Playa Revolcadero, Pacific Ocean beach in Acapulco, Mexico

Playa Revolcadero is a long sandy beach on Mexico's Pacific coast, located just outside Acapulco near the international airport. Unlike the sheltered bay beaches in the city center, this one faces the open ocean and receives waves that are noticeably stronger and faster.

For most of the 20th century, this stretch of coast remained largely untouched and away from the city's main tourist activity. Large hotel developments arrived in the later decades of that century and gradually shaped it into the resort area it is today.

Revolcadero is a common spot for ultralight aircraft rides launched from the sand, and horses and quad bikes are also rented along the beach. Surfers, mostly young locals, head far offshore to ride the strong Pacific swell, while small boards are rented near the water for children and beginners.

The open Pacific swell here is moderate to high, and the beach is exposed to free ocean currents, so bathers stay near the shore. A wide, firm, gently sloping seabed offshore lets most people wade out some distance. Surfing is only for experienced riders because of the direct currents and swells; small boards are rented near the water for children and beginners.

The dark grey-brown tone of the sand comes from the Laguna de Tres Palos, about 4 km east of the beach. The lagoon's outflow colours the shore, which is why Revolcadero looks different from Acapulco's other beaches.