we were in Zih/Ixtapa for 10 days - 2 of which we spent on isla ixtapa (mid june, 2006). it's the low season so there weren't many tourists. the water for all three beaches were crystal clear and stunning. playa coral has some reef, but it's obvious that it's not cozumel or cayman islands, nor do they claim to be. we saw a lot of fish, but didn't go in very deep where you can see starfish and seahorses.

we didn't order food (except for quesadillas) because we were full from breakfast. keep in mind, this island is not very developed - it doesn't have electricity. the restaurants get fish the night before and keep them on ice. we met another couple who have been going there for years and haven't had any bad experiences, but we were being super cautious and just ordered a bucket of beers :)

as the water taxi heads to the island, playa linda shines it's brightest: palm tree lined beach with the mountains behind them. wow.

the vendors WILL ask you to look at their stuff, but just shake your head no if you're not interested. browsing at their stuff will only make them more agressive to make a sale (i would too if i had to feed a family doing this).

i'm guessing that the description of the beaches in the previous postings were the result of a lot of people making the water murky. fortunately for us, the water was like the caribbean's! i'll try to post photos soon so that you can see for yourself.

it was a great experience

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!