Sports lovers and outdoor buffs can be active all day long in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. Activities range from premier golfing, tennis, scuba diving and the full scope of water sports, horseback riding, fishing, and even bird watching. For those who just want to relax, there are sixteen beaches to lie on and let the world go by.

Things to Do

One of Ixtapa's attractions is its offshore islands. For example, Isla Grande, more commonly known as Isla de Ixtapa, is a Robinson Crusoe's paradise, uninhabited except for exotic birds and a few sun worshippers. You can get to the island by shuttle boat from the pier at Playa Linda. Boats depart from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. for a round-trip fare of $3. In addition to its beautiful beaches, there are also many other natural attractions, such as the rugged rock formations found all along the coast.

For the Kids

Though Ixtapa is a resort more for adults, there are some activities for children. Magic World, a new water park, offers a wave pool, toboggans, and a pirate ship for kids to climb on. Kids can even swim with dolphins at Delfiniti. Those who can't swim can also have an encounter with the dolphins through a special program for three-to seven-year-olds called Delfiniti Kids.

Happy Planet in downtown Zihuatanejo offers interactive games for small children.

Since Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo is one of the best places for sea turtles to come ashore to lay their eggs, it's a great place for kids to learn about turtle conservation. There are quite a few active groups in the area, such as the Asociación de Ecologistas de Zihuatanejo (Zihuat Ecology Association), members of which help collect eggs and build temporary pens on the beaches to protect the eggs until they hatch, after which they release the baby turtles into the ocean.