January 18-25, 2025 (Sat-Sat)

Opening Day:  Registration opens for our Ixtapa Volleyball Vacation, annually, at Noon on the 2nd Tuesday in July. 

The Tradition: We have been visiting Ixtapa the third week of January, MLK week, since 1995.  For almost 3 decades, South Of the Border has been in Ixtapa competing on the beach, dancing in the bars and dining in the restaurants.  Residents, tourists, and local businesses anticipate and welcome our group each year.

The Group:  The Ixtapa SOB Volleyball Vacation began with 15 players back in 1994.  At our peak, we had over 250 on the beach with 196 players in the tournament.  We have backed this off a bit in past years and now cap the tournament at 72 players per gender for a total of 144 participants. The trip usually settles in at about 200 guests including non-playing family and friends, family, and staff. 

The Hotel:  When we started visiting in 1994, we settled in at the Park Royal.   The property is located at the epicenter of all our volleyball courts and has become our Ixtapa home.  The property is all inclusive with 3 restaurants and 3 bars. 

The Beach:  We picked the Ixtapa because of the beach.  Ask SOB alumni or our pros: this is one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.  And the sand is absolutely amazing.  Add a swimmable beach with crystal clear blue water and perfect water temperatures and you are in paradise.  Back in "the day", we had 32+ nets spanning almost a mile of sand, but the local regulatory bodies now require permits for any nets on the beach and have capped us at 24 courts.   

Monday Funday:  Monday is special in Ixtapa.  80 guests spend the day Snorkeling and Spinnacker Flying on the Picante Sailboat. Then, mid-afternoon, the entire group convenes in Zihuatanejo at La Perla Restaurant on La Ropa beach for cocktails, hook and the best sunset on the planet.  Everyone then heads down the beach or into downtown for dinner.  #BestDayEver, every year. 

The Retail Zone:   The retail zone in Ixtapa is walking distance from our hotel and offers dining and dancing options.  We have a history of getting our and about and supporting local businesses.  The SOB group traditionally heads "off campus" and about on half of our nights, visiting favorites like Deborah's Restaurant, Alex's Sports Bar, Franks, and  Calabozo's.  

The Sexy Bar:  In 2012 the hotel converted the huge palapa on adjacent the beach and pool into a dance club our players dubbed the "sexy bar".   The nights we are not out on the town, we take over the dance floor until they throw us out.   The mid-week  SOB theme nights has become legendary so be prepared to pack a costume and get wild. 

Registration Priority: Spots will be filled, first come, first served.  Unlike Puerto Vallarta and Cabo, we do not offer priority to returning Ixtapa Players.   We have found that this trip is big enough that anyone who wants to get in just needs to sign up at the opening bell.  The blend of returning alumni and new players keeps the week fun and fresh.

The Pros:  SOB Volleyball Vacations has worked with over 70 different Professional Beach Athletes since 1994.  You can check out this list on our pros page.  Our philosophy on pros is that the are the Icing on cake.   We want our guests to join each trip because SOB Volleyball Vacations are great week, and the Pros are the added bonus.  So we surprise everyone and announce our pros the week prior to each trip. 

2023 (last years') Puerto Vallarta Pros:  .Andy Benesh, Troy Field, Geena Urango, Billy Allen, Ty Tramblie, Kelley Reeves, Eric Beranek, Deahna Kraft, and Miles Evans. 

Photos:  Want a good feel for the trip....scroll through the gallery a the top of this page.  Or better yet, visit www.sobvolleyballphotos.com and check out photos over the years from our Photographer, Russ Dix.  One of the perks of SOB Volleyball Vacations is we give each guest access to over 800 photos from their trip...fee to download, print, etc.