Acapulco offers more than just its famous beaches and glamorous nightlife. Its diverse shore excursions make it a fascinating stop for cruise travelers seeking quick but memorable experiences. Whether you’re into scenic boat rides, adrenaline-pumping cliff diving, or exploring the city’s iconic sights, Acapulco has a lot to offer. We particularly like the Coyuca Lagoon Cruise for its natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities, and the Cliff Divers at Night for a spectacular evening show that combines dinner and drama. These tours showcase different sides of Acapulco — from tranquil nature to lively entertainment — helping you tailor your day to your interests.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the types of tours that made our list, along with links to each experience. We’ve included options ranging from half-day city tours to specialized boat trips, so you can pick what best fits your time and budget. Now, let’s explore what each of these top excursions offers.
1. Acapulco Shore Excursion: Coyuca Lagoon Cruise
At number 1, the Coyuca Lagoon Cruise takes you into one of Acapulco’s lushest watery landscapes. This 6-hour tour includes round-trip transport and a small boat exploration of Coyuca Lagoon, a freshwater paradise often used in Hollywood films for its tropical scenery. You’ll cruise past floating water hyacinths, mangrove forests, and keep an eye out for white herons, storks, and other birdlife. The highlight is a buffet lunch served amid this jungle-like setting, where the natural beauty feels undisturbed.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see Acapulco’s natural side away from the beaches, combined with bird-watching and a peaceful boat ride. The bilingual guide ensures you understand the significance of the flora and fauna, while the worry-free policy guarantees you’ll return to your ship on time. It’s perfect for nature lovers or anyone wanting a relaxing break from city sights. The one review comments, “Seeing baby turtles run to the ocean and cruising around the lagoon was so worthwhile.” Bottom line: a tranquil, scenic experience that combines nature with good food.
$120.00 per person
2. 4 Hours Shore Excursion With Cruise Ship Terminal Pick Up
This shorter, 4-hour tour is ideal if you want a quick overview of Acapulco’s most iconic sights without missing your ship’s departure. For just $51, you’ll visit La Quebrada, home to the famous cliff divers, and see the Chapel of Peace, a peaceful spot with panoramic views. The tour avoids shopping stops and tourist traps, focusing instead on authentic visuals and cultural highlights.
The tour includes a brief city drive where you’ll see the old and new parts of Acapulco, with commentary to help you understand the city’s evolution. You’ll also get a look at the Chapel of Peace, built on a hill, offering spectacular views of the bay. The highlight, of course, is watching the divers perform their gravity-defying jumps, a spectacle that’s been part of Acapulco’s identity for decades. Reviewers appreciate the efficient itinerary and the opportunity for photos. This tour is suitable for travelers with limited time or those who want a straightforward overview. Bottom line: a solid, no-fuss choice for a taste of Acapulco.
3. Acapulco Shore Excursion: Comprehensive Acapulco City Tour
For about $80, the Comprehensive Acapulco City Tour offers a thorough exploration of the city’s highlights in roughly 4 hours. This tour balances the city’s historic sites, scenic spots, and lively entertainment, making it a good fit for first-time visitors. Your guide will share stories about Hollywood stars and the city’s past as a glamorous resort.
The itinerary includes visiting La Quebrada to see the diving show, along with a drive along the scenic coast. You’ll also explore the gardens of the Princess Hotel, once home to Howard Hughes, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the divers performing their famous jumps. The guide’s commentary is informative, and travelers have appreciated the “wonderful” guide who made the city’s history come alive. Some reviews note missing a visit to the Princess Hotel gardens, but overall, it offers a great mix of culture and spectacle. Bottom line: ideal for travelers who want both sightseeing and a taste of Acapulco’s glitz.
4. Acapulco Port Tour in 4 hours
The Port Tour in 4 hours is designed for cruisers who want a relaxed, scenic exploration of the port area. For $55.58, you’ll visit the Chapel of Peace, offering stunning views, and then head to the High Cliff Divers of La Quebrada — a must-see spectacle. The tour also passes by the Casa de los Vientos, a cultural spot with murals by Diego Rivera, giving you a glimpse of local art and architecture.
The tour focuses on the most visual highlights of the city, with stops that are easy to access. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace and want to avoid long bus rides or overly commercial stops. The tour’s practical approach and good value make it attractive, although it currently has no reviews. Still, its itinerary is straightforward and covers essential sights. Bottom line: a no-frills, scenic introduction to Acapulco suitable for a short visit.
$55.58 per person
5. Acapulco Shore Excursion: Cliff Divers at Night
Finally, the Cliff Divers at Night offers a memorable 3-hour experience combining dinner and the famous diving show. For $110, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal at La Perla, a popular restaurant with a front-row view of the divers performing dramatic jumps from the La Quebrada cliffs. Watching the evening performance with lights and music creates a festive atmosphere.
This tour is perfect for those looking to combine dining with entertainment, especially if you appreciate a lively, authentic experience. The show has been a fixture in Acapulco for decades, and the combination of good food and spectacular diving makes it a favorite for many visitors. Round-trip transport is included, ensuring a hassle-free evening. The only caveat is that there are currently no reviews, so it’s best suited for travelers seeking a special evening activity rather than a detailed city tour. Bottom line: ideal for a romantic or special night out in Acapulco.
$110.00 per person
How to Choose Your Ideal Shore Excursion in Acapulco
When deciding which tour fits best, consider your interests first. If you love nature and tranquility, the Coyuca Lagoon Cruise offers lush scenery and birdwatching. For a quick, city-focused experience, the 4 Hours Shore Excursion with Cruise Ship Terminal Pick Up is perfect. Want a mix of culture, history, and iconic sights? The Comprehensive Acapulco City Tour covers it all.
Budget-conscious travelers will find value in shorter tours, while those wanting a memorable dinner and show might prefer the Cliff Divers at Night. To maximize your experience, book early, especially for popular or limited-capacity tours like the evening cliff diving show. Keep in mind your schedule, physical comfort, and what kind of experience you seek — whether it’s scenic, cultural, or entertaining — and you’ll find the perfect match.
Acapulco’s shore excursions offer something for every type of traveler, from peaceful boat rides to adrenaline-fueled dives. Whether you’re after a quick glimpse of the city or an immersive nature experience, planning ahead helps ensure you make the most of your time in this lively Mexican port. Pick a tour that matches your interests, and don’t forget to book early — these experiences are popular!