Acapulco has long been a popular beach resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, famous for its high-energy nightlife and incredible beaches. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the area, there’s plenty to see and do in Acapulco.
One of the most popular attractions is La Quebrada Cliff Divers, a local tradition that has been taking place since 1934. Professional divers plunge 40m into a narrow ocean cove every day and night.
1. La Quebrada Cliff Divers
Acapulco’s most famous attraction is La Quebrada Cliff Divers, the daring feats of which have captivated audiences around the world since 1934. Watching these brave men leaping 45 craggy meters (150 terrifying feet) into a wave-crashed inlet just 4 meters (13 feet) deep is an unforgettable experience.
The divers must time their jumps with the waves so that they don’t hit the rocks below. They perform daily shows from cliffs more than 30 meters above the sea.
Tourists can watch the show from a number of locations, including the terraces of El Mirador Hotel, and from public observation decks that overlook the cliff. You can even rent a boat to see the show from offshore and get an incredible perspective of the entire action.
2. Diego Rivera Mural
Acapulco has a number of great places to see Diego Rivera’s murals. These include the Chapingo Autonomous University of Agriculture and a fresco mural called “Fertile Land” that he painted in the chapel of the school.
Another of Diego Rivera’s creations is a series of seashell mosaics that adorn the exterior of one of his art patron Dolores Olmedo’s houses in Acapulco. This painting is considered a major cultural work of art and was one of Rivera’s last paintings before his death.
The colorful mosaics depict the lord of the sea Quetzalcoatl and several Mesoamerican deities. This mural was created a little over 18 months before Rivera’s death and has been recognized as a landmark of Mexican culture.
3. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a popular water sport in Acapulco. You can get a certification from PADI or NAUI and start diving in the azure waters of the Pacific.
You will need a wetsuit or dry suit (depending on the water temperature), a scuba tank, and regulators to supply air at the proper pressure in order to breathe underwater. You also need a buoyancy compensator, which is a jacket that allows you to float on top of the water without being completely submerged.
There are a variety of dive sites in Acapulco, with Roqueta Island being one of the most famous for its shallow dives and clear waters. Other popular Acapulco scuba sites include sunken ships and sea mountains.
Scuba diving is a fantastic activity in Acapulco and there are plenty of different tours to choose from. November to May is considered the best time to dive open ocean sites as the waters are calmest, which means better visibility.
4. Beaches
Acapulco is renowned for its stunning beaches, which are ideal for rest and relaxation. This is why foreign tourists often visit this city for a quick getaway from the stress of their daily lives.
The best of Acapulco’s beaches are Playa Pie de la Cuesta, Caleta and the Golden Zone. These are the most popular and are known for their beautiful sands and calm waters.
There are plenty of activities on the beach and there are also many restaurants to choose from. Some of them even offer seafood dishes.
Located in the heart of Acapulco Bay, Condesa Beach is one of the most popular beaches for both locals and visitors. Its location in the Golden Zone means that it is full of life with a constant stream of vendors.
This beach is also popular for water sports like boogie boarding, body surfing and surfing. It is a good choice for beginner surfers. It is also a great place to watch the sunset.
