Acapulco Cruise Guide

Acapulco Bay is home to one of the most exciting cities in the Americas where an explosive mix of risqué nightlife, funky bars, gorgeous beaches and fine waterfront restaurants attract Mexico's bold and beautiful. Parties rage until dawn in Acapulco's neon-lit dance clubs while sun-worshipers laze on powdery sands or stroll around the city's curvaceous bay.

Dating back to Aztec times, Acapulco was claimed as a base by the Spanish who used it to venture into the Pacific in vast galleons. Today it is a popular fishing hub and watersports centre with shallows for snorkelers, deep ledges for scuba divers and wild, open waters on which to jet-ski full throttle across the bay.

Once the playground of Hollywood's rich and famous, Acapulco ‘the Pearl of the Pacific' has everything a fine port should offer: a vibrant nightlife, stunning scenery, a pretty malecón (seaside promenade), super beaches - and a swashbuckling history. Look skyward to witness the spectacle of the Quebrada high-cliff divers or take a glass-bottomed boat out to Roqueta Island to view the underwater image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.  

Highlights:
• Sport-fishing in Pacific deep water
• Skin-diving (diving without a suit)
• Speed-boating on Puerto Marquez Lagoon
• Parachute sailing
• Sunset views from Pie de la Cuesta
• Swim with dolphins at CiCi water park, Playa Icacos
• Snorkelling and scuba diving
• Surfing on La Condesa beach
• Boat trip to Roqueta Island
• Sunbathing on Playa Hornos
• Mundo Marino aquarium
• Parque Papagayo (playground)

Mexico Tourist Board
Tel: + 1 800 446 3942.
Website: www.visitmexico.com 

Numerous impromptu street vendors set up shop to welcome cruise passengers with an array of local crafts, from Mexican straw work, leather goods, silverware, boldly painted ceramics, woven blankets (sarapes) and embroidered charro hats to beaded jewellery and brightly coloured scarves in wool or silk (rebozos). You'll also find a fine range of International brand names, boutiques and exclusive jewelry stores in air-conditioned malls and plazas such as Plaza Bahia and Costera Miguel Aleman Boulevard.

Tasty empanadas (deep fried turnovers) are sold on every street corner city-wide with maize tortillas, beans, rice, fish and chicken popular staples. Be sure to try Acapulco's crispy tacos filled with meat and vegetables - with hot sauce (salsa piquante) if you dare. The best-selling beers are the light, citrusy and refreshing Corona and Sol - both often served with a wedge of lime. Tequila is sold everywhere but packs a powerful punch. Umpteen fast-food joints serve Tex-Mex fare, from burgers, steak and hot dogs to sea food, salad and sandwiches.

Acapulco's year-round warm sub-tropical climate sees average highs of 30̊C (86̊F) with peak season running October to June. Expect sunny days and blue skies almost every day of the year with brief, gentle rains (usually overnight) July to September.

Acapulco.

2km (1.2 miles).

10 minutes.

Mexico

GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from first Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

New Peso (peso) = 100 centavos.

Spanish.

Acapulco de Juárez, the city of Acapulco, lies within the Mexican state of Guerrero, in southern Mexico. It overlooks a particularly scenic bay, the Bahia de Acapulco (also known as the Bahia de Santa Lucia) on the Pacific coast.

2 millions (Greater Metropolitan Area).

Republic since 1917, gained independence from Spain in 1821.

Unlike some other Latin American countries, Mexico has no official religion. However Christian religions predominate, with Roman Catholic majority and Protestant and Muslim minorities.

Casual-wear is acceptable for daytime dress throughout Mexico but dressing up after dark is expected after dark. Personal relationships are held in high regard, with friendships valued and relationships highly prized. Showing emotion is considered normal, be it elation or despair. 

Tipping: 15% is expected and 20% if the service has been very good.