From the historic Manila galleons that brought exotic fabrics and spices to America to the fictional Pacific Princess - the "Love Boat" - that entertained U.S. audiences in the 1970's and 80''s, to the luxurious cruises that have graced its port for decades, Acapulco has had a long love affair with boats.
This year, the resort's maritime connection is experiencing a rebirth, with record arrivals by passenger cruise ships. So far, 28 cruise ship with a total of 31,000 passengers have called at the port of Acapulco, compared to 18 during 2016 - a 64 percent increase for the season. Next year's 2017-2018 season is expected to be even better, with at least 37 ships planning their arrival, increasing passenger arrivals to 45,000.
Today's modern cruise ships are all part of Acapulco's centuries-long maritime legacy. Long before Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas, the local coastal natives were trading with the Aztec Empire, heading up and down the Pacific Coast along what is today the state of Guerrero. Acapulco's naval connection to the greater world began in the Spanish era when the Manila galleons began to trade with the Philippines.
For 250 years, from 1565 to 1815, massive wooden ships brought gold and other treasure from Mexico to the Orient, returning with porcelain, spices, fabrics and many other goods. Acapulco Bay and the surrounding Pacific are full of shipwrecks from this period. Visitors can learn more at the Fort of San Diego.
By the middle of the last century, Hollywood came calling by yacht, with Errol Flynn's boat - the Zaca -hosting parties for Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth while they made the 1947 film The Lady of Shanghai. The Hotel Boca Chica's waterfront restaurant on the Peninsula de las Playas was often where many celebrities kept their yachts moored.
[READMORE] READ MORE Acapulco's Comeback Is In Full Swing[/READMORE]
Today, celebrities continue to flock by boat to Acapulco. The actress Eva Longoria, a boating enthusiast rang in 2017 in style here, with an extended vacation over the New Year's holiday, exploring the Acapulco coastline in a yacht.
There's no shortage of yacht and boat options for any visitor to Acapulco. One option is to rent a yacht for the day or join a yacht tour of Acapulco Bay and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can also dine seaside and watch for boats at the Acapulco Yacht Club. The venue is a hub of activity during international regattas and other boating events. The yacht club also provides space for visiting yachts, the perfect place to dock if you're arriving by sea on your own private yacht into Acapulco.
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