SecludedVacations.com Articles

1. Delfiniti - Their "Swim with Dolphins" program is one of the best available anywhere. Participants spend 45 minutes in the water with a pair of dolphins. Interactions include a belly ride, a hand/fin shake, a kiss, and an impressive trick called a foot push. For less adventurous swimmers, they also offer a range of more traditional dolphin encounters for adults, children, and even babies. Prices range from $42 USD for the Dolphin Baby program, to $108 for the Delfinity Kids or Swim with Dolphins. For more information, visit Delfiniti.com. Read a review about Delfinity here.
   
   
   
2. Kayak Eco Tours - Take a two hour guided tour of Zihuatanejo Bay or paddle out to watch the sunset. For reservations call (755) 5446734 in Mexico or (011) 52 755 5446734 from the US.
   
   
3. Snorkeling and Diving - Ixtapa Aqua Paradise is a dive school that offers courses and trips for both certified and non-certified divers. Beginners can receive instruction in a swimming pool before going on a supervised dive in the sea. Certified divers can choose from a variety of great dive sites. Snorkeling tours around Ixtapa Island are available through Ketavi Tourist Excursions.
   
   
4. Paque Aventura in Ixtapa - take a zip-line tour through the trees or take a walk in the sky on their rope bridges. Located on the Zihuatanejo-Lazaro highway. Open 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., 365 days a year. For reservations call (044) 755 115 17 33. Website: www.parque-aventura.com (Spanish)
   
   
5. Tag and Release Deep Sea Fishing - Also known as "Tag and Brag" this sport actually provides scientists with valuable data. Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Marlins, and Roosterfish are abundant, and some of the top Tag and Release captains in the world operate here. To find a charter captain visit the sportfishing page at Fintastic.com
   
   
6. Magic World Aquatic - Located at the Hotel Ixtapa Palace Resort, this is the only water park in the area. Admission is free for guests staying at the hotel. Tel: (044) 755 553 1359. Website: Magic World Aquatic
   
   
7. Surfing - You can surf here year-round without a wetsuit. Visit from May to October to get the best waves. Catcha L'Ola Surf Shop, which is owned by the Mexican National Champion (Masters Division), provides lessons and daily surf trips. They also have everything a surfer needs...including a bar with cheap beer and cocktails.
   
   
8. Golfing - Ixtapa is home to two outstanding golf courses. The course at Club De Golf Palma Real was designed by Robert Trent Jones and is located near the Barcelo Hotel. The course is also a wildlife preserve, and the water hazards are guarded by crocodiles. Who said golf isn't exciting? Tel. 553-1163. Club De Golf La Marina's challenging course was designed by Robert Von Hagge. Tel. 553-1410. Both course charge $94 USD in the high season and $67 in the low season and the fees include an electric cart.
   
   
9. Bar Hopping - Ixtapa Carlos 'n' Charlie's is a combination restaurant and disco located right on the beach. Señor Frog's is always a popular choice with tourists. Locals and tourists alike flock to Christine's or the simply-named El Bar. El Faro Bar has a lighthouse that provides an outstanding panoramic view of the area around Marina Ixtapa.
   
   
10. Shopping - This one is obvious. While the prices are higher than in nearby Zihuatanejo, the merchants in Ixtapa obviously know what tourists want. Bargaining is expected. Don't worry if you don't speak Spanish, because almost everyone will speak enough English to sell you something. However, if you want the best possible price, you should at least make an attempt to speak their language. Even if you only know a few words, they will at least appreciate the attempt.