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Ixtapa is a purpose-built resort that runs along a 3 km curve of Pacific sand, with a crocodile reserve, a dolphin center, a Robert von Hagge golf course, and the fishing town of Zihuatanejo five minutes down the road. Most of the things to do in Ixtapa center on the water, but the archaeology and the coastal bike path round it out. The best time to visit Ixtapa guide has the best season for each activity, and the Ixtapa weather by month guide shows when rain might interrupt a day.
Things to Do in Ixtapa: Beaches and Islands
Playa El Palmar
The main beach runs 3 km along the hotel zone, backed by the resorts on Paseo Ixtapa. It’s free, public, and lined with palapa restaurants where you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella for about 150 to 200 pesos (US$8 to 11) a day. The surf is gentle enough for swimming in the dry season and becomes a proper shore break in summer. Vendors sell fresh coconut and ceviche; jet ski rentals run about 600 pesos (US$33) for 30 minutes. The Ixtapa travel guide has the destination quick facts.
Isla Ixtapa
This small island sits 2 km offshore and protects the bay. Boats leave from Playa Linda’s pier every 15 to 20 minutes from about 9 am to 5 pm; the round trip costs roughly 70 pesos (US$4) per person. It has three beaches: Playa Cuachalalate (busy, restaurants), Playa Coral (snorkeling along the rocks) and Playa Varadero (quiet). Rent snorkel gear on the island for about 150 pesos (US$8). The Ixtapa travel tips and FAQ guide covers boat-taxi and airport logistics.
Playa Linda and Playa Quieta
At the north end of the resort, Playa Linda and the adjacent Playa Quieta are the calmest, shallowest beaches in Ixtapa, which makes them the best choice for small children. Playa Quieta is where the water is stillest. Both are free; parking is limited, so arrive before 11 am in high season. Playa Linda’s pier is also the departure point for the Isla Ixtapa boats. The events and festivals in Ixtapa guide lists the seasonal events that use these beaches.
Things to Do in Ixtapa: Wildlife and Family Attractions
Delfiniti Ixtapa
This dolphin center sits on Boulevard Ixtapa in the Zona Hotelera, next to Posada Real. A 25-minute swim and interaction with the dolphins costs about 800 pesos (US$44), and shorter programs for younger kids cost less. It opens daily; book a morning slot when the animals are most active. Call +52 755 553 2707 to reserve.
Cocodrilario Playa Linda
This free crocodile reserve (also called Tamakun) sits right behind Playa Linda, where more than a dozen crocodiles sun themselves in a protected lagoon. Raised walkways let you view them safely from above. Go early, before the midday heat sends the crocs into the water. It’s open roughly 9 am to 5 pm and pairs well with a trip to Playa Quieta.
Magic World Aquatic Park
Located on Boulevard de las Garzas, Magic World is a compact water park with slides and a wave pool, open about 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Entry runs around 60 to 100 pesos (US$3 to 5) per person, with food packages from 300 pesos (US$16) for four people. It’s dated but clean and a cheap way to burn a hot afternoon with kids.
Things to Do in Ixtapa: Golf, Cycling and Archaeology
Marina Ixtapa Golf Club
This 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by Robert von Hagge and rolls through palm groves and lagoons next to the marina. Green fees run roughly US$120 to 160 for 18 holes with a cart, lower in summer. Tee times go fast in peak season, so book through your hotel concierge.
Ciclopista de Ixtapa
A flat, palm-shaded bike path runs several kilometers along the coast and links Ixtapa to Zihuatanejo. Bike rentals near the path cost about 150 to 200 pesos (US$8 to 11) an hour. It’s the safest way to move between the two towns without a taxi, and it’s well lit in the evening.
Zona Arqueológica Soledad de Maciel (Xihuacan)
About 30 minutes inland near the village of La Chole, this pre-Hispanic site was a major ceremonial center of the Cuitlateca and later Aztec tribute regions. You can climb a restored pyramid, see a ball court, and visit a small site museum. Entry is about 45 pesos (US$2.50). Go in the morning; there’s little shade.
Things to Do in Ixtapa: Day Trips to Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo Centro and the Fishing Pier
Five minutes by taxi, Zihuatanejo is the working fishing town Ixtapa was built beside. Walk the malecón (seafront promenade), watch the pangas unload the day’s catch at the municipal pier, and browse the artisan market near the main square. A taxi between the two towns costs about 80 to 100 pesos (US$4 to 5). The Ixtapa neighborhoods guide maps the town’s districts.
Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas
Across the bay from Ixtapa, Playa La Ropa is Zihuatanejo’s best swimming beach, a 1 km strip with gentle water and beach clubs renting loungers for about 150 pesos (US$8). Playa Las Gatas, reached by a short panga ride from the pier, is a protected cove with snorkeling and a submerged Christ statue. The where to stay in Ixtapa guide covers the hotels near both beaches.
