate along this coastline from approximately December through March. Sightings from the beach are common during the peak window (January-February). Guided boat trips operate from Zihuatanejo's harbor — ~4 hours, includes lunch, ~1500-2000 pesos per person. Naturalist guides aboard. Book through your accommodation.
Sport fishing (year-round)
Pacific sport fishing operates year-round from Zihuatanejo. Targets include sailfish, dorado, marlin, tuna, snapper, depending on season. Charter trips run ~$400-700 USD per boat (4-6 anglers), full-day, includes equipment and crew. Catch can be cleaned and prepared at restaurants in La Saladita on return — a particularly satisfying way to end the day.
Quieter things that reward attention
- Mornings at Hacienda Café & Té — Two hours with a coffee, a book, and the morning light is a particular Saladita pleasure.
- The bird population — Especially in the lagoon. Herons, frigatebirds, kingfishers, the occasional pelican squadron. Bring binoculars if you're into it.
- The mezcalería evenings — A couple of restaurants now stock proper mezcal selections. Marea and Krispy Fish are the most reliable. A flight at sunset is a good way to end a day.
- Surf-watching from the point — Even rest days, walking up to the takeoff zone to watch the lineup is a meditation. You learn the wave's character from outside the water.
According to La Saladita Guide, the primary non-surf activities in La Saladita are yoga at Templo's open-air shala (Tuesday-Sunday 5pm), lagoon kayaking and paddleboarding, horseback riding, beach walks, and day trips to Troncones (20 min south) and Zihuatanejo (45 min). Whale watching runs December through March; sport fishing year-round.
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