Isla de La Roqueta

Mexico / Guerrero / Acapulco /
 Upload a photo

Commonly known (in English) as 'Roqueta Island', or simply 'Roqueta' (pronounced ro-KAY-tuh, though it may often sound like ro-KEH-tuh when spoken in conversation)

This uninhabited island is easily accessed via water-taxi, wooden boats (lanchas) 'parked' near Mágico Mundo Marino on the mainland at the point where Playas Caleta and Caletilla meet. Direct roundtrip fare to-&-from the principal dock-area on the island's north shore is only $60 (Mexican pesos), the equivalent of about US$5 per person, and may be purchased at the streetside ticket-booth near Mágico Mundo. Alternately, an approximate half-hour 'mini tour' of the channel (usually narrated in Spanish), enroute, costs $100 (Mexican pesos) - or about US$8 per person. Locate the ticket-booth on this map and refer to the additional information there.
Other boat options, for those who wish to purchase a 'mini tour', are available at the public dock adjacent to Playa Tlacopanocha - which is located in Acapulco Centro, a very short distance west of the zócalo and the malecón.

Roqueta's north-side beaches are lined with numerous waterfront restaurant-shacks which offer typical food and cold beverages - as well as an assortment of souvenirs. The water here is calm, given that this stretch of sand faces the Boca Chica Channel - protected from the fierce waves of the Pacific; and numerous water activities are available (for a fee, of course). Snorkeling is said to be best, though not comparable to what one would find in the Caribbean, at the far (east) end of the beach; and equipment rental is available from several vendors.

Expect to pay a minimal fee for use of the island's public restrooms, usually collected at the exit.

In addition to the main public beach, Roqueta has a maze of walking trails - for those who may enjoy hiking and exploring. All are generally considered to be safe; nonetheless, visitors are well advised to watch their footing, wear comfortable shoes (other than sandals or flip-flops), and remain alert and aware. Carrying large sums of cash and/or wearing expensive jewelry should be avoided. Several small quiet coves are located around the island's perimeter; and although some are suitable for swimming, caution and common sense should prevail. A lighthouse (el faro) in the southeastern quadrant of the island is Roqueta's only tourist attraction; but at one time, a small zoo - now closed - also drew tourists' attention.

The best time to visit Isla de La Roqueta is during the day ... arriving late morning or early afternoon, allowing ample time for a late-afternoon return.

Some photos of the island:
www.tripadvisor.com/ReviewPhotos-g150787-d183717-r66284...

Some random additional information:
www.funtouristattractions.com/a/la-roqueta-island-acapu...
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   16°49'16"N   99°54'35"W
  •  13 km
  •  251 km
  •  293 km
  •  312 km
  •  314 km
  •  316 km
  •  360 km
  •  390 km
  •  435 km
  •  471 km
This article was last modified 15 years ago