In Jan.2004 we ordered lobster & prawms from afriendly waiter who insisted that I order as the rest in our group had. After insisting that I order, he said he would give a little surprise with my order. The surprise was "marinaded strips of uncook fish" which I only sample. Two days later I was deadly sick with septic shock. Ater going to the naval hospital in Ixtapa the young doctor on duty gave me valium so that I could calm dowm. That nite at 3:00a.m. I was taken to a clinic in Zihuatanejo where the doctor did a blood test & found out that I had tyhoid fever. On our way back to Seattle, the medics in L.A. took me off the plane & took me to the hospital where I spent 5 days before returning to Seattle. Please remember that those open stands do not have running water.....

As many people know El palmer beach hotel zone has very rought water, Ixtapa island has the opposite, one side is for snorkleing and the other is for calm water and relaxation. We went over to ixtapa island and mainly stayed on the side opposite of the snorkling. The water was very calm and clear and plent of pool loungers. Beaware of the snackbar and restraunts they may seem 3rd worldish and the restrooms have no running water but the service was great. They appricate your business. Do not take the tour they usually will ask 35usd per-person and the meal they give you is not worth it. Take a bus from the hotel zone for 6 pesos (.60) per person to playa linda then take the farry to the island 3 usd per person round trip and enjoy! A average lunch with a beer is around 5usd.

My husband and I went on a day trip to Ixtapa Island and the highlight was a wonderful hike around the island with another couple. When you arrive at the dock, hang a left from the beach instead of going to the right where everyone else goes. There is a path (a bit steep and rocky but we managed fine in sandals) which takes you to the peak of the island. The views are spectacular (careful - don't go to close to the edge!) and are well worth the trip. The trail eventually descends to the snorkelling area and then you are back in the tourist trap (about 1/2 hour at slow pace with picture stops). We didn't go snorkelling as it was very wavy. There were people walking on the coral reefs which is very bad for them - there are signs asking people not to do this but it wasn't enforced. As a nature person, please don't step on the reefs!

All in all, the places where the typical tours go on the island aren't really worth it but if you step off the beaten path, you will be rewarded. Then go to the beach and enjoy some beers!

PS - take a town bus (6 pesos/person) to Playa Linda and then the boat (30 pesos/person) instead of a tour. Much more freedom!

Just got back from a cruise to Mexico which we loved, but our excursion to Isla Ixtapa was a real disappointment. The small fishing boat that took us to the island almost capsized (everyone sat on one side) - well we did get a laugh out of that! There are about 5 or 6 different restaurants on the island and the one we went to wasn't ready for us, the beach was dirty, the chairs weren't out etc. The water was very calm and warm, but several of us were bitten by invisible tiny jellyfish (at least that's what we were told). While swimming we were constantly moving out of the way of small boats that would come close to shore to deliver food to the restaurants, consequently our swimming area kept getting smaller and smaller. The lunch served at the restaurant was good, but the bathroom facilities left a lot to be desired. Next time we'll just go to a hotel for the day!