Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, on the "Mexican Riviera" are considered two resorts in one. Located in the northwestern part of the state of Guerrero, 150 miles up the coast from Acapulco via coastal Highway 200. Unlike any other Mexican beach resort destination, it comprises two entirely different places with distinct lifestyles, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, only 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) apart.

The beaches of Ixtapa's hotel zone

Tranquil & pleasant Zihuatanejo Bay

For today's "comfort & culture" travelers searching for that one beach destination that offers high-rise luxury along with seaside village charm, the dual destination of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo delivers the best of both worlds. This dissimilar vacation dual location delivers modern comforts, tropical beauty, and village charm better than any resort area in Mexico.

Beaches

The beaches of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and its surroundings represent the main tourist attraction in the region, and year Beaches in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo after year, thousands of tourists visit them and enjoy their transparent, warm and quiet waters, their fine golden sands and a nice tropical weather. Zihuatanejo Bay features beautiful beaches that provide a safe environment for the whole family and are ideal for relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying the landscape and the breeze.

The most crowded and traditional beaches are: Municipal, La Madera (The Wood), La Ropa (The Clothing) and Las Gatas (The Cats), whose appealing is enhanced by boats' rental services and a diving school.

Golf

The area keeps golfers on the go with two world-class facilities. Marina Ixtapa Golf Club is part of one of the most select tourism complexes in the country. It includes navigable canals that span the compound, as well as a professional 18 hole, par 72 golf course designed by architect Robert Von Hagge. The course sits on an area of approximately 110 acres with undulating topography, expansive sand traps and 14 holes where water hazards come into play. Palma Real Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. is located on the Pacific Coast and is in perfect harmony with the terrain. Wild flora and fauna of the region surround the course and provide stunning panoramic views of the sea. The par 72 course has strategically placed bunkers with Bermuda greens and lakes filled with alligators adding a truly exotic touch.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money
The Mexican peso is the official currency of Mexico, but the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. Note, though, that the symbol for the U.S. dollar ($) is also used for the peso, so make sure you know which currency you are being charged for goods and services. The peso is currently trading at about 10 to one U.S. dollar.

Zihuatanejo has a few banks with ATMs in its "downtown" area, about a 15-minute walk from the dock. Ixtapa has several. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most locations for purchases.

Getting Around
You don't need transportation to take advantage of Zihuatanejo, as everything you need is within walking distance. If you want to explore Ixtapa, taxis are readily available and not very expensive (about $4 each way). Several shore excursions feature bus transportation to Ixtapa. Buses have the destination listed on the front so you can easily tell which one to board. There are water taxis to the little snorkeling beaches of Las Gatas and La Ropa.

FAHRENHEIT

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

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DEC

HIGH

85F

84F

85F

86F

88F

89F

88F

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86F

LOW

68F

70F

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73F

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77F

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70F

AVERAGE

77F

78F

79F

81F

83F

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78F

Highlights of Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo
DURATION: Approximately 3 hours
PRICE: $41 Adult $22 Child

Zihuatanejo is a small fishing village that preserves its quaint customs and way of life, in spite of the continuous intrusion of progress. Because of its small size, in a short time you will see the major hotels and other points of interest. Then, make a short trip to Agua de Correa to get the real "feel" of a typical Mexican town, and continue five miles to Ixtapa-the computer planned resort area. See the Palma Real Golf Club, beautiful beaches, modern luxury hotels and restaurants along the ocean. Look around the shopping center and stop for a cooling refreshment.
You can leave the motorcoach in the shopping area and take the short walk back to the dock after you finish your shopping.

Isla Ixtapa
DURATION: Approximately 4 hours
PRICE: $55 Adult $40 Child

Join this delightful island getaway! A short ride takes you to Playa Linda, where a small boat is waiting to transport you to the charming Isla Ixtapa-a wonderfully preserved island where exotic plants and animals are preserved. The island is located just north of the main Ixtapa beach and is fringed by beautiful beaches. Take a swim or lounge on the beach. Snorkel equipment is available for rent. A delicious lunch of local flavors and beverages will be served.

NOTES:
Wear your swimsuit; bring a towel, sunscreen and hat. Not suitable for physically challenged guests.

Las Gatas Snorkel and Jungle Hike
DURATION: Approximately 4 hours
PRICE: $89 Adult $59 Child

Ferry 10 minutes by local panga to Las Gatas Beach Club, a Robinson Crusoe-style resort. Choose between snorkeling along the rocks (for experienced snorkelers) or from the beach (for beginners), and take a guided nature walk into the jungle and up to the lighthouse to learn about the local flora and fauna. All snorkeling is guided and there is time for two activities. A buffet lunch of quesadillas, potato salad, fruit salad and beverages (including beer) is included.

NOTES:
Kayaks are available for rent.

Zihuatanejo Snorkel Adventure
DURATION: Approximately 3 hours
PRICE: $79 Adult $44 Child

Enjoy a snorkel adventure in Zihuatanejo on board the 96 foot, 3-story cruising catamaran Dancer. Cast off from Zihuatanejo Bay and motor 45 minutes to Playa Manzanillo. At anchor near a coral reef and close to the beach, you can swim, snorkel or walk on the beach for an hour. Back on board, a continental breakfast will be served as the Dancer runs back into the bay of Zihuatanejo. A DJ will play your favorite music while you enjoy an open bar of domestic beer, tequila and local drinks while you cruise into the port.

NOTES:
Snorkeling takes place from the side of the boat in deep water. Life jackets are provided to everyone who wishes to snorkel. All equipment is provided. Wear swim attire and bring a towel and sunscreen.

Horseback Riding at Playa Larga
Enjoy an hour & 20 minutes of riding along the beach and up the river through coconut plantations, jungle and alongside wetlands populated with a variety of birds and wildlife.

COST
$49 per person

TIMES
9am & 4:30pm

DOLPHIN TOUCH ENCOUNTER FOR KIDS

A wonderful opportunity for kids 3-7 to interact with dolphins

Departures (Local Island Time): 09:00 AM (0.5 hrs) 10:30 AM (0.5 hrs) 11:00 AM (0.5 hrs) 12:00 PM (0.5 hrs) 01:30 PM (0.5 hrs) 03:00 PM (0.5 hrs) 04:00 PM (0.5 hrs) 04:30 PM (0.5 hrs) 06:00 PM (0.5 hrs)

Pricing: Child: $133.00 USD (Age 3-7 years. There is no cost to accompanying adults)

SWIMMING WITH THE DOLPHINS IN IXTAPA

This gorgeous new facility with beautiful dolphins will impress and indulge you.

Departures (Local Island Time): 09:00 AM (1 hrs) 10:30 AM (1 hrs) 11:00 AM (1 hrs) 12:00 PM (1 hrs) 01:30 PM (1 hrs) 03:00 PM (1 hrs) 04:00 PM (1 hrs) 04:30 PM (1 hrs) 06:00 PM (1 hrs)

Pricing: Per Person: $133.00 USD