News & Specials:
Where to Sun and Surf
By Acapulco.com
Jan 13, 2004, 12:22pm

The great waters that surround Acapulco have created some 20 miles of beautiful sand with more than three dozen beaches. Visitors will find waves that range from calm to challenging, lapping shores of golden sand lined with palm trees. From the nearly seven-mile-long Costera Golden Zone along Acapulco Bay to the Puerto Marques southeast between the airport and the town--and then beyond the city north to Pie de la Cuesta--sun worshipers can choose among the hidden and intimate, to the popular sands where it's hip to be seen.

Below are some of the beaches visitors can choose from:

Local lounging: Head for Playa Caleta, the beach locals prefer because of its calm waters and powdery sand. Once the place for the jet set, today Playa Caleta offers visitors a taste of traditional Mexico. It is located away from the hotel zone on the bay's westernmost point. Its surrounding residential and shopping neighborhoods are almost tourist-free. City buses are available between the Costera, the main Plaza and Playa Caleta.

Wide and dose to dockside:
Whether it's relaxing on the wide, white sand, enjoying watersports in the calm water or deciding on one of the Mexican restaurants along the beach, visitors will enjoy the all-around beach experience at Playa Hornos. It is conveniently located near the center of town, not far from the docks where the bay-cruise ships and fishing boats depart. A visit in the early morning hours affords glimpses of local fishermen as they prepare for their day.

Fun and fabulous: A favorite among visitors, Playa Condesa is located in the heart of the Golden Zone between the Continental Plaza and the El Presidente hotels. Watersports and fun rule the sand here, with waterskiing, jet skis, sail-boats and parachute rides available. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose for an alfresco lunch.

Family fun: Bring the kids to Icacos, located on the easternmost point of the bay, near the Naval Base. Its moderate waves make it perfect for waterskiing, wind-surfing and sailing. Visitors can also choose to paraglide, snorkel ... or stay dry playing beach volleyball.

Ride the waves: Surfers who want to challenge the open sea and its tall waves will want to head for Revolcadero, a white-sand beach located on the way to the airport. Located on the beach, toward the east, are the Acapulco Princess, Pierre Marques, Vidafel Mayan Palace and Tres Vidas resorts.

Puerto Marques: One of Acapulco's more popular beaches, Puerto Marques offers windsurfing and scuba diving. Along the Bay, several properties are owned by the rich and famous.

Isla La Roqueta: A 10-minute Boat ride from Playa Caleta leads to a beach that offers snorkeling and pure relaxation.

Pie de la Cuesta: Relax in the quiet of this beach located 10 miles northwest of Acapulco. Located on a long narrow strip of land that separates the Pacific Ocean from Laguna Coyuca, it offers horseback riding for active visitors and hammocks for loungers, plus its own special libation, coconut gin. Pie de la Cuesta is also said to be the-best place to view Acapulco's magnificent sunsets.

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