Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Points of Interest Travel Tips - Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Adventures at Sea

• 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.