Visit Marina Ixtapa and spend some time admiring the mix of catamarans, sailboats and yachts. Stroll around the wooden boardwalks and watch as boats arrive via an estuary of sparkling turquoise water. Enjoy views of the surrounding green hills and check out the modern lighthouse. Marina Ixtapa probably won’t take up too much of your time but it’s a good starting point for discovering Ixtapa’s natural and sporting attractions.
Walk along the golden sand of Playa El Palmar, which curves gently around an attractive palm-fringed bay. Swim in warm water and calm waves or try watersports such as kayaking and parasailing. From November to April you might see humpback and gray whales swimming close to the shore. Go to Delfiniti Ixtapa to swim with dolphins and see acrobatic displays.
Play a round of 18 holes at one of Ixtapa’s well-maintained golf courses. Both Marina Ixtapa Golf Club and Campo de Golf Ixtapa welcome visitors and offer equipment rental. Enjoy some family-friendly fun on the waterslides at Magic World Aquatic Park, situated in the Hotel Ixtapa Palace Resort.
Walk, bike or drive along Boulevard Playa Linda, which winds north around the coast to the pleasant Playa Linda. Spot crocodiles, iguanas, turtles and tropical birds at the Cocodrilario, a small wildlife reserve situated by the beach’s harbor.
Catch a boat to Isla Ixtapa, an island blessed with idyllic beaches and superb snorkeling opportunities. Join a fishing trip and then have your catch cooked for you at one of the island’s restaurants.
Marina Ixtapa sits at the northern end of Playa El Palmar and is just a short walk from Ixtapa’s downtown area. If arriving by private boat then you’ll find details of mooring rates on the marina’s official website. Bicycle, car and scooter rental is available at agencies located on Boulevard Paseo Ixtapa.