Explore Acapulco and the Pacific beaches
Sitting towards the southern end of the Bahía de Navidad, where the beach runs out and curves back round to form a lagoon behind the town, Barra de Navidad is easily the most appealing of the communities along the bay. Activities in Barra revolve around the shelved, honey-coloured sands: boat trips that wind through the mangroves of the Laguna de Navidad; horseriding excursions; dives; and mountain-bike tours to name a few. The local cooperativa at the jetty also offers fishing trips, lagoon tours and day trips to Playa Tenacatita.
The opening of the Grand Bay Hotel complex across the channel from Barra de Navidad has changed things surprisingly little, not even spoiling the view from the beach or the sedate charm of the town. If you have time, it’s worth taking a boat over to check out one of the bars or restaurants (casual visitors are not allowed). Colimilla , across the Laguna de Navidad, is the most popular destination, chiefly for its seafood restaurants such as Fortino’s (daily 9am–10pm; bring insect repellent if dining after dark), and as a base for the two- or three-kilometre walk over to the rough Pacific beach of Playa de Cocos.
