Destination overview

Not only is Manzanillo a well-known resort destination, but Manzanillo port was the first shipping yard to open in Latin America in 1531 and today, it’s the most important commercial seaport in Mexico. Located along the central Pacific Coast of Mexico overlooking the twin bays of Manzanillo and Santiago, Manzanillo is situated in a region with diverse natural landscapes. It’s a favourite destination for beach activities, eco-tourism and adventure sports.

The weather in Manzanillo is pleasant year-round, and its beaches see an average of 350 days of sunshine each year. Manzanillo’s close proximity to the Sierra Madre Mountains helps to keep temperatures slightly cooler than many of the other well-known resort destinations located up and down the Pacific Coast.

This quiet and charming seaside town is packed with things to do. Of course, like any of the beachside towns in Mexico, you can spend your days lazing in the sun and surf. However, there are so many other temptations, especially for those who like to explore off the beaten track. So, hire a car and get going! Drive into the Sierra Madre mountains to learn about the coffee growers. You’ll love the winding trails through jungle villages populated by as many donkeys, goats and pigs as people. There are some beautiful waterfalls along the way as well.

Cuyutlán is one of the best places to surf in Mexico and is a tranquil and picturesque seaside town located about an hour south-east of Manzanillo on the south-eastern end of the Laguna de Cuyutlán (Cuyutlán Lagoon). Cuyutlán’s black sand beaches are a result of centuries of erosion of the volcanic rock lining this stretch of coastline, and the entire region is dotted with banana and coconut palms.

Spend some time on the beach, stroll along the malecon (oceanfront promenade) past restaurants, shops and cafes, and browse the local handcrafts and folk art. In the evenings grab a seat at one of the local seafood restaurants and enjoy the incredible sunsets.

The beaches of Cuyutlán are excellent for surfing, especially the beach at Los Pascuales which is known for being one of Mexico’s best surf beaches. Waves at Los Pascuales regularly reach heights of eight to fifteen feet or more. Cuyutlán is best known for La Ola Verde (the green wave), a giant green wave that appears in the ocean as the sun sets and shines through the water. The green wave is most often seen during the months of April and May and the green colour of the wave is attributed to ocean dwelling phosphorescent algae and plankton in the water, though locals like to debate its origin.

Cuyatlán is also known for its turtle sanctuary, where the Miguel Álvarez Center collects the eggs from local beaches, hatches them safely and releases the hatchlings into the ocean.

Several kilometers south-east of Cuyutlán is the town of El Paraiso, sister resort to Cuyutlán. Along the route to El Paraiso you’ll pass by the El Tortuguero turtle sanctuary where, in addition to helping to protect and preserve the local turtle population, you can also join a lagoon tour through the mangroves in the nearby Palo Verde Estuary nature preserve to spot wildlife.

Colima and Comala are excellent places to view the volcanoes – snow-capped Nevado de Colima, and the very active and grumbling Volcan del Fuego. Have lunch in Colima’s town square after exploring the beautiful historic buildings that have survived the multiple earthquakes. Go to Comala to get one of the clay griddles the town is named after. Or, if you prefer, go shopping for the furniture, paintings and wrought iron work the town craftsmen specialise in. Stop at one of the restaurants on the central plaza to watch a mariachi band while dining on Botanas – an assortment of fried tacos, enchiladas, ceviche tostadas, cheeses and salads. If you’re feeling adventurous try one of the local punches made from pomegranate, tamarind, dried plum or some other exotic fruit, or tuba, made from palm sap.

Barra De Navidad brings you back to the beach again. A lovely little town with cobblestone streets and a long, curving beach, the buildings cluster on a small spit of land thrusting out into the ocean. There’s a primo surfing wave at the tip of the spit as well. If you’re hungry, sample the spicy stew served in a steaming lava rock bowl while you’re there. The two best beaches are said to be Playa La Audiencia, where the gorgeous sheltered cove makes the water tranquil enough for water skiing, and Playa Miramar which has some of the best surfing and body surfing waves in town.

There’s another 240 kilometres of magnificent unspoilt coast stretching to the north, peppered with secluded bays, excellent bird watching lagoons, rustic seaside villages and magnificent scenery. If you don’t want to move too far from Manzanillo, the central market is a good place to experience the flavour of Mexico. By all accounts, the locals are delightful. There is some excellent diving and the deep-sea fishing is said to be world-class and there is no shortage of other water sports. The long boardwalk is most dramatic at dusk, when flocks of starlings almost blot out the sunset.

The recently refurbished centro historico (historic centre) of Manzanillo is a lovely place to explore, and pedestrian walkways make it easy to navigate on foot. The main plaza overlooks the bay and is surrounded by local bars, restaurants and shops. There are also some excellent seafood palapas (thatch-roofed restaurants) lining the beach. Manzanillo’s zona hotelera (hotel zone), located five miles north of the downtown area, is where you’ll find some of the best beaches and golf courses.

Manzanillo beach has been dubbed the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” and marlin, sailfish and other species are abundant in the waters just offshore. Each year the town hosts international fishing tournaments that attract sports fishermen from around the world.
You’ll know you’re in an ancient volcanic region when you walk along Manzanillo’s beaches. Soft and fine underfoot, the sand is darker than most - an echo of long-ago eruptions, and a reminder of just how awesomely beautiful nature can actually be.

Regardless of how you spend your time here, Manzanillo is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.