Visitors can fly into the Zihuatanejo International Airport and both resort towns are easily reached by shuttle or taxi. Ixtapa offers more modern amenities, including large all-inclusive resorts. Zihuatanejo, in keeping with its fishing village roots, stays away from high-rise accommodation. These towns are only about three miles apart, and visitors can move between them easily by taxi or shuttle.
Zihuatanejo is a sheltered cove, offering several miles of white sand beaches that are protected from the winds and heavy waves. This not only offers impeccable swimming and very quiet beaches, but also a great environment for various water sports, including sea kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing and parasailing. Locals patrol the beaches, selling bottled water, local crafts, food and beer. Watch for local fishing vessels returning with fresh catches that will later be served in town.
Sport fishing is one of the most popular tourist activities in Mexico and Ixtapa Zihuatanejo offers a wide variety of sport fishing, from fly fishing to deep sea fishing for large, trophy fish. Ixtapa was rated by Sport Fishing Magazine as the second best location in the world to land a sailfish, and many local guides are ready year-round to help you catch this magnificent creature. Several local guides also specialize in fly fishing for trophy fish instead of deep sea bait fishing; this is considered the ultimate local catch, as you tease a fish closer and closer to your boat with impeccable casting. Fishing is available year-round, and other potential catches include Marlin, Mahi Mahi and Rooster Fish.
Just a half an hour's drive north of Ixtapa is Playa Troncones, one of the most revered surfing destinations in the world. Troncones Point is the primary destination, but there are several other excellent surfing locales close by, including La Boca, which breaks into the mouth of a river, and La Saladita, known by locals as The Wave Machine. Troncones is an excellent day trip location, but there are also locally owned and operated accommodations, as well as the Troncones Point Surf Club, which offer comfortable modern housing just off the waves of Troncones Point.
The clear waters off Ixtapa Zihuatanejo offer some of the best underwater sports in the Pacific. With coral reefs and extensive wildlife, including seahorses, manta rays and dolphins, the oceans offshore offer lots to see. Local facilities are available for rentals and instruction. Diving guides can take you on day trips to favorite local dive spots by boat.
