The La Quebrada Cliff Divers are a group of high divers that you may see in Acapulco, Mexico. Yes, they are professionals. These are not just crazy kids from Cancun jumping into the water. The La Quebrada Cliff Divers perform daily shows for their adoring public and will often dive distances of 45 meters or more from the cliffs of the "La Quebrada" below. You may see them jumping in at day or at night, carrying torches while they dive.
The La Quebrada Cliff Divers are one of the most popular and well-known features of Acapulco. In fact, this attraction has become so much a part of Acapulco culture that it has become a fitting symbol of everything an Acapulco vacation can be. La Quebrada Cliff Divers practice many years to be able to take those death defying leaps off the La Quebrada Cliff; those jagged edges are not fakes! The Cliff Divers time their jump near perfectly to coincide with incoming waves in the sea below. This cushions the impact of the fall and protects them from the shallow ground. Without technique diving recklessly into the sea could be life threatening. Either leave this to the pros or become a professional La Quebrada Cliff Diver yourself!
What is the history behind these La Quebrada Cliff Divers? The history is relatively simple — these cliff divers started from a group of diving enthusiasts who had a passion for thrills and spills. They watched the water and learned the technique and eventually became skilled divers who were capable of using the motion of the waves as leverage. Of course, as time passed this small group of fearless divers became an international sensation. Though the activity dates back towards the turn of the century, the official La Quebrada Cliff Diving group was formed in 1934. Now, World Championships are held at La Quebrada every year! You may even remember seeing Acapulco cliff diving on sports television, as it was regularly featured during the 1970's. The fun little notion of cliff diving has very quickly become a part of Acapulco culture.
What are the La Quebrada Cliff Divers up to these days? You could take a guess. In fact, even if no tourists are watching you can bet that these La Quebrada Cliff Divers are still diving, timing and perfecting their favorite hobby. Acapulco vendors know a good show when they see it and so have set up restaurants (such as the La Perla Restaurant on the hillside) to accommodate tourists who have to see the dive to believe it. The groups are usually numbered four young fellows who line up to take their dive. Show times are usually five times a day, for example at: 12:45 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm, and 10:30 pm.
Audiences who have witnessed the spectacle describe these divers are fearless "muy macho." Some tourists have claimed that they are allowed to tip the divers with dollars to get a closer view and take video. Experience the magic of Acapulco with the miracles of the La Quebrada Cliff Divers!
