Meg

We have read some of the cautions about swimming conditions in Ixtapa. Has anyone had a good experience? We are considering a trip for February in case time of year makes a difference. Suggestions for hotels with good swiming conditions in Ixtapa or Zihua would be appreciated. Also helpful might be places to definitely avoid. Thanks for any advice that you can give.

laurie

Swimming at any of the Ixtapa hotels can be a challenge due to rough surf most of the time, but the beaches are still beautiful. Never had any complaints about the beaches in Zihaut as most are in the bay. Water not as pretty as the other side of Mexico, but still pretty.

cheri

Meg, you must go to this site. found it a year ago.still trying to fit Zihua in my vacation line.Feel in love with it based on this site. www.zihuatanejo-ixtapa.com

Roberto

Cheri maybe made a small mistake with the URL she gave you. That one points to a pathetic though somewhat modified illegal copy of my own website. Not near the amount of information, and it also has QUITE A BIT of DISINFORMATION, especially on their message board. <BR> <BR>The correct URL for the most reliable and accurate information about the Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa area is: <BR> <BR>www.zihuatanejo-ixtapa.com.mx <BR> <BR>Don't forget the .mx part! <BR> <BR>Or you can simply go to <BR> <BR>www.zihuatanejo.net <BR> <BR>It is the same site. <BR> <BR>Ixtapa's swimming conditions are definitely worth being cautious about. The beach faces open ocean and frequently has large waves and riptides. Many days it is deserving of the name PACIFIC OCEAN but other times the name is very misleading. <BR> <BR>On the NEWS & WEATHER page of my website there is a link that will show you the wave heights including projected wave heights for several days ahead. It is worth checking out since it will alert you to large swells approaching our coast. <BR> <BR>The best swimming area is in Zihuatanejo's protected bay. There are several beaches where you can swim without fear or worry from riptides, currents or large waves. Playa La Ropa s the most popular beach followed by Playa Las Gatas, Playa La Madera, and Playa Municipal. <BR> <BR>For more detailed info including photos of all the area beaches please visit my web site: <BR> <BR>www.zihuatanejo.net <BR> <BR>Warm saludos from Zihuatanejo, <BR> <BR>Roberto

Kate

Meg, <BR>We were in Ixtapa in Feb. 2000. Surf at hotels is rough. I admit to being a weak swimmer so I only waded to my waist and still got knocked down by the waves. I'd advise going in with a buddy, my Mom and I "rescued" each other. I would highly recommend a day trip to Ixtapa Island. We made a deal with a local that included taxi to and from pier, fishing boat over and back, lunch, snorkeling equipment and snorkel guide. I was a novice and had a great experience. The water was very mild and the snorkeling sights were beautiful. Only down side was the walk over the Island from landing pier to snorkel beach was a little rough. (And beware the Fire Ants!!!) Lunch was red snapper and cevice' with drink and was quite good. No one in our party got sick from this meal. Enjoy!