Acapulco Coyuca Lagoon: Boat tour, turtle release & croc farm

Summary

Curious about Acapulco’s wild side? Here’s what really happens on the lagoon tour

Step into Acapulco’s quieter side as you cruise Coyuca Lagoon by boat with a local guide, spot wildlife among mangroves, help release baby turtles on the sand, and visit a working crocodile farm before sharing lunch by the water — all moments that linger long after your return.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so calm stepping onto that little boat at Coyuca Lagoon — maybe it was the way the air smelled, kind of sweet and muddy at once, or just how our guide, Miguel, grinned and handed me a cold drink before we even started moving. The water was glassy except for these tiny ripples from birds landing nearby. There were a few other travelers with us, but it felt quiet — you could hear someone laughing in the distance from the village, and then nothing but the oars dipping in and out. I kept thinking about how close we were to busy Acapulco but it felt like another world.

Miguel pointed out some birds I’d never seen before (I forgot their names instantly — sorry, Miguel), and he told us about his family growing up near here. We floated past tangled green mangroves where you could smell something earthy and sharp — not unpleasant, just real. At one point he stopped the boat so we could watch a fisherman haul in his net. The guy waved at us with this big smile like he knew everyone on the lagoon. It made me laugh because I tried waving back too enthusiastically and almost dropped my phone in the water.

The part I keep replaying is when we reached the beach for the turtle release. They gave us these tiny baby turtles (so small they fit in your palm) and explained how they help protect them from predators until they reach the sea. It was weirdly emotional watching them scramble toward the waves — I mean, you know most won’t make it but you still hope for each one. Lunch after that was simple grilled fish with lime (the kind where your fingers get messy), eaten under a palm roof while everyone swapped stories. Oh — there was also a stop at this rustic crocodile farm; I’ll admit I was nervous at first but ended up fascinated by how much care goes into raising those animals safely.

On the drive back to town, windows down and sunburned just enough to notice, I realized how much more there is to Acapulco than beaches or nightlife. If you’re curious about local life or want something quieter than city tours, this day trip around Coyuca Lagoon with a local guide sticks with you in ways you don’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lagoon Tour and Crocodile Farm

• Lagoon tour admiring flora and fauna
• Visit rustic crocodile farm

Top questions

How long does the Coyuca Lagoon tour last?

The guided tour lasts approximately 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Acapulco lagoon tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do I get to release baby turtles during this tour?

Yes, releasing baby turtles on the beach is part of this experience.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

Lunch and one drink are included during the tour.

What kind of transportation is used for this tour?

You’ll travel by air-conditioned van and boat during the experience.

Are guides local to Acapulco?

Yes, your guide is local and shares insights about life around Coyuca Lagoon.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can service animals join this Acapulco day trip?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned van, a guided boat ride through Coyuca Lagoon with wildlife spotting, hands-on turtle release at the beach, entry to a rustic crocodile farm with explanations from your guide, plus lunch with one drink before heading back to town.