Acapulco La Roqueta Island: Stand Up Paddle tour + fruit

Summary

Paddling across Boca Chica to La Roqueta — salt, sun & laughter

Paddle from Acapulco across Boca Chica channel with a local guide, learning stand up paddle basics along the way. Enjoy fresh fruit on La Roqueta Island’s beach and take home digital photos of your adventure. It’s an easygoing day full of salt air and small victories you’ll remember long after you leave Acapulco.

What’s the experience like?

“Just keep your knees soft — like this!” That’s what our guide, Luis, said as he wobbled on his own board, grinning at us. I’d never tried stand up paddle before in Acapulco and honestly, I was nervous about falling in front of everyone. The water in the cove was so clear you could see little flashes of silver darting underneath. We practiced for a bit — some of us better than others (I definitely fell once, maybe twice). The boards felt steady enough though, and after a few shaky starts we set off across the Boca Chica channel toward La Roqueta Island.

The paddle over took about twenty minutes, but it felt shorter because we kept stopping to look back at Acapulco’s skyline. There was this salty breeze that made my hair stick to my face and the sun bounced off the water so bright I had to squint. Luis pointed out pelicans gliding low and told us how locals come here early for fishing. At one point he laughed when I tried to pronounce “Roqueta” properly — I still don’t think I got it right. The island got closer and the water turned this wild turquoise color that looked almost fake.

Landing on La Roqueta’s beach was a relief — my legs were jelly by then. We dropped our boards and just stood there for a second, toes in warm sand, listening to waves slap against rocks. Someone handed around a bowl of cold fruit (pineapple mostly, with lime squeezed over), which tasted way better than it should have after paddling. Some people went snorkeling; I just floated for a while and watched sunlight flicker through the water. It wasn’t fancy or anything — just simple and good.

I keep thinking about that first moment standing up on the board, heart thumping, not sure if I’d make it across. But we did — all of us — and now whenever I see pictures from that day (they send you digital ones), it makes me want to go back out there again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stand Up Paddle and Island Visit

• Intro to paddle equipment and safety
• Row across Boca Chica channel to La Roqueta Island
• Enjoy beaches and fruit cocktail on the island

Top questions

How long does it take to paddle from Acapulco to La Roqueta Island?

The paddle transfer from the cove to La Roqueta Island takes about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during your time on La Roqueta Island.

Do I need previous experience with stand up paddle?

No previous experience is needed; there’s a short class at the start where your guide explains everything.

Are photos included in the tour?

Yes, you’ll receive digital photos from your day trip as part of the experience.

Is food provided during the tour?

You’ll be served a refreshing fruit cocktail once you arrive at La Roqueta Island.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to where the tour begins in Acapulco.

What level of fitness do I need for this activity?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for paddling across the channel.

What’s included

Your day includes all stand up paddle equipment, instruction with a local guide, use of snorkeling gear at La Roqueta Island, fresh fruit cocktail served right on the beach, plus digital souvenir photos from your trip before heading back to Acapulco.