YOGA CLASSES

I teach all year-round at El Manglar Restaurant on La Ropa (right next to the crocodile sanctuary) every Tuesday through Saturday mornings from 9:00 - 10:15am. It is in the restaurant area so we are practising yoga on a tiled floor under a palapa that is well-shaded. The cost for tourists is $10 U.S. a class (or $100 pesos). I also have a rate of $350 a month for local residents.

As of April 19th, I will be teaching at the Riviera Beach Hotel in Ixtapa, Mondays through Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:45pm. The local resident fee there is $400 a month.

I have been practising yoga for more than 4 years now and completed my teacher training almost two years ago. I have a teaching certificate. I was teaching in Toronto, Canada for about 8 months before I came to Zihua. I taught at 6 different Fitness Clubs and Yoga Studios.

I am currently teaching yoga at El Manglar, Casa Que Canta, Villa del Sol, various hotels in Ixtapa and private sessions in private homes.
Namaste,
Sylvia Gotzeler
044 755 557-8418

Did you know the U.S. is the only first world country who has a third world neighbor? The dramatic difference between our "having everything" society, and the poor people near Zihuatanejo, where so many have nothing, is hidden to you the tourist. The Zihuatanejo Connection has set up a "underground" system to deliver second-hand goods from our clients to the malnourished Amuzco Indians of Guerrero, to a school of indigenous children, to families locally in Zihuatanejo living in the most precarious economic settings..to a drug rehab center...we can never get enough.

Fill boxes (18x18x24, upper limit for luggage) of used items found in your house, garage sales and second hand stores. Treasured items: lightest weight clothes, shoes --especially 'rebok' type tennies, sheets, kitchen cooking utensils (e.g. pots and frying pans, flatware, coffee makers, toaster ovens, blenders); children's toys and books, magazines, pens and pencils, computers, answering machines, typewriters, fax machines. Tools, office equipment. Purses, costume jewelry. ANYTHING is useful when you have nothing. If you're not going to Mexico, but just found my page, you could send your stuff to me to send down.
Another good deed would be to contribute to any of the following projects which I have initiated by volunteering to match any contribution made by you:
1. Money for new zoo/preservation and breeding program from endangered military macaw.
2. Money for supporting indigenous tribes, education and medical aid
3. Support for rehabilitation program of addicted children run by priests.

TOURS AND EXCURSIONS

Below are suggestions for things to do, alone, via travel agencies, or strike a deal with a taxista (ask your host to help you.)

Here's the name of two nice taxistas:
1. Pedro Mediana cellular dial 044 755 74355 he takes people on excursions including the hot springs and up to the cave in trancones.
2. Sr. Bolivar Lopez Espino, tel 5542706 is home,
speaks ENGLISH, works 6AM-6PM.

MEXICAN CRAFTS

Shop till you drop: This is why you brought down the big box(es) with food and used items to give away shopping spree oriented around your group's interests. Did you know Zihuatanejo has much better silver selection (VISIT ALBERTOS...and note that the silver sold in the crafts markets are often not pure silver, buyer beware, when in doubt bring item to Albertos for analysis than Taxco? That the masks to be found in certain stalls for a few dollars have been featured in Architectural Digest? There are three or four amazing furniture stores. There are two shops in Ixtapa run by a Frenchman with outstanding selections of country-wide crafts and furniture, Hammocks, traditional and elegant original dresses, wonderful pottery from Dolores Hidalgo and planters in whimsical shapes, custom made bamboo furniture to order, leather goods, framing at a fraction of U.S. cost, and much more.

 EXCURSIONS

SOUTH OF ZIHUATANEJO: 

Coacoyul: a small town outside of Zihuatanejo lives a professor who cooks famous local dishes of Chilapa: pozole verde (corn dish with pumpkin seeds and pork), manitas a la vinaigrette (pig's feet) chalupitas de pollo, (small toasted with crumbled chicken breast, cream and a sauce of chile chipotle) and other unusual typical dishes. Thursday is the traditional day to eat pozole verde and a "caballito" of mezcal This restaurant has the best mezcal, from Vallecitos Zaragoza.

MANZANILLO BEACH:

Manzanillo Beach Trip: This is the back side of "Las Gatas." A tiny cove with sandy beach, you are going to be the only ones there, good for snorkeling and solitude...very romantic for couples. The new Presidential vacation home is said to soon to be built here, but now there's NOTHING. Must be gotten to by hired launch, or a big hike over a hill after the taxista can go no further.

PLAYA LARGA, HORSEBACK RIDING:

click here for horseback riding

South of town is a 24 km long virgin beach, with three names depending on which entrance you use: Larga, Blanca, or the most southerly, Barra de Potosi.
Larga is the first entrance. Plop down under a palapa in a hammock at a restaurant and don't move wait for fresh fish meal, or walk a long ways to the northern end where there is a fabulously beautiful property for sale with little private lagoon. It is possible to take a tour on horses with guides. You will see the stable to the right of the road as you travel from the highway to the beach, or the horses may be found at the end of the road at the beach. Ask for Ignacio (NACHO) .

BARRA DE POTOSI BEACH & LAGOON:

South end of the 24 km long spectacular white sand almost virgin beach, about 40 minutes south of Zihuatanejo. Tiny fishing village with superb cheap fresh fish and marisco (prepared in typical cuisine) restaurants with under ramadas. Lagoon for exploring flor and fauna. Spend the day relaxing in a hammock, swimming or exploring the long beach or lagoon. Take tour of the lagoon to see the cultivation of "tilapia" (fish) and prawn.

LA CHOLLE

"There are also four small pyramids and two caves with ancient petroglyphs
located upon an area known as El Cerro de Los Brujos..."

--Michel Janicot--

For those interested in the history and archeology
of Mexico while vacationing here, there is a small
magical village named La Cholle (La Soledad de
Maciel) on the way to Petatlán from Zihuatanejo.
There is no road sign to indicate its whereabouts
and no public transportation reaches it. A dirt
road, 5 miles long, provides access to the
settlement of some 600 souls, built alongside a
river. The local economy rests upon farming,
raising of cattle and the production of coconuts.

La Cholle is one of three main archeological
sites within the state of Guerrero. According to
Señor Salvador Jaimes, a well-known and
recognized local author, several Pre-Hispanic ethnic groups such as Tolimecas,
Chimecas, Pantecas, Cuitlatecas, Purepechas (among others) were established
within the area between Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan and Acapulco.

Research made by Mexican archeologists indicate that these ethnic groups were
here as early as 1,500 B.C. and numbered as many 90,000. The first artifacts
were discovered in the 1950's. The famed stone monolith used in ball games,
one sees immediately upon arriving in Petatlán was found at La Cholle.
Likewise, the round stone wheel that represents Tlahtecuhtli, the God of the
Earth, also known as "the sacred monster", a highly symbolic figure of a
man-animal with monkey or alligator features, is from La Cholle.

In front of the Catholic church in La Cholle (once used as a school) stands a five
foot tall stone statue, engraved with symbols of an Olmec King, El Rey
Sacerdote Pacificator. A local guide showed us many artifacts unearthed
there-stone and clay beads, necklaces, water receptacles and dishes, grinding
stones and small clay figurines or women's faces and torsos. Señor Jaimes
explained to us that those beads were used as objects to barter with (objectos de comercio) between this area and other mesoamerican regions. The figurillas known as "mujer bonita", pretty woman, were used primarily as a means of communication, identifying the bearer's ethnic status and geographic origins. There were also placed around the graves of the departed providing safe
passage to the other side. Further, these fertility figures were also distributed around newly planed fields to insure successful crops. Those mask-like clay pieces are usually found during the rainy season as the soil absorbs the rain and loosens the earth.

There are also four small pyramids and two caves with ancient petroglyphs
located upon an area known as El Cerro de Los Brujos (the hill of the magicians or sorcerers). In actuality, these men were high priests whose knowledge was passed on orally from one generation to the next. Another interesting rarity is a large protruding rock dotted with two dozen circular holes on its surface. Similar ones are found throughout the northern California foothills where the local Maidu Indians used them to grind acorns. However, at La Cholle, Señor Jaimes speculates that their use was possibly that of a religious or ceremonial nature.

For tours and information about La Cholle, Señor Jaimes can be found at the travel agency on the corner of Nicolas Bravo and Cuauhtemoc, next to the movie theater on the pedestrian walk.

Petatlán

One Hour from Zihuatanejo
If you get bored with the beach scene of Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa and are in need of a diversion for a day, jump aboard a bus to Petatlán (pay-tat-lan), meaning the place of petates - very thin mattresses made from palm fronds. The bus rolls through coconut, mango and papaya plantations, large huertas (ranches) and crosses over several small rivers where women wash clothes and naked children delight in the water. Located about an hour south of Zihua, this city of some 60,000 souls lies on both sides of the highway leading to Acapulco.
Its economy rests on agriculture, farming, cattle, pig and goat raising.

The business downtown district is built around a white church located atop a hill. The church is dedicated to Padre Jesús de Petatlán who performed miracles throughout Mexico. (Relics of that priest can be seen there, enclosed in a wooden box.) Famed friar Juan
Bautista founded the first religious center here in 1555 and the original church was destroyed by an earthquake caused by an eruption of the volcano Paricutin in 1943. The present church was built in 1949, badly damaged by another earthquake in 1985 and repaired in 1990. The city is a seat of a Catholic diocese, and during la semana santa, hundreds of thousands from all over Mexico come to visit the church for it is a well known pilgrimage site. Over the years, we have seen throngs of penitent Mexicans, rosary in hand, inching up the 50 or more steps to the front entrance on their knees to prayer or to thank the padre. Adjacent, is a church-owned and operated souvenir shop where religious paraphernalia, milagros, key chains, etc. are available.

During that holy week, Petatlán hosts its annual state fair which draws a half-million visitors each year. Hundreds of venders from Mexico City, Uruapan, and Acapulco, among others, take over the main street leading to the fairgrounds. Anything and everything made in Mexico is available then. That week is the social event of the year. Petatlán is also known for its gold, there are some two dozen gold vendor stands around the church. The city became a gold "center" a century ago, but gold was mined there even prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores.

Petatlán has a large sized zócalo, lined on all four sides by City Hall, a public library, restaurants and shops and the ubiquitous video game arcades and a monument dedicated to the heroic military cadets who fought at the celebrated battle of Chapultepec. The
architecture of the city is remarkably different than that of Zihuatanejo. Being inland, thus warmer, the houses and buildings are much thicker walled and the front sidewalks are shaded by brick roofed lean-tos supported by two foot thick pillars, forming colonnades. The bus ride will cost you $2 round trip. Enjoy the music and the jolts and try to remember that your visit to Petatlán was worthwhile-and hopefully-memorable.

EXCURSION TO MARKET OF CHILAPA (Two days) :

Guererro's most important crafts market , the biggest selection of the most original pieces at the lowest prices Held Sundays. An hour up a mountain road from State Capitol, Chilpancingo (a place so lucky the politicians deserve it. Eight hours road trip each way, passing beaches and tropical vegetation for four hours, then up towards Chilpancingo along a superhighway three hours. Best to sleep over and go to market next morning and then return to Zihuatanejo. The trouble is I only saw one hotel that looked half way decent.

TAXCO -- two days

A true gem of Mexico, the old silver mining town of Taxco, is an excellent example of a Spanish Colonial town. The town is up in the mountains and the ride there is a long and windy road. Located 170 kilometers southwest from Mexico City and 5 hours north of Acapulco, the town is easily reached by bus or car. The riches of the silver mining past are evident in the architecture and the ambiance of the town. And even though the silver mine is running out of silver, the main industry of the town is handmade silver jewelry .

The city itself has been declared a national historical monument, even the Pemex station is built in the colonial style. The roads are small cobblestone paths, large enough only for small cars. Buses do not pass in the center of town and the traffic is very minimal.

The main church was built by Don José de la Borda, a rich miner who made a fortune from the silver. The church, Templo de Santa Prisca, is a beautiful example of baroque architecture. The square in front of it is a great place to sit and watch the people. Small thoroughfares twist and turn, lined with silver shops and cafes.

Another place to see the surrounding mountains and more buenas vistas, is up at the Monte Taxco resort. The resort is at the very top of the mountain and looks down at the city. A Swiss cable car runs from the bottom of the mountain to the top.
Underground caverns: Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa. Located 30 kilometers north of the town, they are easily reached by car or bus. The Disney movie, 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' was filmed here. The place is surreal. Lined with stalagmites and stalactites that are the size of grain silos, the path creeps down 3 kilometers into the earth. There is even a concert hall; many symphonies have performed here and one can only imagine how beautiful it might have sounded.
You can get a guide to take you through and he will point out some of the more famous structures. (Its hard to find a tour guide in English, you might have to
wait.) Once out of the caves, wander down the path to where the two underground rivers that help to form Las Grutas emerge from the earth.

ACAPULCO

One hundred and fifty miles from Zihuatanejo. There are two buses a day called Futura/Turistar which have a toliet and do not stop and take under four hours.
I see no reason for going to Acapulco, but if you do, a wonderful and dirt cheap hotel minutes from the beach is Hotel Santa Catalina, see it at http://www.vacationspot.com/show property.htm?key=11456&siteid=1

MORELIA, LAKE PATZCUARO

For those with at least THREE additional travel days, who want to see the interior of Mexico: There is a twenty five minute flight from Zihuatanejo up to Morelia, which is a splendid colonial town with a great market. The flights of Aerocuaontle leave Monday, Friday and Saturday from Zihuatanejo at 12:45 and the flight is about 20 minutes. The return from Morelia is the same day at 11:45AM. The price is 240.00�
From there go by bus on to Lake Patzcuaro (three hours).

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, Dolores de Hidalgo, Guanajuato.

VIEW FROM THE 'SALIDA' A QUERETARO

For those who have at least five extra days.
San Miguel de Allende is an architectural monument, a feast for the eyes, the shopper, the eater, and the fiesta oriented. Has thermal baths, art institutes, ex-patriot community (used to the hip and the rich when I was summering there as a kid, now it appears to be mostly rich divorcees) In fact, only 10% of the marvelous homes are owned by foreigners, the rest being wealthy from Mexico City, etc.
Dolores Hidalgo is an hour away on the way to Guanjuato and is famous for ice cream and pottery.
Guanajuato has a university, law school, mummies, and fascinating architecture. It is two hours from San Miguel.
You can take buses back and worth....stop at the thermal buses which are on the way.
This involves an open jaw ticket in which get off the plane in Mexico City either coming or going from Zihuatanejo. Example itiniary below:
Take Mexicana night flight leaving 1 AM arrive Mexico City about 6 AM our time, 8AM their time.
Emerge from customs into main hall. Approach ticket booth ONLY (avoid hustlers of gypsy cabs) and buy ticket for taxi to "Auto buses Estation del NORTE") taxis charge according to zone. You will be sold a ticket that costs between 10 and $20.)
Taxi takes 10-15 minutes.
In bus stations (overwhelming) I believe it is Tres Estrellas de Oro, if not ask for "Primera Class a Queretaro" or "Primara Clase a Celaya." You will be directed to the appropriate bus counter. These are two interesting and large cities which are in a triangle with the other point being San Miguel.
The next portion to San Miguel de Allende will take longer by 30 minutes or more to San Miguel if you take the bus to Celaya but is very scenic and might be leaving sooner.
Tickets are sold by computer and you prefer to be in front. They will tell you which door to go out to wait.
Take food on the bus. There will be a bathroom, A/C, lean back seats.
Once at Celaya or Queretaro transfer to next bus leaving for SMA. Second class is significantly faster than third class which stops for everyone but which is a real adventure.
You arrive in the main bus terminal. Take taxi to your hotel. I always stay at Posada de Los Monjas, or use your Frommers' in advance for reservations!

Return: American Express has information on the daily bus leaving for Mexico City Direct. If it does not get you in to Mexico City with at least 90 minutes to make the plane, you will need to go the bus terminal the day ahead of your departure and buy a ticket on a first class bus to Queretaro and change again. Buses from there leave every half or hour to Mexico City.

Back at the airport Mexicana is I believe Sala B (middle of the airport) the taxi driver will let you off. Check in and go on upstairs to fly to Z.

My experience of Trancones Beach

Over stressed? Is the IRS looking for you?
Need to chill? Then La Union is for you.
Located 90 minutes north/northeast of
Zihuatanejo by bus, this sleepy silent town
of 6,000 souls is the county seat of the
Municipio de La Union de Isidoro Montes de
Oca. The county is the union of 140 villages.
The economy rests upon agriculture, large
cattle ranches and farming. From the
mountains: cedar, mahogany, oak and pine
trees are harvested into timber. Hydroelectric
power from the river Balsas (one of the major
rivers of Mexico that forms the boundary
between Michoacan and Guerrero) provides electric power to both states. The fauna is
represented by white-tailed deer, wild cats, boars and pigs, bears, jaguars and mountain lions, possums, iguanas, armadillos, rattlesnakes and along the coast, crocodiles,
alligators and marine turtles. Some of these trees and animals are presently considered as being "en peligro de extincion".

As in all Mexican towns, the zócalo - renovated in 1997- is the center of business activities, with traditional small stores, City Hall, the police station, the post office and the public library on its four sides. Telephone and fax services are available, but the worldwide internet has yet to appear. Likewise, there is no bank, neon signs, cinemas, films to rent, laundry facilities and like Petatlán, not a single postcard to be found. However, the town boasts of two water purification plants and we counted no less than 5 pool halls. There isn't much to do in La Union - it's warm and very quiet. The women wear long dresses and carry umbrellas and few men venture out without their straw sombreros.

La Union was the site of one of the main jails in the state of Guerrero during the Mexican
revolution, housing both Federales and revolutionaries - depending upon which faction
controlled the area. Famed radical priest-rebel leader Jose Maria Morelos came through La Union in 1813, recruiting volunteers; and Francisco Madero, slain martyr and first president of the republic after the revolution was also an honored guest here.

La Union holds its annual county fair in February where venders travel from Michoacan and carneys from as far away as Guanajuato set up their bumper cars and carousels. All night, the cockfight arena is jammed with eager gamblers. If you missed the annual fair, every Tuesday La Union hosts a large market.

Whether you want to spend one night or one month in La Union, we found two inexpensive "hotels" (Casas de Huespedes) there, each asking 40 pesos per day. The bus ride will cost you 30 pesos round trip, inquire at the main bus station, Central de Auto buses. On the way,where the road to La Union leaves the highway to Lazaro Cardenas, the Mexican army maintains an inspection post for all vehicles. A soldier will come aboard the bus and may ask you to open your backpack. Don't be alarmed, he is only looking for drugs or guns and if you are not traveling with either, you should have no problems.

La Union is a sleepy little town with a large history, and offers a great chance to get off the beaten track and see a quieter version of Mexico.
SURFING

As far as I know, THE place for surfing is about 45 minutes north of Zihuatanejo, called Rancho Bonita Vista, which is down a dirt road off the highway north of Trancones. You can rent cares with surf racks but good to bring your own. There are other locations.

Golf & Tennis

   There are two golf courses in Ixtapa: El Club de Golf Palma Real & Marina Ixtapa Club de Golf.
   You'll find tennis courts at just about all the hotels in Ixtapa. There are no tennis courts in Zihuatanejo except at the Hotel Villa del Sol.
    Palma Real not only has a beautiful ecologically designed golf course with plenty of shade trees, but also tennis and "paddle" courts. This course was designed by Robert Trent Jones. You'll find the Palma Real at the southeastern part of Ixtapa very near the Sheraton Hotel on Ixtapa Boulevard . Some of their holes actually front the beach. They claim that no tee times are required, but it behooves you to call them in advance to make them during the high season at 553-1163 or 553-1062.

    Palma Real golfing fees are as follows:*

* greens fees - $450 per person
* cart fee - $250
* club rentals - $200
* caddie fee - $50
(all prices in Mexican pesos)
*you must use either a cart or a caddie (please don't ask me why).

SPECIFICATIONS:

* 18 holes, par 72, length 6898 yards
* Driving range, practice putting green
* Golf lessons available
* Pool, 4 tennis courts, 2 paddle courts
* Restaurant & bar including a mobile bar on the course
* Open year round 7 days a week

   Marina Ixtapa Club de Golf is built on an area of 108 acres and has big sand traps. It is located at the northern end of Ixtapa Boulevard by the marina. This course was designed by Robert Von Hagge. There are water hazards on 14 holes. No tee times are required. Their phone numbers are 553-1424 and 553-1410.

    Marina Ixtapa golfing fees are as follows:

* greens fees - $61 per person, $47 after 1:30
* cart/caddy fee - included
* club rentals - $35
(all prices in U.S. dollars)

SPECIFICATIONS:

* 18 holes, par 72, length 6793 yards
* Driving range, practice putting green
* Golf lessons available
* 2 tennis courts
* Restaurant & bar including a mobile bar on the course
* Open year round 7 days a week

SAILING

You may be thinking, "I don't know how." This is not a problem. For no extra charge, (maybe a tip), Javier will go with you and show you the ropes. The guys also give sailing and wind surfing lessons and have sea kayaks and boogie boards for rent.

Hobie Cats: the twin hulled boats with the colorful sails (catamarans). Try Javier and his two brothers, Rene and Ramon. These guys have been running the business as a family for nine years, are there every day and have a lot of regular customers. They can be found towards the town end of the beach in front of the beach restaurant Patys Mar y Mar. There you will find three boats to choose from.

A 13' Hobie Wave (El Pony) which is perfect for beginners and those who like to cruise along, as it only has the one sail and is designed to be a very forgiving boat.

The next step is the Hobie 16-Palomo (dove). With this boat you start to realize why these boats have been so popular for so long.

After an hour on the bay you will be planning another turn. Finally there is the Hobie 18-Camello (camel), this boat is best handled by two people and can really get going when the wind is good. Rates are from $200 pesos for an hour.

Charter Boats:

The Tristar, a well-known sight on the bay, is a huge trimaran (three hulls). They offer regularly scheduled, day and sunset trips. The day trip includes a stop for snorkeling and spinnaker flying (great fun), both trips have an open bar. Prices from $40US. Ring 5542694.

The Nirvana: a classic 65'wooden Sailboat is available for private or small mixed group, day (with snorkeling) and sunset charters. They serve a great lunch and have an open bar. If there is wind, which there usually is, they sail, an experience not to be missed. Prices from $45US. Ring 5545915 or Email, yacht nirvana@hotmail.com
More on The Nirvana: A classic 65' Alden Cutter recently restored to her original beauty. Operated by an a Australian couple who are now permanent residents of Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo.
Andrew Jones spent 13 years with the Australian Navy before discovering Zihuatanejo and is now the full time captain of Nirvana for both local sailing and ocean passages. When not at the helm, he can be found surfing the local breaks or scuba diving.
Kate O'Neill was involved in the restaurant industry in Sydney, Australia and was manager of the beautiful Watermark restaurant on Balmoral beach. Her passion for food keeps her exploring the local markets for interesting new ingredients and experimenting in the galley.
Nirvana Sailing Tours offers many different options for you and your party. You can spend the whole day sailing, or anchor at a secluded white sand beach for snorkeling. We also offer relaxing sunset tours as well. Your day includes a full gourmet lunch on the boat and open bar for the length of your tour. .
Availability for weddings, anniversaries, or any event that requires that special touch.
Call or email us for rates and guaranteed departure, mixed group schedules. Please don't forget to ask about special sailing tours available.
Check out our web site at: www.sailing tours.com
High Season - October thru May
Full Day 9:00am to 5:00pm - USD $1,600.00
Half Day - USD $800.00 Maximum Occupancy 25
Subject to Availabilty:
Couples USD $350.00 half day
Small groups USD $350.00 base plus $65 per additional person
Other Services Include: Scuba Diving
Sunset Trips
E-mail us: yacht nirvana@hotmail.com
Call us: (52) 755 42694 Ask for Nirvana Tours This is also the number for the Tristar, a trimaran
Fax Us: (52) 755 42694

WHALE WATCHING
You should be able to see whales especially if you go out in a boat. There isn't any guarantee, of course, but this is the time of year when they pass
along our coast.

Yesterday a fisherman told me how one of the small whales (maybe a pilot whale or similar?) nabbed a sailfish that was hooked and being fought by a
client. He said it tossed the sailfish in the air and chomped it in half.

FISHING

The beautiful Pacific waters around Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa have spectacular year round fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Tuna, Shark, Wahoo and more. Many travelers return here every year just for the fishing and quite a few have bought boats and stayed on. From open pangas, to luxury cabin cruisers, there's a fishing charter for everyone's budget. An equally wide array of tackle, techniques and resources exist to catch the big one. The area is known for its Marlin and Sailfish and the big Tuna and Dorado are always a spectacular catch.

Most fishermen here use artificial as well as live baits. Depending on the size of your prey, your bait may be 5 inch "Ojoton"-"Goggle eye" or a long as your arm "Black Tuna" or "Skip Jack" or every other possible size of fish. All the boat captains have their own secret spots, secret weapons and techniques and all are very knowledgeable of the area.
Remember, Zihuatanejo was a sleepy fishing village once upon a time. A fishing trip can start as close to shore as 5 miles and range as far out as 25 miles. For someone whose never been deep sea fishing in the Mexican Pacific hitting the blue line can be a wondrous sight. The color of the water at 20 miles offshore is a blue that defies description.
In addition to the excellent fishing, this time of year is also incredible for wild life sightings. From dolphins to sea turtles and even migrating whales, you just might see some fabulous marine life. In December and early January many of the fishing and sailing boats have already spotted great packs of dolphins, pods of whales with calves and quite a few sea turtles just floating along all to themselves.

There are many ways to book fishing trips here in Zihuatanejo. Everything from hiring a boat straight off the beach, to contacting the fishing collectives down on the waterfront near the pier or along Playa Municipal, Casa Lobato Pineda on Juan Alvarez right in front of Plaza Municipal is always a good source of information, or wander down the fisherman's
walk on Playa Municipal towards the pier, there are several fishing charter offices there. Whisky Water World is one of the many companies that have several boats fishing out of Zihuatanejo. From Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa Sport fishing
"'El Soltar' reported hooking a monster BLACK MARLIN, estimated to exceed
800# on February 7th."

The following is a compilation of the reports received from Stan Lushinsky of
Ixtapa Sport fishing Charters, Ed Kunze of Mar y Tierra and Ed Garvis of
Whisky Charters. They represent about 1/3 of the totals from the
Zihuatanejo fishing fleet. The best part is that unless dead or severely
injured, these fish were released.

The beginning of the month brought excellent Sailfish action that waned with the coming of the full moon and a slightly colder offshore current appearing
in the latter portion of the month. Though this moves the blue water out from the bay, the colder current also brings the Marlin and big Tuna. These fish
will now remain in the area through the summer. The Sailfish bite will remain very good during the new moon periods. The blue water should remain at
about 5-10 miles offshore with the best chance at the larger fish being in the
20-30 mile range.

Numbers and notable catches for the month are as follows. These vessels
fished a total of 166 days landing 367 Sailfish, 13 Blue Marlin, 1 Black
Marlin, 56 Dorado, 3 Wahoo, 7 Tuna and 10 Roosterfish. Only Tuna in
excess of 250#, and Dorado, Wahoo and Roosterfish in excess of 20# are
reported. Captain Raymundo Wences of the "El Soltar" reported hooking a
monster BLACK MARLIN, estimated to exceed 800# on February 7th. The
huge MARLIN spooled a Penn International 80SW and Captain Wences found it necessary to attach another rod and reel and put the first rod and reel over
the side. After 1 1/2 hours the crew was able to retrieve the first rod and reel
and began fighting the huge MARLIN again. Another hour went by before the
fish broke the line in a series of spectacular jumps. Last week Captain
Alfredo Vargas on the "Whisky I" landed a Blue Marlin in excess of 500#.
Captain Alberto Hernandez of the "Intruza" released 5 Blue Marlin in one
day fishing at 28 miles. Both Captain Javier of the "Marlin Azul" and Captain
Luis of the "Gringo Loco" landed Yellowfin over 300#. Angler Ron Peschon
fishing with Captain Cortes of the "Aguazul" for 4 days averaged 5.6 Sails per
day. Many boats reported 5-7 Sails on given days.

The outlook for March will be an increase in the Large Marlin and Big Tuna as
boats begin to venture past the ever-present Sailfish. We had no inshore
reports for the latter part of the month however, the Roosterfish catch will be strong going into the full moon of March.

And congratulations are in order for Jose Moreno. Moreno won last year's,
Fintastic's Tag & Release Bill fish Tournament here in Zihuatanejo and won
the coveted invitation to the IGFA Tournament of Champions in Kona, Hawaii this month. The results are back in and Zihuatanejo's own, Jose Moreno won for biggest Tuna (158#) in Kona, Hawaii. He received one of only 8 trophies
and placed 13th overall!

WEBSITES:
http://www.zihua-ixtapa.com/fishing.htm
http://www.zihuatanejo-ixtapa.com.mx/fish report.html

http://www.Zihuatanejo.net/IxtapaSportfishing/
http://www.Zihuatanejo.net/seaandsand
http://www.Zihuatanejo.net/GuzmanBros

http://www.Zihuatanejo.net/oleaje 

Capt. Ramon, (OLEJAE) You won't find a better guide. Some guides have old
equipment that I wouldn't trust. Also some guides may not try as hard because they probably won't see you again. You will catch your sailfish and
probably several when you fish with Ramon. Ramon's phone,011-527-554-4311
-- Vamonos 1

In 98 the Mexican tourism board came through and mapped out the popular dive sights in the area. They came up with 52 named sights, each with something special to offer. These sites are grouped in 8 separate areas, With Isla Ixtapa at one end and the Morros Del Potosi, out from Barra De Potosi at the other.

One of the most popular areas would have to be Sacramento. This area is located out from the Westin Hotel in Ixtapa and is a group of moros, (above water rocks) and bajos. (Underwater rocks or sea mounts) This dive has it all, with coral beds, shear rock walls and caves to explore.

When diving here you will enjoy the amount and variety of fish that are down there with you, Huge manta rays are regularly seen along with eagle, electric and sting rays. Also game fish can be seen looking for their prey. As an extra treat, at this time of year with whales in the area, you can sometimes hear their soundings.

The night diving here is worth doing. Everything is different. There are corals and anemones here that only open at night. Lobsters are easily spotted with dive lights along with sleeping fish.

Carlo Scuba (Padi) located on the beach at Las
Gatas. (Phone 55 43570)

Carlo Scuba charges $50US for their introductory dive and $65 for a two-tank dive with all equipment.

SURFING:

CONSULT: http://www.surf-mexico.com

A car is necessary (bring your rack) to drive up to the best surf spots: Saladitas or Rancho, north of Trancones, or call the phone number below for the surf report. Salidtas has a SURF CAMP |

Catcha L'Ola is your one stop surf headquarters. Why not stop by and talk surf? You can grab a beer while you are getting your broken board fixed (Damn baggage handlers..!), and you can find out what the surf is doing and where it is breaking. Rent a surfboard and watch a surf movie while
you debate whether or not you want to surf in Mexico. (The guy next to you pounding beers is having a board fixed he just snapped and you are wondering if you can handle surfing in Mexico...) or just come by and hang out....it is all here for you at Catcha L'Ola.
--Leon 'El Tigre', Burro Vago
Phone (011) 52 (7) 556-8756* (in ixtapa -zihua dial start with the 'seven') - shop (011) 52 (7) 553-0757 - office
Centro Comercial "Locale" (or shop) #12 Ixtapa, Gro. zih@carloscuba.com

Golf & Tennis

   There are two golf courses in Ixtapa: El Club de Golf Palma Real & Marina Ixtapa Club de Golf.
   You'll find tennis courts at just about all the hotels in Ixtapa. There are no tennis courts in Zihuatanejo except at the Hotel Villa del Sol.
    Palma Real not only has a beautiful ecologically designed golf course with plenty of shade trees, but also tennis and "paddle" courts. This course was designed by Robert Trent Jones. You'll find the Palma Real at the southeastern part of Ixtapa very near the Sheraton Hotel on Ixtapa Boulevard . Some of their holes actually front the beach. They claim that no tee times are required, but it behooves you to call them in advance to make them during the high season at 553-1163 or 553-1062.

    Palma Real golfing fees are as follows:*

* greens fees - $450 per person
* cart fee - $250
* club rentals - $200
* caddie fee - $50
(all prices in Mexican pesos)
*you must use either a cart or a caddie (please don't ask me why).

 SPECIFICATIONS:

* 18 holes, par 72, length 6898 yards
* Driving range, practice putting green
* Golf lessons available
* Pool, 4 tennis courts, 2 paddle courts
* Restaurant & bar including a mobile bar on the course
* Open year round 7 days a week

   Marina Ixtapa Club de Golf is built on an area of 108 acres and has big sand traps. It is located at the northern end of Ixtapa Boulevard by the marina. This course was designed by Robert Von Hagge. There are water hazards on 14 holes. No tee times are required. Their phone numbers are 553-1424 and 553-1410.

    Marina Ixtapa golfing fees are as follows:

* greens fees - $61 per person, $47 after 1:30
* cart/caddy fee - included
* club rentals - $35
(all prices in U.S. dollars)

 SPECIFICATIONS: