Location
Ixtapa is located on the Pacific coast of southwestern Mexico, about 140 miles from Acapulco.
Getting There
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) is small but has direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, as well as domestic flights from elsewhere in Mexico. The airport is only 8 miles from town. Rental cars and taxis provide transportation into town, with a collective taxi (shared service) the cheaper alternative.
Beaches
Playa El Palmar is Ixtapa's main beach, a 1.5-mile long strip of white sand, and it is lined with hotels. Playa Quieta and Playa Linda are a little further removed, but quieter and less developed.
Golf
The area has two first-rate 18-hole golf courses in the Palma Real Golf Course and and Marina Ixtapa Golf Club.
Scuba Diving
The tropical waters off Ixtapa can reach a stunning 120 feet of visibility, and there are good rocks and reefs with plenty of fish.
Swim with Dolphins
Ixtapa has a two-tier "Swim with the Dolphins" program at its Dolphinarium, plus a program suitable for children ages 3 to 7. In 2009, the longest program cost $119 and lasted for roughly one hour.
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
