4 Best Sights in Ixtapa, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

The most popular spot on Isla Ixtapa (and the one closest to the boat dock) is Playa Cuachalalate. An excellent swimming beach, it was named for a local tree whose bark has been used as a remedy for kidney ailments since ancient times. A short walk across the island, Playa Varadero hugs a rocky cove and is also good for swimming, but watch for coral-covered rocks on both sides of the cove. Just behind is Playa Coral, whose calmer, crystal clear water is great for snorkeling. Each of the above beaches is lined with seafood eateries eager to rent snorkel equipment. Playa Carey, toward the island's south end, is small and has no services. Pangas run between the boat landings at both Cuachalalate and Varadero beaches and Playa Linda on the mainland, where you'll find a few all-inclusive, high-rise hotels. The ride costs MXN$40 round-trip, and boats run from about 9 to 5 (later in high season). Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Ixtapa's main beach, this broad, 3-km-long (2-mile-long) stretch of soft brown sand runs along the Zona Hotelera. Although you can swim here, small waves break right onshore, and currents are sometimes strong. Each hotel offers shaded seating on the sand. Concessions rent Jet Skis (MX$500 per half hour) and arrange banana-boat rides (10–15 minutes costs MX$100 per passenger with a four-person minimum) and parasail trips (MX$300 for around 5–10 minutes). Licensed guides in white uniforms cruise up and down selling horseback-riding and boating tours. Women offer hair braiding and massage under open-sided tents. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: sunset; walking.

Thatch-roof restaurants dispense beer, soda, and the catch of the day just north of the Qualton Inn, in the Zona Hotelera II. Mexican families favor this long, coconut-palm-lined beach, which has marvelous views. It's perfect for walking and is bordered at one end by an estuary with birds, iguanas, and gators. A warren of identical stalls sells souvenirs and cheap plastic beach toys, and concessions arrange banana-boat rides and rent Jet Skis and Boogie boards. Water taxis depart here for Isla Ixtapa, and land taxis wait in the free parking lot for fares. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: walking; sunset; surfing.

Club Med occupies the south end of tranquil Playa Quieta; the rest of the lovely cove is empty except for a cluster of tables and chairs that picnicking families rent for the day for a small fee, and the equally unobtrusive Restaurant Neptuno, which sells reasonably priced seafood all week. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude.