Coyuca Lagoon stretches for about 18 kilometres along the Pacific coast west of Acapulco, separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of sand. The lagoon is one of Mexico's most important migratory bird habitats — pelicans, herons, roseate spoonbills, and dozens of other species use the mangrove edges and shallow water year-round. Boat trips depart from the village of Pie de la Cuesta and weave through channels lined with coconut palms and mangroves.
Beyond birdwatching, the lagoon is calm enough for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding when the ocean is rough. Restaurants along the Pie de la Cuesta strip serve fresh fish and grilled shrimp with the lagoon on one side and the Pacific on the other — a classic Acapulco experience at a fraction of the resort prices on Costera.