Snorkeling

We will be taking the water taxis to Ixtapa Island to snorkel one morning- understand from this site that our "target" is Playa Coral. Suggestions for where to "set up shop" for our time there re: food/drinks/equipment? Assume kid size equipment is readily available as well as life jackets for all? (My experience is that is "easier" to enjoy the snorkeling expereince w/ the extra floatation ...) What time to the water taxis start running in the morning? Thank you kindly.

When you approach that side of the island, the first restaurant on your left is "Princess Rebecca" which has great food and Captain "Ishmial" can take care of your equipment needs and will give you great service. Tell him Ted & Kasha sent you and you'll get V.I.P. treatment. If you get there by 10:00, he can set up the little palapa (seats up to 8) on the peninsula sticking out from the shoreline. Getting there early also allows you to snorkel before others stir the water up.

The best snorkling is close to shore,off to the right.It really is not worthwhile to go out deep as the visibility is poor in the deeper water.Bring lots of crackers as they attract huge ammounts of fish when crumpled up in the water.Also make sure you have aquasocks as the coral iand beach is sharp

Are you suggesting "aqua socks" in addition to the fins used for snorkeling?

Many who stay close to shore as Norm suggested go without fins and should use aqua socks. We use fins and go out 200-300 yards as the coral reef continues to thrive and expand from year to year. This past trip was our best snorkeling there ever in 24 years.

I would disagree that your target should be Playa Coral. My family and I prefer to hang our beach bags at the restaurant "Paraíso Escondido" on Playa Varadero, and walk the twenty or so paces from their property over to Playa Coral for any snorkeling, as well as just to walk along the coast.

Here's part of the view from Playa Varadero:

If they take my advice, they won't have to take the chance of running into you and your family. Seriously, the view from Playa Coral is better in my opinion, especially if they get the little peninsula palapa. And if they don't all go snorkeling at the same time, they can keep an eye on each other.

Rob, I was introduced to Paraiso years ago by a friend, who called it "Johnny's". I never asked, is/was that the owner?
Have been to two other places, on each side, but find Paraiso the best.

Good one, Ted!

You do have a point about the palapa, but we'll just leave the preference for the view to our individual subjectivity. Not saying this is a bad view.