In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo you will enjoy all the water sports... ski, parachute ride, snorkeling, jet-ski, banana boat ride, water tricycles, sail-boards, surfing and many more. Water sports US$10.00 and up. Sports available on Playa La Ropa, Playa Las Gatas, Playa El Palmar, Playa Linda and Playa Quieta beaches and also at the Island.

Of course, you don't need to rent anything to have a fun time swimming, playing beach volleyball or soccer, jogging or taking a breath-hold dive to see if you can find one of our clams, among the many other activities that you can do in our beaches.

Ixtapa: If your are staying in a non-beach hotel, you can use the public areas facilities of some hotels in the beach if you do a consumption (meals, drinks, etc.) but check first to be sure they allow non-guests. You can also use the "Beach Club" near Marina Ixtapa that is open to the general public from 9:00 a.m. 'till 6:00 p.m. daily. Zihuatanejo: There are many public entrances to the bay beaches; you will find many seashore restaurants with a variety of services.

For something really exciting, adventure after a lifetime experience of catching a Sailfish and Marlin or any other of the many species that we have in our waters. (See Deep Sea Fishing section for more information).

For underwater fans we have Scuba Diving with more than 30 world class sites around us. Tours for beginners or experts, even for first timers with a fast professional training. Tour includes qualified guide/instructor. We also have great places for snorkeling. (See Scuba Diving & Surfing section for detailed information).

If you love Golf, we have two excellent courses, home of famous national and international tournaments. Club de Golf Palma Real Ixtapa and Club de Golf La Marina. Green fees from US$45.00 to US$75.00 depending of club, time and season. Carts, caddy and equipment rental is available in both places. (See Golf-Tennis option for more details).

"Club de Golf Palma Real Ixtapa" is an 18 holes course designed by Robert Trent-Jones Jr.; well maintained; traditional layout; has club house, shop and restaurant. "Club de Golf La Marina" is an 18 holes course designed by Robert Von Hagge; many challenges for the golfers; also with club house, shop and restaurant.

Or if Tennis is your thing, some hotels have their own playing fields for their guests but these clubs also offer more than 10 courts open to the general public. Day and night games, US$4.00 to US$7.50 per hour; previous reservation is usually required (depending on season).

Reserve tennis courts well in advance during high season; we get many tennis "nuts" than want to play all day long while enjoying our great tropical weather.

We even have four very good surfing places from 5 to 90 min. away. (See Scuba Diving & Surfing section for more details).

If adventure is in your mind, we have shops that offer: guided bicycle rides, kayak, rappel, horseback riding and other great and adrenalin perk-up options or if you prefer something more relaxing, take a city tour, a countryside, the island, sunset cruise, petatlan´s church, etc. (See "Tours on your own and with operators" in menu).

A visit to "King of Kings". A 12 ft high bronze sculpture of Christ sunken in Zihuatanejo's Bay. Before its immersion the statue visited many churches, including Basilica de Guadalupe Church in Mexico City, where it was blessed and masses made on its honor. A miniature replica was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI (January 2007). Snorkel from Playa Las Gatas beach or glass bottom boat from Ixtapa's Island, or ask your tour operator.

Or what about an exciting skydive with a 60 sec. free fall followed by a parachute ride over Ixtapa while overlooking the Sierra Madre mountains, and then a barefoot landing on the beach. (Only available during high winter season, check with your tour operator).

For additional information on activities, check "Tours on your own and with operators" section in index.

Besides all the entertainment you'll find for them in our beaches, for an extra fun time you can take them to...

MAGIC WORLD an aquatic recreation park in the Ixtapa area. Waves pool, toboggans, pirate ship, etc. Fun for all ages. Open to the public from 9:00 a.m. during high seasons, holidays and on weekends in low season.

DELFINITI - Swim with Dolphins in Ixtapa. Their options are: Swim with dolphins, Encounter with dolphins and Delfiniti Kids (for youngsters 3 to 7 years old). Daily,  from 10:00 a.m. 'till 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. For children and adults.

PARQUE AVENTURA in Ixtapa. Walk through trees with hanging bridge, lianas, foot bridge, zip-line, etc. From 4 to 9 meters (13 to 30 ft.) high for adults and at 1 meter (3 ft.) for children. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. 'till 5:00 p.m. during high season and on weekends during low season.

CULTURAL SUNDAYS in the Main Plaza in Zihuatanejo. Every Sunday the City Hall's Cultural House offers a variety of shows and entertainments for the whole family. From 6:00 p.m. Free admission.

In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo if your goal is to relax... enjoy our sun on one of our clean and golden sandy beaches, take a dreaming stroll along the shore or a relaxing swim in the warm and calm waters of our pacific bay.

After that, what about a delicious and refreshing Piña Colada (from US$3.00) or a Frozen Margarita (from US$1.50) while reclined in a hammock or in a chair under a cool and typical "palapa"... what a hard time... ah!!! The cheapest cocktails are those prepared with domestic liquors.

Make your dreams come true in this romantic and natural atmosphere.

In Zihuatanejo's bay we have the world famous La Madera, La Ropa, Principal and Las Gatas beaches. Ixtapa has El Palmar beach, more than 2 miles long of white sands. Nearby is Playa Don Juan, Playa Don Rodrigo, Playa Quieta, Playa Las Cuatas and Playa Linda beaches, all of them very charming and clean. To the south of Zihuatanejo, Playa Manzanillo, Playa El Riscalillo, Playa Larga and Playa Blanca beaches, among many others.

You have a choice of more than 20 miles of beaches of singular natural beauty around our area, refuge of ancient Tarascan Kings (see History section and Beach pictures).