Playa Revolcadero

Playa Revolcadero is the long, straight beach that runs along the open Pacific in Acapulco Diamante, the newest part of the resort, starting about 3 km beyond Puerto Marqués and running beside the Boulevard de las Naciones towards the international airport, some ten minutes away. Unlike the sheltered beaches inside Acapulco Bay, it faces the ocean head-on, and its sand is mostly a dark greyish tone. Since the 1980s the strip behind it has filled with large resort hotels, condominium towers and shopping, so much of the beachfront is lined by development, though the sand itself stays wide and open.

Revolcadero is where surfing in Acapulco began, and it is still the area's main surf beach. The wave breaks over sand, which gives it a reliable shape. Swells come all year, but from April to September conditions are more powerful, with waves that can top two metres and call for real experience; from October to March the waves are smaller and better for beginners and families learning to surf, and boards and lessons can be rented on the beach. Swimmers should take care: the surf here is much stronger than in the bay and the undertow can be dangerous, though a firm, gently sloping bottom lets bathers stay in the shallows near the shore.

Away from the water, the beach is busy with horseback rides, all-terrain vehicles (which share the sand with walkers, so keep an eye out) and, at some points, rides in ultralight aircraft over the coast. The neighbouring restaurants serve typical Acapulco dishes, and evenings bring broad sunsets over the open ocean. It is one of the most visited beaches in the port during holiday periods.