Ixtapa Open - Open Water

Known as the Ixtapa Open - Open Water, this sea swimming event takes place in the open Pacific waters of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo along the coast of Guerrero in Mexico. Organized by IXTAQUA and SPINSER, the gathering brings competitors together on the sand right outside the Qualton Club Ixtapa. Swimmers gather on the golden sand, adjusting their goggles and testing the temperature of the incoming tide. The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation as participants prepare to tackle the swell. Wading through the shallow breakers, every swimmer quickly feels the lifting rhythm of the Pacific ocean chop. Looking out from the shoreline, the vast expanse of blue water opens up toward the horizon.

The surge requires swimmers to sight consistently, lifting their heads above the crests to stay aligned with the turn buoys anchored out at sea. As the pack spreads out along the course, the rhythm of strokes settles against the steady pull of the current and the buoyant lift of the saltwater.

Playa Linda: the open water courses in April

The challenge accommodates a wide range of open water ambitions by offering three distinct distance categories: a 1-kilometer course, an intermediate 2.5-kilometer route, and a demanding 5-kilometer marathon swim. Each distance sends competitors out into the rolling sea, testing their ability to maintain stroke efficiency through open ocean water. To guarantee swimmer visibility, the use of an individual safety buoy is strictly mandatory across all categories and distances. Swimmers must bring their own equipment, as the organization does not supply the buoys on race morning. In past editions, on-water safety support has been coordinated with kayaks serving as the primary line of rapid assistance, backed by motorized boats sweeping the circuit perimeter.

The fenced estuary at Playa Linda: protected crocodile habitat

Directly adjacent to the swimming beach lies one of the most distinctive ecological landmarks on this coastline: a natural coastal estuary. The wetland serves as a thriving protected habitat for wild crocodiles, completely enclosed behind a secure perimeter fence right alongside the sand. Having crocodiles thriving safely gives Playa Linda a wild and memorable setting unlike typical resort beaches.

Playa Linda: surf breaks, cycling trails and grilled fish

Beyond its open water swimming courses, Playa Linda is celebrated throughout the region as a premier Pacific surfing destination. The beach regularly plays host to surfing tournaments, yet its rolling ocean breaks remain gentle and consistent enough that beginners can take lessons alongside professional local instructors. The bicycle path offers a scenic route through nature, arriving at the waterfront right after emerging from the lush greenery of the Aztlán Ecological Park. After finishing your swim and stepping out of the salt water, the beachfront palapas provide an authentic setting to rest and refuel. These traditional thatched open-air shelters are renowned for preparing pescado a la talla. The fresh fish is slowly roasted over glowing wood embers right by the beach. Sitting in the ocean breeze under the thatch with friends, tasting the smoky grilled fish while watching the surf roll in, is the classic reward of a Pacific swimming morning.

Troncones and Majahua: sea caves along the Guerrero coast

Traveling a short distance along the Pacific coastline brings you to Troncones, where a wide stretch of open beach extends for five uninterrupted kilometers. The coastal bluffs and shoreline conceal two natural sea caverns, known locally as Troncones and Majahua, sculpted out of the rock by the pounding tides. Exploring these tide-carved caves at low water reveals the sheer power of the ocean currents that constantly shape this edge of Mexico. During the low season from June to October, raw Pacific energy produces massive southern swells, pushing breaking waves up to 25 feet high at legendary surf points such as Troncones Point and El Rancho. Under normal tropical temperatures, the open ocean returns to its peaceful rhythm, leaving swimmers to enjoy the deep blue water and the rolling Pacific surf.