Diving Into Acapulco

As the wave surges towards the jagged cliff face, the cliff diver looks down and raises his arm to the crowd to indicate he’s going to jump. At the last second, he steps back off the cliff top, clearly not happy with the amount of water gushing into the narrow chasm below. From a height of 40m and with just three and a half metres between rocks, and certain death below, timing is just as crucial as wave selection.

The excitement of the Acapulco cliff divers is not of the “stage and entertainment” type - this is for real and there’s more tension and nervousness than outright enjoyment at watching young men plunge into the frothing water below. Two waves later, the diver’s arm is stretched upwards again and this time he takes the leap - a triple backward somersault and perfect entry. And the whole time it looked as though he would slam into the side of the cliff, because of its angle to the sea. 

It’s renowned for its hot beaches and even hotter nightlife, but very few cities evoke the excitement and glamour of Acapulco. Its famous cliff divers are just one of many attractions, having earned a reputation around the world for their daring, but it’s not just guts that sets these guys apart. The sheer skill of the diving wouldn’t be out of place at an Olympics. The display of daring at the famous cliffs of La Quebrada, just north of the Old Town, has been going on for decades and gets the adrenaline pumping.   

Acapulco And The Hollywood Jetset

It’s an experience which is a must-do in a city which exudes excitement and glamour - Acapulco is a city which thrived in the 1950’s thanks to the Hollywood jetset. It was then that Frank Sinatra invited one and all to "Come fly with me...down to Acapulco Bay," and Elvis Presley spread the message in the early 60’s with his hit film "Fun in Acapulco”. Acapulco became the playground of the likes of Erroll Flynn and Cary Grant who cavorted in the beach resort with their many glamourous companions. John Wayne, Rita Hayworth and Orson Wells joined the growing list of celebrities that helped create Acapulco’s glamourous party image. 

The “jewel of the Mexican Riviera” had undergone numerous revivals since then, with a lineup of Hollywood stars and major personalities, including Bill Clinton and Sylvester Stallone, renting villas in the hills above Acapulco looking out over the famous bay. A drive along the Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue offers a spectacular view of Acapulco Bay and its grandest attractions, and there’s now a beachfront promenade that runs most of its length. 

Acapulco is famous for its stunning beaches, however, with their satiny, fine, white and golden sands - dotted with tall, majestic palm trees. They stretch for about 26km and each is unique in its own respect. It’s possible to find quiet secluded beaches for swimming and snorkelling and some with waves that are good enough for surfboard riding. The best place to start is La Condesa Beach which is right in the middle of the Zona Dorada - the Golden Zone - and is one of Acapulco’s most popular beaches. This beach has everything for everyone - it’s possible to find a quiet spot to catch some sun and you’re not far from a wide variety of water sports such as jet-skiing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, parasailing. It’s also a great place to sip a cool drink and people-watch as the Acapulcans enjoy the aquatic delights of their city.

Nightlife And Shopping 

It is possible to have a lazy beach holiday in Acapulco, but if you venture out at night it’s more than likely your senses will be awakened by the energy of the city after dark. The restaurants in the Zona Dorada feature open air dining and views of the city skyline and the prices are reasonable. This is a great way to kick start a night out, and afterwards there are numerous bars and nightclubs offering a wide variety of music and other entertainment. Much of it doesn’t actually get going until after 11pm, and many party-goers don’t bother returning to their homes or hotels until the sun comes up. 

For those who love their shopping, it’s possible to get some good bargains on a wide range of items such as local handicrafts, designer clothes and silver jewellery - which is the area’s specialty. Old Acapulco, at the northern end of the bay is the best place to get started. It’s a grid system with some busy markets ranging from traditional paintings and artwork, to fruit and vegetables and upscale boutiques. In between the shopping there are several pretty town squares, such as the Zocalo Plaza Alvarez, to investigate along with the Nuestra Senora de la Soledad Church, and the Mercado Municipal. From its classic sand beaches, sweeping bay, and steamy night life to its daring divers, Acapulco has a special vibe thanks to its history and enduring manic energy.