La Quebrada Cliff Divers of Acapulco

What to Expect

The cliff divers of La Quebrada (clavadistas) have been performing their death-defying dives in Acapulco since 1934, making it one of Mexico's most enduring tourist attractions. Professional divers scale a 35-meter cliff face and leap into a narrow rocky inlet where the water is only about 3.5 meters deep at its deepest -- and only when waves surge in. The divers must time their jumps precisely to coincide with incoming swells, making each dive as much about timing as courage.

The Performance

Divers typically perform several times daily, with the most dramatic show being the evening performance conducted by torchlight. Before each dive, the clavadista climbs to a small shrine on the cliff to pray, then positions himself on the edge. The dive itself is a clean, headfirst plunge that lasts about 3 seconds before the diver enters the water at approximately 85 km/h.

Show Times

Performances typically take place multiple times throughout the day, with the torchlight evening shows being the most popular. Check locally for current schedules as times may vary.

Viewing Options

• La Quebrada viewpoint -- A public viewing area with an admission fee of approximately 50-100 MXN
• Hotel El Mirador -- A clifftop hotel with a terrace restaurant overlooking the diving point. Dinner with a view of the night show can be reserved.
• From the water -- Some boat tours from Acapulco offer a water-level perspective of the dives

Tips

• Arrive 30 minutes early -- Good viewing spots fill up, especially for the evening show
• Evening show is best -- The torchlit night performance is the most atmospheric
• Tip the divers -- A collection is taken after the performance. The divers rely partly on tips from spectators.
• Combine with Acapulco exploration -- While there, explore the traditional downtown area, the Fuerte de San Diego fortress, and the malecon

Cost

Viewing from the public terrace costs approximately 50-100 MXN. The Hotel El Mirador charges for food/drink minimum but offers the best perspective.

Getting There

La Quebrada is in the traditional downtown area (Acapulco Tradicional) of Acapulco, Guerrero. The city has an international airport (ACA) with domestic flights.

Plan Your Visit

La Quebrada is a memorable stop if passing through Acapulco on a Pacific Coast journey.