Snorkeling

I usually bring my own as it is convenient when you just want to go off la Ropa etc. I have purchased in Ixtapa. Fins make for a better snorkel.

Years ago I rented snorkeling stuff at Las Gatas, and I've seen it for rent there since, as well as at Isla Ixtapa. Whether she rents or brings her own depends on how much she plans to use the equip. and whether she has room in her bags. When I rented, I think the cost was the equivalent of 5$ US for an afternoon. For myself I prefer to bring my own now to be sure it's in good shape, and I use it a fair amount.

PS I agree that fins are really helpful, but I don't bother with them and do fine.

We're not snorkelers (?) but our daughter is asking if a mask and snorkel can be rented anywhere in Zihua or Ixtapa. Prices? She doesn't want to go on a snorkeling tour per se, but just to try it at maybe Isla Ixtapa, Las Gatas or near the rocks on La Ropa. Swim fins aren't really necessary, right?
Or would she be better just buying her own mask and snorkel back home and bringing them down?

She can buy a decent mask, snorkel, fins and a nylon mesh bag to carry them in at Ixtapa Aqua Paradise at the Barceló in Ixtapa. It's always better to have your own equipment, though I also started out using borrowed stuff, and later I worked on tour boats that provided snorkeling gear to folks who didn't have their own.

At both Isla Ixtapa and Las Gatas gear can be rented. But I think the best deal would be to take a snorkeling trip on the Picante to Playa Manzanillo on Bahía de Potosí. They have snorkeling gear for their passengers who don't bring their own.

If you have room, bring your own gear including fins.
The best ones are all one piece and a soft rubber. Very comfortable.
I bought mine at Big 5.

We are snorkeling/diving snobs.
That said, we went to Isla Ixtapa for the very first time on Thursday. What a great time!!!!!!
Fins, 50p, mask/snorkel, 50p. Quite nice quality, too. Wonderful snorkeling, we suggest it for everyone, even non-snorkelers. You can see lots of stuff in waist deep water.
Be sure to have that extra adult beverage, and take your extra chips and saladitas, and stand in ankle deep water and feed the fish. You'll see at least as many right there as you did snorkeling.
Las Gatas is fun, too, but for us, Isla Ixtapa was a mini-vacation during our many months here.
The rocks at the north end of La Ropa are often quite clear and have great things to see, including turtles, as are the underwater rocks at the south end of the bay. Ask your local SUP person about clarity when you are ready to go out.

Bring mask and snorkle from home,forget fins,go to Ixtapa Island,break saladitas in water and step back for great fun.B ring aquasox rather than fins as bottom can be rockey

While snorkel gear can be rented at both Las Gatas and Isla Ixtapa, I think she'd be happier with equipment that she tries on for a perfect fit at a sporting goods store at home. If she plans on snorkeling at Las Gatas, I'd recommend the outside of the reef, since there's more to see there. Playa Coral at Isla Ixtapa is also good for snorkeling if the surf isn't too heavy. We like to do some fishing en route to the island and then have the folks at El Indio cook up some of our catch while we snorkel. Save the excess tortillas to feed the fish. Some of them will take pieces right out of your hand.

I realize this thread is a few months old, but I was wondering if it's true that Playa Manzanillo offers the best snorkeling in the area? If so, is there a good tour outfit that we could rely on to take a few people out in October? We have a day at port, on NCL Sun ship, and I'd love to go snorkeling...