6ta Vuelta Isla Ixtapa

Guillermo Leyva Gómez likely never imagined that his vast coconut plantations would one day serve as the quiet backdrop for a professional swimming circuit. Before the state-led expropriation in the 1970s transformed this stretch of the Mexican Pacific into a deliberate tourist development, the landscape was defined by the rhythmic swaying of palms and the untouched estuaries of the Costa Grande. Today, the 6ta Vuelta Isla Ixtapa traces the edges of this transformed coastline, offering swimmers a perspective on the region that remains largely unchanged since those agricultural days.

The view from the water

As you navigate the course, the horizon is anchored by the rugged silhouette of the Sierra Madre del Sur foothills. This dramatic mountain range acts as a constant reminder of the geological intensity behind the coastal plains. Turning your head toward the island, you are likely to spot iguanas basking on the rocky shoreline or, if you stay close enough to the brush, the movement of armadillos and deer that inhabit the interior of Isla Ixtapa. While the modern architecture of the Ixtapa resort town—famous as the 1994 filming location for the telenovela *Marimar*—dominates the beach side, the water itself tells a story of local sustenance. The marine ecosystems here, including populations of huachinango and mojarras, have supported local fishing communities for generations.

Race day logistics

The event offers distances of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 meters, taking full advantage of the geographical protection provided by the bay. Unlike the turbulent swells of the open Pacific, the waters around the island benefit from the natural geography of the region, which has long served as a refuge for vessels during the winter months. For those building their endurance for the local calendar, this race sits in contrast to the earlier IXTAQUA SWIM & RUN held in October, shifting the focus from coastal run-swim transitions to pure open-water navigation. The next edition is scheduled for February 27, 2027, when water conditions remain consistent for the long-distance categories.