Isla Ixtapa — Attraction in Guerrero

We had a wonderful day snorkeling at playa Varadero in Isla Ixtapa. On February 13, 2023, the weather was good and sunny. The ocean was calm. The snorkeling place where there are some corals is only 30 feet(10 meters) in front of Restaurante Paraiso Escondido. We parked ourselves at the restaurant based on the good Google reviews. We didn’t have to pay to rent the umbrella and chairs as in some restaurants in Playa Las Gatas. We only need to pay for the food and drinks. Their prices are competitive and reasonable. We ordered a grilled (pan fried in Mexico) fish filet and Corona beer. The total price was 245 pesos. We paid 200 pesos for a complete set of snorkeling equipment. When we were ready to pay the bill, I ran into the owner John. He was very personable and friendly. He even offered me a free drink! We snorkeled both at Playa Las Gatas and Playa Varadero. We saw about 15 different types of fishes in Playa Varadero versus several in Playa Las Gatas and the bottom was sand versus stones. There is a coral beach for snorkeling in Isla Ixtapa but there are many sharp corals and the incoming waves pushing my wife against the corals. One can easily cut by the corals. So, we gave up snorkeling at the coral beach. On a separate note, we took the collectivo to Playa Linda from Zihuatanejo center (near the Mercado Municipal) for 20 pesos and took the boat to Isla Ixtapa for 80...

We had a great time snorkeling for the second time. The water was a little murkier than last year but we still had a great time. We chose to go without the hotel excursion, took a cab from the hotel there and back. 240 pesos and had no problems getting a table and treated very well. I’ve read reviews that people were badgered into buying food and drinks...it didn’t happen to us. We were taken right to a table and they came around like any other restaurant to ask if we wanted something. We ordered a beer and water as we were there 4 hours. The water taxi was 50 pesos per person and YES they are on to you for 1-2 peso tip before you even put a second foot on the boat. Keep in mind, these people make around 2.80 US A DAY! I am not saying I appreciate being bombarded, it’s rude since we are aware of tipping, but it happens so take some change. 🙂 We are looking forward to seeing it all...

Very nice get away for lunch and swimming in the calm waters that surround the Island. Several restaurants to choose with plenty of sun chairs and umbrellas. The prices are a little higher, but the food is good. Take lots of cash, as they do not take credit cards and the crafts and shells you can buy are really nice. You are allowed to bring your own cooler with drinks, but no glass or plastic six pack holders. A short boat taxi from Playa Linda to Ixtapa Island with round trip tickets at $50 pesos per person. The sandy beaches are clean and soft. Unfortunately you must return on the last...