Acapulco: La Quebrada Cliff Divers, Diego Rivera & Turtle Release Tour

Summary

Acapulco’s colors and stories from cliffs to city markets with local flavor

You’ll feel Acapulco’s pulse up close: watch cliff divers leap at La Quebrada, glimpse Diego Rivera’s mosaic magic, wander city markets without tourist traps, and help release baby turtles into the surf. With hotel or cruise pickup included and a local guide steering you through every corner, it’s a day that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s the spot — you’ll see why in a second,” our guide José grinned, pointing up at the jagged edge above La Quebrada. I’d heard about the cliff divers of Acapulco but standing there, squeezed between locals and other travelers (one woman fanning herself with a napkin), it felt different. There was this salty ocean smell mixing with fried plantains from a nearby stand. The diver stood so still I almost missed him — then he leapt, slicing through the air. Everyone held their breath for half a second before the splash. I didn’t expect my heart to pound like that just watching.

We’d started our day trip from the cruise terminal (pickup was easy — José found us before we even spotted our names on his sign) and zigzagged through old Acapulco. The Diego Rivera mural was next — honestly, I’m not usually big on murals but this one is wild: seashells and tiles pressed into color that seems to shift when the sun moves. José told us Rivera made it for his friend Dolores Olmedo; I tried to say her name right but probably mangled it. He laughed and said “don’t worry, everyone does.”

The market was full of noise — vendors calling out prices, kids darting around plastic crates of mangoes. We didn’t stop long (no forced shopping stops on this tour), just enough to catch the smell of ripe fruit and see an old man carving chilies with hands stained red. After that came something quieter: releasing baby turtles at the beach. They fit in my palm, soft shells twitching against my skin. There was this hush as we let them go — even the kids got silent for a minute as they scuttled toward the water. I still think about that tiny moment of hope.

The last stop was up in Las Brisas, where houses get bigger and pink bougainvillea spills over walls. We paused for drinks (Wi-Fi too — José knows people everywhere) and watched Acapulco spread out below us in late afternoon light. It wasn’t perfect; traffic got thick near Diamond Acapulco and someone’s phone kept ringing during José’s story about old movie stars who used to party here. But honestly? That made it feel real — like we’d seen both sides of Acapulco in just six hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Acapulco sightseeing and activities

• Admire Diego Rivera mural
• Watch La Quebrada cliff divers
• Participate in baby turtle release
• Visit Las Brisas mountain area
• Stop for drinks or lunch

Top questions

How long is this Acapulco tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours.

Is pickup included from my hotel or cruise ship?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels or cruise terminals in Acapulco.

Do we see the La Quebrada Cliff Divers perform?

Yes, you’ll stop at La Quebrada to watch the famous high cliff divers.

Are shopping stops part of this tour?

No shopping stops are scheduled; time is focused on sightseeing and experiences.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included but there is a stop where you can buy food or drinks.

What attractions are covered on this day trip?

You’ll visit La Quebrada Cliff Divers, Diego Rivera Mural Exekatlkalli, Chapel of Peace in Las Brisas, city market areas, Diamond Acapulco, and participate in a baby turtle release ceremony.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and small children can join with strollers or prams.

Is there Wi-Fi available during the tour?

You’ll have access to high-speed internet during one of the drink/lunch stops.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise ship terminal in Acapulco, private transportation by air-conditioned minivan with a local guide steering you through each highlight — entry to see the La Quebrada Cliff Divers if selected (with an open terrace table plus your choice of cocktail, beer or soda), all logistics coordinated so you don’t lose time on detours or shopping stops, plus time for drinks or lunch before being dropped off again at your starting point.