Playa el Palmar, Ixtapa
Playa el Palmar is Ixtapa's main beach, along which stretches Ixtapa's
Hotel zone. Most of its major hotels are found in this area. Paseo Ixtapa,
the resort's main, tree-lined boulevard, runs behind the first line
of multi-storied hotels all the way to Marina Ixtapa. On the boulevard
you can find a variety of excellent restaurants as well as stores selling
beach clothing and accessories, souvenirs and arts and crafts.
Ixtapa has existed since the 1970's, when the Federal Government initiated the project in order to promote the area as one of Mexico's prime tourist destinations. Prior to this time, Playa el Palmar was a long, solitary strand with mangrove lined lagoons and massive palm groves.
Today, many of the major hotel chains are located primarily on this
two-mile stretch, although Ixtapa's others smaller coves and beaches,
such as Playa Vista Hermosa, Playa Quieta and Playa las Cuatas, have
also been developed.
As this beach is on open ocean, large surf can crash along this shore - be cautious when entering the water as there can be heavy undertows and backwashes. Swimming conditions are indicated along the beach with colored flags: Red : High Caution - Constant strong surf and undercurrents, Yellow: Caution - Sporadic strong surf and undercurrents, Green: Swimming is safe. The beach does have lifeguards.
If the breakers are too big and strong, most of the hotels have their own swimming pools and there are is also a water park where the youngsters can always cool off and have some fun.
El Palmar Beach offers a variety of sports and watersports, including parasailing, body boarding and banana boats. Beach volleyball and soccer games are often being played along the sand. The Delfiniti Dolphinarium offers sessions of swimming with the dolphins, located next to Restaurant Carlos and Charlie's.
At
the northern end of Playa Palmar proper, near Marina Ixtapa, is a stone
jetty called "Las Escolleras" - a favorite spot for the local
surfers when the surf is up.
Another way to see Playa el Palmar is from the sea, whether by chartered boat or fishing craft, or on one of Zihautanejo's excellent Sunset Cruises such as on the Picante Catamaran , that offers an all inclusive service with bar and snacks as well as exciting sailing and snorkeling adventures.