If scuba diving is your vice or if you have declared yourself an "aquaholic", you have just come to the right place because Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo can offer you WORLD CLASS diving without world class crowds.

We have over 30 great sites around us and we are sure that you will run out of time before you run out of sites.

Some of ours first class sites are: Morro de Potosí, Piedra Solitaria, Sacramento, Bajo de Jaime, Bajo de Chato, Bajo del Borracho, Manzanillo, Cueva de la Gata and many others.  Some less spectacular sites but still worthwhile are: Las Gatas, Contramar and Caleta de Chon, among others. Also, you can take a visit to the "Fandango" (a sunken ship) within Zihuatanejo bay.

The local diving shops and schools have many options for you. For beginners up to experts, even for first timers with a fast professional and safe training. Certification courses are also available from Scuba Diver to Dive Master by certified NAUI or PADI facilities with bilingual instructors.

Dives start at US$50.00 including equipment and qualified guide/instructor or you can bring your own equipment if so desire, and save approx. five to seven dollars.

If you are a Certified Diver, bring proof of it, so they may log your dives or in case you decide to take an upgrading course. If you are a first timer, please don't take risks, take a fast course in a qualified divers school.

The shops offer One and Two air-tanks dives. Day, evening and night outings; the last one for those who like to be adventurous. Also you may take a specialty course such as underwater videographer, underwater photographer, ecology diver or rescue diver that some certified local schools offer.

Basic recommendations for first timers. Do not eat solid foods the last 12 hours before your dive; do not dive if you have breathing or ears problems; you must not fly for at least 20 hours after your last dive (or you may have very serious health problems because of the nitrogen in you blood). The instructor will advice you about all this, take it seriously, it's not a joke!!!

For emergencies, at the Navy Hospital in Ixtapa we have a Hyperbaric Chamber operated by qualified personnel.

We also have some great snorkeling areas. The best ones are located in Playa Las Gatas and Playa Manzanillo beaches and at Ixtapa Island.

Snorkel equipment is available for rent at Las Gatas and at the Island; most shop have a set fee for as long as you want to use it; of course, you have to return the equipment before the shop closes down for the day. Take some I.D. along, they may ask you for one as a guarantee of the rental equipment.

To see a map with a list of excellent sites for scuba diving and snorkeling (with approx. location, rating and site's name) please
[click here] (a new window will open, java enabled browser required).

When in town, try to take a look at  the "Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Guía de Buceo 98" ('98 Diving Guide) that some dive shops still have around. It is full of detailed information about our diving sites and very worthwhile to peek at. (Above picture is in the cover of this guide).

Average annual water temperature is 79 degrees Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius. For experienced divers it is recommended to bring your own "wetsuit" (3mm) as help against possible scratches.

By the way, do you know what SCUBA means? (answer at bottom of page).

Definitively we do not have the big waves of other type of resorts like Hawaii, but also our waters are not so dangerous. Nonetheless, in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and nearby you will find very good places for a full day of fun surfing.

Within our town, Las Escolleras and Playa Linda beach are your best options. If you don't mind traveling a bit, only 30 to 45 minutes away there is La Saladita or La Barrita (bigger waves), and 1 hour away is Playa Petacalco beach in the town of the same name (with the biggest waves in the region).

You can also rent boards for wind-surfing.

For further information you may contact "Asociacion de Surfing del Estado de Guerrero A.C." (Guerrero State Surfing Assoc.) in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo at e-mail catchalola333@prodigy.net.mx

Some local shops rent small surfing boards but if you are accustom to use the professional ones, then we recommend to bring your own (no problem with customs if you are coming from abroad).

Answer to the SCUBA question: it is the abbreviation of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, neat ah!

Another answer (submitted by a visitor): Seldom Comes Up Breathing Again... it is a joke, but that might be true for some irresponsible divers, don't be one of them!.