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Despite their proximity, the characters of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are vastly different. Ixtapa is a modern, master-planned resort development with luxurious hotels, fine restaurants and world class-golf. In laid-back Zihuatanejo 3 miles away, local fishermen still dock at the municipal beach to sell their catch. Splendid locations make both towns ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun.
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| Ixtapa Sports |
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo offers the visitors a large range of sports and outdoor activities. All kinds of water sports, including surfing, diving and snorkeling, water skiing, parasailing, kayak rentals, sailing, wave runners and banana boat rides and some land sports like golf or horseback riding, cycling. There are some fabulous diving and snorkeling sites in the area Fish for big game fish such as Dorado, Marlin, Sail and Roosterfish.
Golf
Palma Real Golf Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., ranks as one of Mexico's finest courses. Its 18 holes (6,898 yards) provide a diverse assortment of challenges, as the course wanders past lagoons, and from jungle hilltops to the sands of Playa Palmar. The course also serves as a wildlife preserve (watch for alligators in the water hazards!). There is a complete clubhouse with five lighted tennis courts, a large pool, pro shop, locker facilities, restaurant and bar.
Marina Ixtapa
Opened in March 1994. Designed by Robert Van Hagge, it offers a club
House, two lighted tennis courts, lockers, restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Water comes into play on 13 of the 18 holes - a real beauty! Discounted multi-day rates available.
Tennis
Most hotels in Ixtapa have at least two lighted courts. The Marina Ixtapa has a fine tennis center, as does the Palma Real Golf Club. In Zihuatanejo the hotel Villa del Sol has two lighted courts, which are primarily for guest use.
Cycling
Ixtapa inaugurated a 2.5-mile cycling roller blading-jogging path in 1999. The trail is paved and illuminated for night use. It is nicely landscaped and showcases the area's special scenic beauty.
Horseback Riding
Head north of the hotel zone to Playa Linda or La Manzanilla (at La Ropa Beach) in Zihuatanejo; horses can be rented by the hour for beach or tropical plantation rides.
Water Sports
The region is blessed with ideal conditions for the water sports enthusiast. Although surf tends to be calm at Zihuatanejo's beaches, Ixtapa's beaches have waves and open sea conditions. Care should be taken when playing in the open ocean.
Diving
Some of the best diving and snorkeling on Mexico's Pacific coast is here in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. There are over 50 fine dive sites including shallow coral beaches, rocky islets, and even a sunken shipwreck. Among the best are sites near Zacatoso (just off Ixtapa). Diving is best in summer when water temperatures reach 90º F and visibility exceeds 70 feet. A couple of NAUI dive shops can be found in Zihuatanejo.
Fishing
Sportsmen have been coming to Zihuatanejo for decades to fish for marlin, sailfish, dorado, yellow fin tuna, roosterfish and wahoo. Equipment is first rate. Boats range in size from 24-foot pangas to 38-foot sport fishers. "Catch-and-release" is encouraged.
Miscellaneous Water Fun
Playa del Palmar, Ixtapa
La Ropa beach, Zihuatanejo
Parasailing, water skiing and wave runners, banana boat rides. On La Ropa beach Hobie Cats rental is available as well as windsurfing equipment.
Magic World Aquatic Park is a must for kids - AND their parents. It boasts a variety of rides, as well as a grand pirate ship with a series of slides.
Beaches & Swimming
The region has some of Mexico's finest beaches. There are over a dozen sandy, palm-lined beaches and coves. Some have developed facilities, but most are rustic and secluded. Here's a description of the finer sites (listed from north to south, starting north of Ixtapa's hotel zone).
Ixtapa
Playa Vista Hermosa
A lovely stretch of calm water at the far end of Playa Palmar. Impressive natural rock formations.
Playa Palmar
Main beach for Ixtapa's hotels; a wide swath of golden sand with rolling surf and lots of activity.
Zihuatanejo
Playa Principal
The Paseo del Peascador Street rims the town's main beach. Here fisherman moors their skiffs used for nightly journeys out to sea. In the early morning you can find them displaying their catch and selling to the local market and restaurateurs.
Playa Madera
Accessible via narrow footpath from Playa Principal. With gentle waves this beach also has a sprinkling of small hotels and restaurants.
Playa La Ropa
The area's most beautiful beach! A mile-long arc of tree-lined sand and gentle surf, ideal for swimming, strolling, napping and jogging. All water sports are available. Many seaside restaurants have hammocks for relaxation after a tasty lunch. Not to be missed!
Playa Las Gatas
Legend says a manmade reef was erected hundreds of years ago to create a shallow swimming cove for the daughter of an Indian king. True or not, this pristine cove is an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. There are several simple palapa restaurants with lounge chairs for sunning. Boats leave throughout the day from the municipal pier in Zihuatanejo (daily to 5pm). Highly recommended fun day trip.
Playa Larga
Open ocean beach with rustic seafood restaurants. South of Zihuatanejo.
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