The 1852 Acapulco earthquake had an estimated magnitude of Mw 7.8 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent).

The earthquake generated a small tsunami that caused the sea to retreat about 6 metres (20 ft) from the coast in Acapulco.

Despite fears that it would return and flood the town, the normal sea level was gradually restored.

[1] According to a local newspaper published the next day: "Last night at 10:24 a strong earthquake was felt in this capital (Acapulco), which was tremulous at first, and in which later we thought we noticed three oscillations from North to south.

The earthquake lasted about ten seconds and caused great alarm in the population.