Acapulco Attractions
* La Quebrada Cliff Divers - No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into the shallow stream of water of dangerous tides that forms in the bottom part of La Quebrada. They have been doing it since 1934. You can see the dives from a small platform by the cliff for a small entrance fee, or eat at the La Perla restaurant which offers a good view of the divers. Showtime at 1 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
* Zócalo - Zócalo, Acapulco's town square, lies on the western side of La Costera. It tends to expose more local culture than other, more tourist-centric, areas. Zócalo contains Acapulco's cathedral, as well as many restaurants ranging in size from sidewalk bistros and tiny street-corner kitchens. Many of the smaller restaurants will provide full dinners for as little as 35 pesos.
* Pie de la Cuesta - Pie de la Cuesta is a quiet strip of land roughly 6 miles northwest of Acapulco, bordered on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by a freshwater lake (Laguna de Cuyoca) on the other. The lagoon is extremely tranquil, but tourists are advised not to enter the Pacific Ocean at Pie de la Cuesta, because the surf is very dangerous. One can reach Pie de la Cuesta via bus. If you are on the Bay Side along the Costera, between Escudero and Diego Mendoza, look for the bus that says Pie de la Cuesta PLAYA LUCES. These go up that narrow strip of land. You can also take one that says San Isidro and that will let you off in the Zocalo in Pie de la Cuesta, but you have to walk a couple blocks to the strip and about a half kilometer up to the lagoon.
* Puerto Marquez - Located at a smaller bay just east of Acapulco, Puerto Marquez sees much less tourist traffic than Acapulco. One side of the bay is completely covered by adjacent beach-side restaurants offering very reasonably priced food and beer. The restaurant owners (as well as most other locals) are very friendly to tourists and some will offer discounts or a free round of beer to groups. Tourists and locals alike munch on shrimp enchiladas, sip negra modelos, wade in the waters, and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. Fewer locals speak English in Puerto Marquez than in Acapulco, so it is recommended that visitors speak some rudimentary Spanish. One can reach Puerto Marquez via bus.
* Isla de la Roqueta - Isla de la Roqueta has a beautiful beach with shallow areas for families to play. You can get there by water taxi (around $3.50 USD) or the glass-bottom harbour tour boat (around $7.00 USD) from Caleta Beach. The harbour tour provides many sightseeing opportunities as well as seeing the yachts and homes of the rich and famous. As well, you can experience the cliff-divers’ show at La Quebrada, the submarine Virgin of Guadalupe, and see a diver with the tour swim under the boat with food to attract fish. If you don’t pack food while on your tour, there is a great opportunity to have lunch by way of a boat restaurant that comes alongside the boat and prepares your order. Just be prepared to wait depending on the number of people on the tour with you. Once on Isla de la Roquet there are numerous well-maintained trails, a lighthouse and beautiful snorkeling spots - but they can be rough (if this doesn’t suit you, your best bet would be to go to the Camino Real for snorkeling). And the bonus, you can take as much time as you want as the tour company’s boats dock throughout the day.
Beaches
Most beaches are in the bay area fronting the main boulevard "La Costera". This bay area is what made Acapulco famous and its beauty and majesty have not faded over the years. Some of the most popular beaches inside the Bay and lining the Costera are Hornos, the traditional "afternoon beach", Papagayo, Tamarindos, and Icacos. Condesa beach at the east end of the bay is gay friendly. Caleta/Caletilla beaches and Langosta Beach are on the open ocean, and usually a bit cleaner. Most hotels in Acapulco are found along the Costera, and prices generally go down as you move west toward the Zócalo and old Acapulco.
Another open water beach, more suitable for surfing, lies in front of the Fairmont Acapulco Princess and Fairmont Pierre Marqués Hotels. Playa Revolcadero is east of Acapulco, closer to the airport. The wave action is much higher than inside the bay or at Caleta/Caletilla, which are protected by La Roqueta island. Transportation from La Costera takes about 35 minutes through a winding and scenic road.
Don't miss Barra Vieja, approx. 20 past the Airport coming from the costera($500-$800 Pesos for a cab all day)
Diving Trips in and Near to Acapulco, Mexico
Think Acapulco and somehow, Elvis comes to mind. This port city, situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico, nestled on a bay. Known for its bustling port of call for ships and cruises, Acapulco is also blessed for being in tropics with warm breezes all year round. Rainfall is more frequent in the summer while winter is dry and sunny.
Who can possibly forget the cliff divers of Acapulco? Grace combined with an incredible adrenaline rush never failed to keep watchers fascinated. Today, this beautiful island resort has much more than just cliff divers and its white beaches. With average water temperature ranging in the mid-twenties, you can't ask for a more pleasant dive. However, check visibility of the water before entering. There'll be enough information in Acapulco to start a great diving adventure.
Roqueta Island or La Isla Roqueta is a favorite haunt for divers who wish to explore the shallow and clear waters. It's definitely the way to go to appreciate its marine richness. The more experienced divers can venture into the cave. However it's not only for novices because for experienced divers there is the possibility of diving in the caves. On the shores of Roqueta Island you can explore the "Virgen Sumergida" (an underwater shrine). For the more adventurous, visit the many diving centers on the island and ask about the Rio de Plata, a sunken shipwreck. This island is ideal for all 'classes' of divers.
To the east of Acapulco lies Puerto Marquez. First time divers may want to visit this picturesque bay surrounded by gentle mountains, for its shallow waters and beautiful surroundings. What could be more satisfying than surfacing to breathtaking fauna?
Although small in size, the beaches at Caleta and Caletilla are excellent choices for beginners at diving. The calm waters provide excellent visibility for divers to enjoy the beautiful aquatic inhabitants. Many locals flock to these beaches to enjoy the serene waters.
To the west of Acapulco, lies Icacos beach. As in all parts of Acapulco, you will be visually thrilled by the variety of fishes and corals in its crystal blue waters.
You say you can't dive and have no gear? There are many diving centers which offer 'crash courses' for those interested. Acapulco doesn't give you an excuse not to take a plunge into the beautiful Pacific waters. Rent a gear, sign up for a 'crash' course and jump in. Acapulco and its beautiful surrounding waters are beckoning.
About Acapulco