Submerged Virgin of Acapulco: History and How to See It
Acapulco's underwater Virgin of Guadalupe: her story since 1958, where she is, December traditions and how to see her by glass-bottom boat from $210 MXN.
Quick answer: the submerged Virgin of Acapulco is a bronze statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, “Queen of the Seas.” She has stood underwater beside La Yerbabuena islet, off Roqueta Island, since December 12, 1958. The statue is about 2 m (6.5 ft) tall and sits only a few meters deep.
The easiest way to see her without getting wet is a glass-bottom boat. With Yates Dinka, the Traditional Tour costs $210 MXN online ($300 at the booth), leaves from Parque de la Reina and approaches the islet during the ride so you can see her through the glass.
Key facts about the Virgin of the Seas
| Fact | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Virgin of Guadalupe “Queen of the Seas” / Virgin of the Seas | Enciclopedia Guerrerense |
| Location | Next to La Yerbabuena islet, off Roqueta Island | Wikipedia (ES) |
| Date submerged | December 12, 1958 (some sources say 1959) | Archivo Tomás Montero, Maratón Acapulco |
| Material and size | Bronze; about 2 m tall and about 450 kg (990 lb) | Archivo Tomás Montero |
| Depth | About 5 m (16 ft), according to period accounts | Archivo Tomás Montero |
| Sculptor | Armando Quezada | Enciclopedia Guerrerense |
| Replica | Placed in 2002; the restored original now stands on the islet’s rocks | Wikipedia (ES) |
The story of the submerged Virgin
The idea: a protector for people of the sea
In the mid-1950s, Amelia Sodi Pallares, a diver and leading figure of Mexico’s Frogmen Club, proposed placing a Virgin of Guadalupe under the sea in Acapulco to protect divers, fishermen and seafarers (Enciclopedia Guerrerense). A local account says she had equipment trouble while diving near La Yerbabuena and prayed to the Virgin. She was then rescued by a boat that carried the Virgin’s image on its bow (Habla bien de Aca).
The sculpture and the fundraiser
Architect Héctor Mestre led the project, and Armando Quezada made the sculpture. It was funded by a public collection. According to a 1958 magazine, it cost 250,000 pesos of the time, raised from 50 sponsors (Archivo Tomás Montero). The figure was shaped very slender so it wouldn’t resist the waves (Wikipedia, ES).
December 12, 1958
The statue was blessed at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City and taken to Acapulco, where it stayed at the Cathedral of La Soledad. On December 12, after Mass, it was carried in procession to the waterfront. A boat took it to La Yerbabuena, escorted by about 100 boats, with music, fireworks and even Air Force planes (Archivo Tomás Montero). Divers fixed it to a pedestal; among them were brothers Alfonso and Regis Arnold and Hilario “Perro Largo” Martínez (Maratón Acapulco).
The 2002 replica
After more than 40 years underwater, corrosion had worn down the original. In 2002, a group of divers and residents installed a replica. The restored original, now backed by a shell-shaped niche, was placed on the rocks of the islet (Wikipedia, ES).
December at sea: pilgrimage and the Guadalupe Marathon
If you visit Acapulco in early December, you’ll see devotion to the Virgin of the Seas right in the bay.
| Event | What happens | Latest figures |
|---|---|---|
| Sea pilgrimage | Boats, yachts and jet skis head to La Yerbabuena islet to give thanks to the Virgin | In 2025 it took place on December 10 and 12; about 400 people joined on the 12th (Es Imagen, La Jornada) |
| Guadalupe Marathon (Maratón Guadalupano) | An open-water swim born from devotion to the submerged Virgin | The 66th edition ran December 5–7, 2025, with 1 km and 5 km races from Roqueta Island to Caleta and more than 6,000 swimmers (Quadratín Guerrero, TV Azteca Guerrero) |
Tips for a December visit:
- Book a few days ahead: the second half of December overlaps with Mexico’s school winter break (December 21, 2026 to January 5, 2027, per the SEP).
- Go early: on pilgrimage days there’s a lot of boat traffic near the islet, and the sea is usually calmer in the morning.
- If you bring flowers, make them natural with no plastic wrapping or ribbons that could end up in the sea.
- Be respectful: many families come to fulfill a religious promise.
How to see the submerged Virgin of Acapulco
| Option | Price (MXN) | Do you get wet? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass-bottom boat, Traditional Tour (Yates Dinka) | $210 online / $300 at the booth | No | Everyone, including kids and seniors |
| Traditional Tour + Snorkel (Yates Dinka) | $400 online / $550 at the booth | Yes, at the snorkel stop | Ages 7+ |
| Kids aged 0–3 | Free on the Traditional Tour | No | Families with babies (up to 2 per paying adult) |
The easiest way: board at Parque de la Reina and watch through the glass while the crew tells you her story. Reserve your spot →
What to expect through the glass
- The moment: the boat approaches the islet so you can see the statue through the glass floor.
- Visibility: depends on the sea. On clear days you can make out her full silhouette; after heavy rain you’ll see less.
- Respect: for many Mexican families this is a special moment. Stay quiet for a few seconds if someone is praying.
- Photos: hold your phone close to the glass and turn off the flash.
Practical info
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Departure point | Parque de la Reina dock, across from the Fort of San Diego, next to the cruise terminal |
| Departures | Every hour: Mon–Thu 11:00 am–3:00 pm; Fri–Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm |
| Duration | ~1 h (Traditional); ~1 h 50 min with snorkeling |
| Parking | $50 MXN all day at Parque de la Reina |
| Kids | Ages 0–3 ride the Traditional Tour free (up to 2 per paying passenger) |
Read more: Is the glass-bottom boat worth it? and Roqueta Island guide.
FAQ
Where is the submerged Virgin of Acapulco?
Next to La Yerbabuena islet, off Roqueta Island, in Acapulco Bay. With Yates Dinka you get there on a glass-bottom boat from the Parque de la Reina dock, across from the Fort of San Diego.
When was the Virgin placed underwater?
On December 12, 1958, according to period accounts and the Guadalupe Marathon organizers; some sources say 1959. A replica was installed in 2002.
How much does it cost to see the submerged Virgin?
With Yates Dinka, $210 MXN per person online on the glass-bottom Traditional Tour ($300 at the booth). It also includes celebrity homes, a high dive and an optional stay on Roqueta Island.
Is the original 1958 statue still there?
Yes, but above water. Since 2002 a replica stands underwater, and the restored original sits on the rocks of La Yerbabuena islet.
Can you see her without diving?
Yes. From a glass-bottom boat you see her without getting wet, because she sits only a few meters deep.
What happens every December 12?
Divers and fishermen sail out in boats, sing Las Mañanitas to her and bring flowers. In 2025 the sea pilgrimage took place on December 10 and 12, with about 400 people on the 12th.
Visit the Queen of the Seas: See the tour · FAQ · WhatsApp +52 744 402 5050 · Calls +52 744 187 3434 / +52 744 506 0608
Sources (October 2026): Archivo Tomás Montero · Maratón Internacional Acapulco · Enciclopedia Guerrerense · Habla bien de Aca · Wikipedia (ES): Isla de la Roqueta · Es Imagen · La Jornada · Quadratín Guerrero · TV Azteca Guerrero · SEP · yatesdinka.com
