Beach Service Providers at Manzanillo Beach Prevent Tourists from Sitting on the Sand
Tourists and local residents visiting Manzanillo Beach in Acapulco, Guerrero, have reported problems with beach service providers who allegedly prevent people from sitting directly on the sand unless they rent beach furniture.
According to reports, service providers have occupied portions of the beach with chairs, tables, umbrellas and other equipment, leaving visitors with limited space to enjoy the beach without paying for a service.
The situation has generated complaints because tourists who simply want to sit or spend time on the sand can be pressured to rent furniture provided by vendors. The issue is part of a broader discussion in Acapulco about the use and regulation of the federal beach zone.
The problem is not limited to Manzanillo. Similar complaints have been reported on other Acapulco beaches, where tourists have encountered large numbers of umbrellas, tables and chairs occupying areas of the sand. In March 2026, tourists reported paying between 300 and 400 pesos to rent beach furniture, depending on the location.
In April 2025, tourists at Icacos reported being charged 250 to 300 pesos for an umbrella with a table and two chairs, while visitors complained that the large number of umbrellas left little space available for people who did not want to rent furniture.
Authorities seek to regulate the use of Acapulco’s beaches
The situation comes as federal and municipal authorities are working on a broader effort to order and regulate Acapulco’s beachfront areas.
In June 2026, the National Tourism Development Fund (Fonatur) began informational sessions as part of the “Acapulco Se Transforma Contigo” program. The initiative included beaches such as Manzanillo, Pie de la Cuesta, Tlacopanocha, Suave and Tamarindos, with the participation of tourism service providers, hotel operators, restaurant owners, concession holders and local authorities. The objective is to establish a more orderly, clean, safe and accessible use of the beaches.
The municipal government also participated in coordination meetings with federal authorities and representatives of the tourism sector to establish criteria for the use of the coastal area between Carabalí and Las Hamacas. The discussions included regulation of the beach strip and the use of public space.
In addition, during the 2026 summer vacation period, Acapulco authorities, together with PROFECO and the state Tourist Protection Office, carried out tours along the tourist zone to inform visitors where they could seek assistance if they encountered irregularities involving charges for tables, chairs, food or other tourist services.
The use of beach furniture has become a recurring issue
Complaints over the occupation of the sand with rental furniture have appeared repeatedly in Acapulco. In some areas, tourists have reported that umbrellas and tables can occupy substantial portions of the beach, creating conflicts between service providers and visitors who want to use the beach without paying for additional services.
In March 2026, for example, a reported price list at Tamarindos Beach showed charges of 450 pesos for a canopy with a table and six chairs, 300 pesos for an umbrella with a table and four chairs, and 650 pesos for a palapa with eight chairs, a table and a hammock.
The situation has increased pressure on authorities to clarify which areas can be used by service providers and how much beach space can be occupied by commercial furniture.
The federal and municipal efforts now underway seek to establish clearer rules so that tourism businesses can continue operating while the beaches remain accessible and usable for residents and visitors.
Source: oem
