I have done Cancun, Playa del carmen.....I am looking to visit the West side - PV or Ixtapa. I have heard that the west side the ocean is much colder and rougher? Is this true? Looking in Feb 09 and taking 2 little ones who love to play around in the ocean - hence the question.
Thanks!!

Yes it is true

Acapulco Bay pretty calmer warmer

But Mex Carib best conditions usually.

Tulum www.xelha.com great for kids.

PV is in a very large bay and the water can be pretty calm, but it's all dependant on the position of storms, thousands of miles away, in the Pacific.

We were in Puerta Vallata last December. The water at the hotel was so rough we couldn't swim in it. We did do a snorkel boat tour and the water was very cold and the cloudy. Not the ideal beach/water for kids.

We recently returned from Isla Mujeres. The water clarity and beaches were fablous. The best I've seen in that area beside Cozumel for years. Great for little kids to swim and enjoy.

Thanks for the feedback!

After going to Cancun and the Yucatan three times, I also wanted to try the west coast. First my husband and I went to Zihuatanejo. There is a big bay there with very calm water, which would be good for small children. The water was so calm that my husband and I were a bit bored with it and we took a bus to Ixtapa so we could swim in the big waves. Ixtapa waters are definitely too rough for little kids, but there are lots of fancy pools at the hotels.

Our second trip to the west side was to Huatulco. The waters are pretty rough there and wouldn't be good for kids.