Is Acapulco Safe in February 2026?

Unregistered taxis and vehicles masquerading as official transport have been used to commit express kidnappings in Acapulco, where victims are driven between ATMs at gunpoint and forced to make repeated cash withdrawals until daily limits are exhausted. This is a documented, recurring crime pattern that has affected foreign visitors and Mexican nationals alike. The US State Department and UK FCDO both specifically reference this risk in Acapulco.

How to avoid: Use only app-based transport — Uber operates in Acapulco and provides a vehicle record and tracked route. Never hail a taxi from the street, accept a ride from an unmarked vehicle, or get into a vehicle whose driver approached you unsolicited. Book transfers from your hotel directly. If you must use a taxi, ask hotel staff to call a specific registered company.

Jet ski and banana boat operators on Playa Condesa and Playa Icacos rent equipment to tourists then claim post-rental damage to extract additional cash payments, often showing pre-existing scratches or dents as evidence. Operators work in informal groups and can become confrontational if tourists refuse to pay. The informal nature of beach rentals means no contracts or receipts are typically issued.

How to avoid: Photograph the equipment thoroughly from all angles before use and have the operator acknowledge existing damage in writing or on video. Rent only from vendors with clearly posted prices and official permits. Refuse any post-rental demand not documented at rental time.

Beach vendors on Condesa Beach sell refreshments, coconuts, souvenirs, and sunscreen at prices significantly above those in shops just off the beach. Prices are quoted verbally and vary based on perceived tourist wealth. Once a product is accepted, vendors often state a different (higher) price than initially mentioned.

How to avoid: Agree the price of any beach vendor product before accepting it. Never take something and then negotiate — the price stated before you take the product is the minimum you will pay. Confirm the price is in pesos and not dollars.

Parasailing and jet-ski operators on Condesa Beach quote prices in pesos and then present bills in dollars, or add multiple surcharges for safety equipment, instructor time, and photography at the end. The difference between the initial price and the final bill can be 200-400 percent.

How to avoid: Confirm the total all-inclusive price in Mexican pesos before participating in any beach watersport activity. Ask specifically whether safety equipment, photography, and instructor time are included. Get the agreed price in writing if possible. Do not pay until you have received what was agreed.

Some budget and mid-range hotels along Costera Miguel Alemán advertise low nightly rates online, then charge mandatory fees for beach access, parking, and "resort amenities" at check-in that double the stated price. In some cases, the room shown in photos does not match what is provided, with ocean-view rooms replaced by interior-facing rooms at the same price.

How to avoid: Book only through established platforms with verified reviews. Read all reviews mentioning check-in surprises. Ask for a written total cost including all fees before paying any deposit. Inspect the room before agreeing to stay.