Acapulco is a city with a population of 1 million, so things to do are plentiful and advance planning is optional. “Don't overplan, don't over- schedule” would be a good motto.
Bay Cruise
Several steel ships offer cruises around the bay, with on-board parties at night.
The Fiesta Cabaret and Bonanza offer both day and nighttime cruises. The Bonanza has a swimming pool, as well as a stern platform that lowers to sea level when the boat makes a brief stop.
The Aca Tiki bills itself as a floating supper club that takes a three-hour cruise around the bay every afternoons at 3 p.m. It claims to be the world's largest sailing catamaran.
The Palao leaves from the Ski Club pier, downtown, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for a four-hour tour to Roqueta Island, with a buffet lunch and open bar.
More, smaller boats leave from the main marina, one block east of the Zócalo, to the Roqueta Island.
Casino
The modern Jai Alai center on the Costera, near the Hyatt Regency, has a very popular giant bingo hall, with couples and families sitting at large tables, playing, and sharing snacks and refreshments. There is also a venue for watching and betting on horse races and other sporting events.
Bullfighting
The Acapulco bullfighting ring ("Frontón") is a smaller version of the one in Mexico City, but its crowd is as vociferous and colorful. Bullfights ("Corridas") are held every Sunday at 5:30 p.m. from January to March. Be certain to buy a ticket in the shade (around $20). Most people buy their ticket directly at the ticket office, but you can buy it in advance from travel agents and some hotels in Golden Acapulco. Avoid congestion by taking a taxi to get there.
Av. Circunvalación, across from Playa Caleta, Acapulco. Ph 74/82-11-81
Golf
Several world-class golf courses have been constructed in Acapulco Diamente recently, including the spectacular Robert von Hagge-designed course at the exclusive Tres Vidas Golf Club, where a single membership costs over 25,000 U.S. dollars. The par 72, 18-hole course, built right where the Papagayo River meets the Pacific Ocean, is landscaped with nine lakes, dotted with palms, and home to a flock of ducks and other birds.
The Mayan Palace Golf Club also boasts an 18-hole course by the ocean's edge, on the western side of Playa Revolcadero. The Fairmont Acapulco Princess and Pierre Marques hotels share two championship golf courses side by side, with driving ranges and practice areas. And there's a nine-hole municipal course at the Club de Golf on the Costera, just west of the convention center.
Museo Historico Naval de Acapulco
This museum displays intricate wooden models of historic ships, many built on premises by local artisans.
La Costera 123, across Hotel Costa Club. Open Mon - Sat, 10am to 2pm, then 5pm to 10om. Free.
La Quebrada
The Divers' show at La Quebrada takes place daily at 1PM, then at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30pm. The Mirador Hotel charges $5 to look at it from its terrace.
Magico Mundo Marino
A bayside Zoo / Aquarium with Sea lion shows, feeding of crocodiles and piranhas. Kids can also enjoy swimming pools and a water toboggans. Jet Skis, inner tubes, and kayaks are also for rent.
Daily 9-6, zoo daily 9-5. Tel. ++52 (744) 483-1215
CICI
The CICI is a much larger and more crowded family water-sports park on the east end of the costera by Playa Icacos. Particularly popular with kids, the CICI recently underwent a 3 million-dollar renovation, and sports many swimming pools with artificial waves and toboggans - one 80m long, an aquarium, a sky ride, a dolphin and seal show, opportunities to swim with the dolphins, and a beach club.
10am to 6pm daily. $6 entrance. Tel. ++52 (744) 481-02-94.
Zoo
There is a small Zoo on Roqueta Island. Take a boat either from the main Marina, across the Zocalo, or from Playa Caleta. COST: Aquarium $3; round-trip ferry service to Isla la Roqueta, including zoo, $3.
Parque Papagayo
This amusement tropical-style park sits on 52 acres of prime real estate on the Costera, just after the underpass that begins at Playa Hornos. Youngsters enjoy its aviary, a roller-skating rink, a racetrack with mite-size race cars, a replica of the space shuttle Columbia, bumper boats in a lagoon, and other rides. Open all day. Free entrance. Per ride charges.
Costera Miguel Alemán. Tel. ++52 (744) 485-96-23
Art Gallery Casa de la Cultura
A small art gallery and handicraft shops located next to the CICI, on the Costera Boulevard. It includes a small archaeological museum, an exhibit of Mexican and international crafts, and the Ixcateopan art gallery.
Costera Miguel Alemán 4834, Acapulco. Tel. ++52 (744) 484-40-04
Weekdays 9-2 and 5-8, Sat. 9-2. Free admission.
Centro Internacional Acapulco
Located right on the Costera, the International Convention Center of Acapulco is a 50 million-dollar, 35-acre convention and exposition center built in 1976. It houses a permanent craft gallery, a theatre, concert halls, and several large shop displaying handicrafts and jewelry from Guerrero. It also stages a Fiesta Mexicana every Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 10 p.m., featuring a Mexican buffet, mariachis, Papantla Flyers, and folk dancing. The center hosts various exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. There is a tourist orientation department with a bilingual staff, and free maps and literature.
La Costera Blvd 4455. Tel. ++52 (744) 484-7050.
Pie de la Cuesta
Various outifts along the hotel strip offer tours - prices hover around US$7.50 per person but it's worth checking what's on offer and how long the cruise is, as times tend to differ. Most boats stop on one island for lunch (not included in price) and swimming. The bus ("Pie de la Cuesta") runs east every ten minutes or so past the zócalo along Costera. The last bus back leaves around 8pm.
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