Once a Hollywood glamour destination, Acapulco delivers drama on every front — daredevil cliff divers, a Spanish colonial fortress, and a sweeping Pacific bay that still earns its postcard.
Ships dock directly at Terminal Marítima Acapulco in the heart of Old Town — no tender required.
💡 Pro move: The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 advisory for Guerrero state. Stay in the established tourist corridor (Old Town, Costera Miguel Alemán boulevard, beach zones). Stick to ship excursions or vetted independent guides if venturing beyond the center.
All cruise ships dock alongside at Terminal Marítima in Old Acapulco — no tendering.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Terminal Marítima Acapulco, Old Town📍 | Docked |
| Small/expedition ships | Terminal Marítima Acapulco📍 | Docked |
Acapulco punches above its weight — a world-famous cliff dive show, a genuine Spanish fort, and a scenic bay island all fit into a single shore day.
Watch trained clavadistas plunge roughly 40 meters (130 ft) from sheer rock into a narrow ocean inlet — timing the dive to the surge of incoming waves. The 1 PM afternoon show fits most cruise schedules; evening torch-lit shows are more dramatic but often after departure.
Find La Quebrada cliff diver tours →This 17th-century Spanish star fort once fended off Dutch and English pirates guarding the Manila Galleon trade. Today it's the Museo Histórico de Acapulco — small but well-curated. Closed Mondays.
Find Fort San Diego tours →A short glass-bottom boat crossing to Roqueta Island gives views of a submerged bronze Virgin statue and colorful reef fish. On the island: a small beach, snorkeling, and a lighthouse hike with panoramic bay views.
Find Roqueta Island boat tours →The Zócalo, Cathedral of Our Lady of Solitude, Mercado Central (complete with a witchcraft section), and the Diego Rivera mural at Casa de los Vientos are all walkable from the pier in a few hours.
Find Acapulco city tours →North of the city, Coyuca Lagoon is a lush freshwater lake bordered by mangroves and used as filming location for Rambo II. Tours typically include a boat ride, buffet lunch, and beach time at Playa Revolcadero.
Find Coyuca Lagoon tours →A few hours on the bay with open bar, snorkeling stops, and views of the Costera skyline. A relaxed option that keeps you off the crowded streets while still experiencing the iconic bay.
Find Acapulco bay cruise tours →Old Acapulco is flat and walkable — most historic sites cluster within 20 minutes of the terminal.
From the pier, stroll the waterfront past the Costera to the Zócalo. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Solitude, cut through the Mercado Central, then head uphill to Fort San Diego for bay views before returning.
Head west along the waterfront boulevard from the terminal, then climb through the old neighborhood streets to the La Quebrada viewpoint. It's a workout in the heat — a taxi back is reasonable for most people.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 86°F / 30°C | 72°F / 22°C | 2 | 7:12 AM | 6:26 PM |
| Feb | 87°F / 31°C | 72°F / 22°C | 1 | 7:05 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Mar | 87°F / 31°C | 72°F / 22°C | 1 | 6:47 AM | 6:49 PM |
| Apr | 88°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 0 | 6:24 AM | 6:55 PM |
| May | 89°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | 6 | 6:08 AM | 7:03 PM |
| Jun | 87°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 20 | 6:06 AM | 7:14 PM |
| Jul | 88°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 17 | 6:14 AM | 7:16 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 20 | 6:23 AM | 7:04 PM |
| Sep | 86°F / 30°C | 76°F / 24°C | 23 | 6:28 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Oct | 86°F / 30°C | 76°F / 24°C | 19 | 6:32 AM | 6:17 PM |
| Nov | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 7 | 6:44 AM | 6:04 PM |
| Dec | 87°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 2 | 7:01 AM | 6:08 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The cruise terminal is located in downtown Acapulco near the Zócalo. El Malecón boardwalk, local restaurants, and the main plaza are all within easy walking distance.
Taxis are plentiful at the port. Always negotiate and agree on the fare before you get in — no meters are used. Short city-center trips run ~$3–5 USD; farther zones like Playa Condesa ~$5–8 USD.
Local buses run along La Costera (the main coastal boulevard) and are very cheap at around 5 MXN per ride. Not ideal with luggage but great for short hops along the bay.
Cruise-specific shore excursions depart from the terminal and cover top highlights: the La Quebrada cliff divers, Chapel of Peace, and Acapulco Bay. Prices vary by duration (4–6 hrs) and group size.
Upcoming cruises that call at Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.