Surf: General: Just a few miles south of Acapulco proper, the coastline tucks in and faces true south. At the apex of this bend is Barra Vieja. If you've done your southern Mexico Pacific Coast homework, you'll known that this area is beachbreak barrel heaven. While Barra Vieja hardly marks the northernmost beginning of such sand-bottom bliss, it is one spot worthy of checking out.

Barra Vieja's ever-shifting, tube-creating sandbars are in ample supply due to the massive Rio Papagayo, a muddy, debris-filled river that flows into the ocean year-round. With rather flat seafloor bathymetry just offshore, however, Barra Vieja likes to pump out a lot of closeouts, which can be quite uninviting when a solid south swell is pummeling the coast.

The best thing about Barra Vieja, really, is its close proximity to Acapulco. If you've been in town for a few days and are in need of some surf, BV will almost surely have something to offer. Be aware, though, of all manner of refuse and agricultural pollution in the lineup after periods of heavy rain. Tides: All tides Size: Chest high-2X overhead Wind: North, North-East Swell: South-East, South, South-West Bottom: Sand Paddling: Moderate when it is medium size, brutal on large S swells. Spot Rating: Can be fun on the right swell and sandbar. Access: Easy. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Spread out. Local Vibe: Humility and respect appreciated. Environment: Usually pretty dirty due to the river and avoid after heavy rains. Hazards: Turning your back to the ocean. Season: April-November