Acapulco is one of Mexico's most storied resort cities — a dramatic natural bay on the Pacific coast of Guerrero state that captivated international jet-setters in the 1950s and 1960s. The sweeping horseshoe of Acapulco Bay, flanked by jungle-covered hills and lined with hotels, was once the playground of Hollywood stars, world leaders, and the global elite. Frank Sinatra, John F. Kennedy, and Elizabeth Taylor all made Acapulco famous.
The city is perhaps best known for the La Quebrada cliff divers — a tradition since 1934 in which trained divers leap from 135-foot cliffs into a narrow ocean cove below, timing their dives to coincide with incoming waves. It remains one of the most extraordinary athletic spectacles in Latin America.
Acapulco has faced serious challenges in recent decades — rising crime and the devastating impact of Hurricane Otis in October 2023. The city continues to rebuild, and its natural beauty remains extraordinary. Cruise passengers visiting should stay within organized excursions and the immediate tourist zone.
Know Before You Go
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Acapulco, Mexico – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Acapulco, Mexico
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Ships dock directly at the Terminal de Cruceros de Acapulco on Acapulco Bay — no tender required. The terminal is located on La Costera Miguel Alemán, the main boulevard running along the bay, putting passengers within the central tourist zone.
⚓ Terminal de Cruceros
A functional terminal with a welcome area, tourist information, taxi queue, and souvenir vendors directly at the exit. The terminal's location on La Costera gives immediate access to the bay boulevard, nearby hotels, and the main tourist amenities. Most organized excursions depart directly from the terminal area.
Getting Around Acapulco, Mexico
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚕 Taxis
Available at the cruise terminal in an official queue. Acapulco taxis are not metered — agree on a fare before getting in. Taxis arranged through your ship or hotel are the safest option. The main tourist zone along La Costera is easily covered by taxi from the terminal.
🚌 Organized Ship Excursions
Strongly recommended as the primary mode of exploration in Acapulco. Ship-organized excursions provide vetted transportation, guides, and the security of knowing your timing back to the ship is managed. The La Quebrada cliff divers, bay cruise, and fort tour are all available as organized excursions.
⛵ Bay Cruises
Boat tours of Acapulco Bay depart from the pier area — a scenic and safe way to see the bay, the hillside hotels, and the dramatic geography that made Acapulco famous. Both daytime and sunset cruises are available. The view of the city from the water is extraordinary.
🚗 Car Rental
Not recommended for cruise passengers given the current safety environment. Organized excursions and official taxis are the appropriate transport options for a port day in Acapulco.
Things To Do in Acapulco, Mexico
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Acapulco's iconic attractions center on the bay, the cliff divers, and the city's extraordinary golden era history:
La Quebrada Cliff Divers — The defining Acapulco experience and one of the most extraordinary athletic spectacles in Latin America. Since 1934, trained divers have leapt from 135-foot cliffs into a narrow 13-foot-wide ocean cove below, timing each dive to coincide with incoming waves to ensure sufficient water depth. Performances run multiple times daily — evening dives with torches are the most dramatic. Watch from the free public viewing path on the cliff or from the adjacent El Mirador hotel terrace.
Acapulco Bay Cruise — A boat tour of the bay gives the best perspective on Acapulco's extraordinary geography — the horseshoe of hotels on the hillsides, La Quebrada cliffs, and the vast Pacific beyond. Both daytime and sunset cruises operate from the pier area. The sunset view from the water over the bay is genuinely spectacular.
Fuerte de San Diego — A remarkably well-preserved 18th-century star-shaped fort overlooking the bay, built to defend Acapulco's historic role as the western terminus of the Manila Galleon trade route — the most important trade route in the colonial Americas. Now a first-rate museum covering Acapulco's extraordinary commercial history, with original artifacts from the galleon era. One of the finest colonial forts in Mexico.
La Costera Boulevard Walk — The main boulevard along Acapulco Bay is lined with historic hotels, restaurants, beach access points, and the energy of a city that was once the most glamorous resort in the Americas. Walking or driving La Costera gives a vivid sense of Acapulco's golden era ambition and lingering grandeur.
Playa Caleta & the Historic Resort Zone — The two sheltered coves of Caleta and Caletilla were the original heart of Acapulco's resort era — where Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra swam. The calm, crystal-clear water is still excellent for swimming. A boat runs to nearby Isla La Roqueta, a small island with a beach, snorkeling, and a glass-bottom boat tour over the underwater Virgin of Guadalupe statue.
Beaches & Outdoors in Acapulco, Mexico
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ Acapulco Bay has a sweeping arc of Pacific beaches — dramatic, warm-water, and backed by the city's famous hillside hotels:
Playa Condesa
The most famous and central beach in Acapulco — along La Costera in the heart of the tourist zone. The Pacific surf here is strong and the beach has a lively, energetic atmosphere. Beach vendors, restaurants, and parasailing operators line the shore. The postcard image of Acapulco.
Playa Hornos & Playa Hornitos
Adjacent beaches in the central bay area — calmer water than Condesa, popular with families. Beach chair rentals and food vendors available. More sheltered from the open Pacific swell than Condesa.
Playa Caleta & Caletilla
Two small, sheltered coves near La Quebrada — historically the original resort beaches of Acapulco's golden era. Very calm water protected from Pacific waves, excellent for swimming. The area has significant historical charm from the 1950s Hollywood resort era.
Revolcadero Beach
A long, wild Pacific beach south of the bay — bigger waves, more dramatic scenery, and far fewer crowds. The Princess and Fairmont hotels back this beach. Best for those who want Pacific surf rather than calm bay swimming.
Shopping in Acapulco, Mexico
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Acapulco's shopping reflects its Mexican Pacific coast character — silver, handcrafted goods, local art, and resort wear:
La Costera — Main Boulevard
The main tourist boulevard along the bay has shops, boutiques, and souvenir stalls. A mix of resort wear, silver jewelry, ceramics, and Mexican handicrafts. Bargaining is expected at market stalls — the first price offered is rarely the final one.
Mercado de Artesanías
Acapulco's main crafts market — a large covered market with dozens of vendors selling handmade goods including painted ceramics, hammered tin, leather goods, embroidered textiles, and silver jewelry. The most authentic and affordable craft shopping in the city. Bargaining is essential.
What to Buy
Silver jewelry — Guerrero state has a strong silver craft tradition. Look for the 925 hallmark. Painted ceramics — distinctive Mexican folk art available throughout the market. Hammocks — hand-woven and excellent quality. Tequila and mezcal — local spirits at local prices. Huipil blouses — embroidered cotton clothing from the Guerrero region.
Dining in Acapulco, Mexico
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Acapulco has a distinctive coastal cuisine — fresh Pacific seafood, traditional Guerrero dishes, and the city's famous pozole are the essential food experiences:
Local Dishes to Try — Pozole (Guerrero's iconic hominy and pork soup — the state's signature dish and arguably the finest version in Mexico), pescado a la talla (butterflied fish marinated in chili paste and grilled over coals — Acapulco's most famous dish), ceviche de corvina (Pacific sea bass in lime and chili), tamales de rajas (chili and cheese tamales), and agua de tamarindo (tamarind water — the local refreshment).
Beto's Safari Beach Restaurant
Playa Condesa · Beachside Seafood · $$
One of Acapulco's most beloved beachside restaurants — fresh pescado a la talla (marinated grilled fish) served right on Condesa Beach. The definitive Acapulco dining experience. Cold beers, Pacific views, and the city's signature dish.
La Cabaña de Caleta
Playa Caleta · Seafood · $$
A classic Acapulco seafood restaurant at the historic Caleta beach — ceviche, grilled fish, shrimp dishes, and cold coconut water served in the shell. A genuinely local experience in one of the bay's most charming coves.
El Amigo Miguel
Calle Juárez, Downtown · Mexican Seafood · $$
A downtown Acapulco institution for pozole and fresh seafood — beloved by locals for decades. The pozole rojo here is exceptional. An authentic alternative to the beachfront tourist restaurants.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Acapulco City Tour with Cliff Divers
⏱ 4 hours · Low activity
See the best of Acapulco on this tour of the city including the Diamond Area, downtown cathedrals and the famous cliff ...
Book This Tour →Acapulco Snorkeling Adventure
⏱ 4 hours · Medium activity
Enjoy amazing marine life and pristine beaches while snorkeling the warm waters off La Roqueta Island, Acapulcos famous ...
Book This Tour →Bonanza Yacht Cruise
⏱ 3 hours · Medium activity
See the beautiful Acapulco coast on a yacht including the famous cliff divers at La Quebrada, mansions of the stars. Enj...
Book This Tour →Acapulco, Mexico – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
Is Acapulco safe for cruise passengers?
The US Department of State has a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Guerrero state. Cruise passengers should stay within organized ship excursions and the immediate tourist zone along La Costera. Check the current advisory at travel.state.gov and verify your cruise line's current policies before departure. Many cruise lines have suspended or reduced Acapulco calls — confirm your itinerary is still operating as planned.
What happened to Acapulco after Hurricane Otis?
Hurricane Otis struck Acapulco on October 25, 2023 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, causing severe damage to the city's hotels, infrastructure, and beachfront. The city has been in active recovery since. Some attractions and facilities have reopened; others are still being rebuilt. Verify current conditions with your cruise line before planning specific activities or beach visits.
What are the La Quebrada cliff divers and when do they perform?
The La Quebrada cliff divers are a Acapulco tradition since 1934 — trained divers leap from 135-foot cliffs into a narrow ocean cove, timing their dives to coincide with incoming waves. Performances run multiple times daily, typically at 1pm, 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 9:15pm, and 10:15pm. Evening performances with torches are the most dramatic. The free public viewing area on the cliff path is just as good as the paid hotel terrace.
What is the best food to try in Acapulco?
Acapulco's two signature dishes are pescado a la talla (butterflied fish marinated in chili paste and grilled over coals — found at beachside restaurants like Beto's on Condesa) and pozole (Guerrero's extraordinary hominy soup — among the finest versions in Mexico). Fresh ceviche, grilled shrimp, and cold coconut water are also essential. Avoid eating at tourist-facing restaurants near the pier; the best food is a short taxi ride away.
Do I need pesos in Acapulco?
US dollars are accepted at most tourist establishments but change will be given in pesos. Having some pesos is useful for smaller vendors, market stalls, and taxis. ATMs are available in the city. Check current exchange rates at xe.com before your visit.
What transportation should I use in Acapulco?
Use only taxis from the official terminal queue or arranged through your cruise line — do not hail taxis on the street. Organized ship excursions are the safest and most practical option for seeing the city's main attractions. Car rental is not recommended for cruise passengers given the current safety environment.
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