Fishing
Internationally renowned as a mecca for Anglers, Sailfish soaring up to 175
lbs are the primary game most of the year. Black and Pacific Blue Marlin range
from 275-400 lbs (winter months are the best to catch the big ones.) Other
species like high-flying Roosterfish, Wahoo, Barracuda and Spanish Mackerel
stay closer to the shore. Stroll along the Paseo del Pescador in Zihuatenjo
and watch local fisherman returning from sea with fresh merchandise. The International
Sailfish Tournament is held in May, offering cars and cash prizes. In addition
to abundant fishing, the town reverberates with parties and entertainment
activities.
Diving/Snorkeling
Abundant and colorful sea life, ranging from seahorses to humpback whales,
and hundreds of species in-between, await your discovery. Fifty-two dive sites
are categorized for beginner, intermediate and expert divers. Because of the
confluence of two currents, the local sea life is incredibly rich. Visibility
reaches 100-150 feet, and the water is usually over 80 °F. Snorkeling is great
at Manzanillo Beach, just south of Zihuatanejo, where the bottom is between
15-20 feet deep.
Boating
Charter your own fishing boat, or join the fun on a catamaran. The 450-acre
Marina Ixtapa, with 621 yacht slips, is located near the Hotel Zone. A promenade
along the slips, lined with indoor and outdoor cafes, compliments the nautical
atmosphere.
Beaches
Playa Palmar
With moderate surf and a long stretch of sandy beach that extends for approximately
2 miles, this beach is where the majority of Ixtapa hotels are located. Playa
Palmar also offers a great selection of watersports.
Playa Linda
Qualton Club and Melia Azul are located here. Ride horseback along the beach
to the delta of Ixtapa River for an incredible view. This beach serves as
a launching point for excursions to Ixtapa Island.
Playa Coral (on Ixtapa Island)
A scuba divers delight, named for the abundance of coral formations.
Playa La Ropa
Located in the center of Zihuatanejo Bay and home to many hotels and restaurants,
Playa La Ropa is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the
bay, and the best for swimming due to its clean, calm waters.
Ixtapa Island
Just a ten minute boat ride from Ixtapa's Hotel Zone, Ixtapa Island is a wildlife
refuge with deer, armadillos, iguanas and birds. Its beautiful beaches induce
a variety of moods and possibilities, including excellent snorkeling and diving.
In the acacia forest of the uninhabited west side of Isla Ixtapa, you can
observe exotic species of native birds.
Playa Las Gatas (Zihuatanejo Bay)
With its white coral sand and crystalline waters, Playa Las Gatas is considered
one of Mexico's most attractive coves. A rock breakwater creates a tranquil
spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving, while thatched beachfront cafes
offer fresh seafood and other local cuisine.
Family Fun
Land and Watersports
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo is not only a paradise for couples. Families will never
run out of fun things to do, and many of the hotels have special programs
designed specifically for kids. A variety of water fun is available along
Playa del Palmar in Ixtapa, and Playa La Ropa in Zihuatanejo. Rent bikes or
rollerblades, and cruise along the brand new 2.5-mile bicycle path. And when
the kids get hungry, families can fuel up at fun, seaside restaurants.
Magic World Aquatic Park
This water wonderland is a must for kids and their parents. It boasts a variety
of rides, a grand pirate ship with a series of slides (including a 100-foot
slide for adventurous adults) and enough American and Mexican fast food restaurants
to satisfy every appetite. There are also local craftsman selling their wares-perfect
souvenirs from a perfect vacation!
Archaelogical Museum
This incredible collection of nearly one thousand artifacts, ceramics, stone
carvings and murals dating to pre-Columbian times is located at the east end
of Paseo del Pescador in Zihuatanejo.
Nightlife
Ixtapa's Nightlife
Ixtapa's nightlife does not disappoint, with several lively bars and discos
to keep everybody dancing until the wee hours of the morning. The elegant
Christine Disco (at the Krystal Hotel) is the area's most posh nightclub,
offering guests an incredible lightshow sure to delight and amaze. Like everything
else in Zihuatanejo, the nightlife has a more casual feel, with several clubs
featuring live music.
