Playa Linda & Isla Ixtapa
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NileGuide Expert tip:
The earlier you can get to Isla Ixtapa, the better. Snorkling is best in waters undisturbed by the crowds that show up by late morning.Description:
Playa Linda draws a crowd of local surfers, both for its left and right breaks as well as its close proximity to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Although some of the out of town beaches offer bigger, more consistent waves, who can beat grabbing a few waves and then making it back in time to work at 9am? 10 minutes north of Ixtapa, Playa Linda not only attracts surfers but is also a mecca for nature lovers with crocodiles, pelicans, iguanas and a broad range of tropical fauna to explore on foot or via horseback.At the end of Playa Linda is a pier where water taxis will take you to Isla Ixtapa for a $3 round trip. Don't lose your return ticket or you'll have to buy another. The island is popular with both national and international tourists so you can expect crowds. It's still considered worth the trip by many, though, for the great snorkleing.
Every restaurant will call you over and try to get you to sit down. As with all of the local beaches, you'll meet many people with a favorite but in most instances, it's all subjective opinion. You'll find attentive service, often by the restaurant's owner and family, and the freshest of seafood. With no electricity on the island, you know the fish is fresh! You'll also be approached by passing vendors with souvenirs of all sorts. A firm yet polite "no gracias" is all that is needed to get them to move on and you can settle back into your lounge chair and enjoy the day.
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