Ixtapa Island

Long time visitor to Zihua and Ixtapa but have never been to Ixtapa Island. Planning on taking an excursion there during our stay this winter. Family with two small kids. Any recommendations on which beach to go on the island, restaurantes to go to or stay away from? Thanks in advance.

We like to fish enroute to Isla Ixtapa and have the folks at El Indio cook up some of our catch for lunch, while we snorkel at Playa Coral.

Long time visitor to Zihua and Ixtapa but have never been to Ixtapa Island. Planning on taking an excursion there during our stay this winter. Family with two small kids. Any recommendations on which beach to go on the island, restaurantes to go to or stay away from? Thanks in advance.

I think you'll be much more comfortable, relaxed and satisfied at the restaurant Paraíso Escondido on Playa Varadero. You can walk there from the first pier at Playa Cuachalalata or get dropped off by the water taxi at the 2nd pier at Playa Varadero. Ignore all the hustlers trying to lure you into their restaurants. Your kids will love seeing the small deer that live on the island, so keep an eye out for them.

I second Paraíso Escondido, that is where Captain Ramon Olea always takes us. You just have to say no gracias a few times as it’s 4 or so restaurants away from the pier. Perfect place just to float in the ocean and a short walk to see all the fishes at coral beach.

I believe Playa Veradero, the second beach, is also our favorite. The waves are quite gentle on that side of the island. The restaurants have more available shade with many to choose from. The island does not have electricity, but they do an exceptional job of supplying your needs with wood fueled cooking, good cellular service to allow many restaurants to accept credit cards, all types of drinks, ice, produce that is brought over daily.
Guests can walk over a slight hill behind the restaurants to access the snorkeling at Playa Coral. That beach has dining there as well, but is more exposed to the sun and heat, and also has a lot of small broken coral on the beach. I sure can't walk on it with my gringo feet. The waves can toss you around the coral while snorkeling, and I would urge caution if your kids are small.
We usually go to the island for 2 days out of a week. We go to a restaurant called Lili Cipriani. It is on Playa Veradero, takes credit cards, has a big selection on their menu, lots of bebidas, and tables available on Playa Coral also if you wish to experience both sides.
Ask for Carlos if you need a great waiter.

I have some agreements and disagreements with your comments. I disagree on the waves being larger on one side or the other. IMHO-almost identical in size and safety. Both very gentle. Also, the comments on lack of shade etc. are just not correct.Both sides of all the restaurants are mostly covered by big tarps. Some tables have little to no shade as some people prefer that.
I also give Lily Cipriani a thumbs up, but I have had good luck with many of the restaurants there.

The OP should be able to find a great day there. We were there less than 2 weeks ago. The walkway out to the water taxis has been completed, and the vendors at Playa Linda will soon be in new lockable buildings. The roundtrip fare for the water taxis were 80 pesos then.

Do you usually pay each way on the water taxi?

Do you usually pay each way on the water taxi?

No, it's $80 round trip.