Legend has it that a Tarascan king built the breakwater on Playa las Gatas to create a sheltered area for his daughter's exclusive use. Named for the gatas (nurse sharks) that once lingered here, this beach is bordered by a long row of hewn rocks that create a breakwater. Snorkelers scope out the rocky coves, and surfers spring to life with the arrival of small but fun summer swells. The beach is lined with simple seafood eateries that provide lounge chairs for sunning. At the far end is a paved trail to El Faro (the lighthouse), a climb to some cliffs that reward you with a marvelous view of the coastline. You can reach Playa las Gatas in about 20 minutes by climbing over the rocks that separate it from Playa la Ropa. But it's much more common and convenient to take one of the skiffs that run from the municipal pier every 10 or 15 minutes between 8 AM and a half hour before sunset. Buy your round-trip ticket (about $4) on the pier, and keep the stub for your return trip.
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