Manzanillo
Country: Mexico · Region: Mexican Riviera · Area: Colima · Arrival: dock · Currency: Mexican Peso
Mexico's busiest Pacific cargo port doubles as the self-styled 'Sailfish Capital of the World,' with quiet beaches nearby.
Top sights
- The giant sailfish monument
- Playa Miramar & La Audiencia
- Las Hadas resort
- Barra de Navidad lagoon town
- downtown zocalo
Things to do
- Coco Loco Tours
- Scuba diving operator offering underwater exploration of wrecks and reefs in Santiago Bay.
- Ocean Pacific Adventures
- Fishing charter service specializing in sailfish, marlin, dorado, and rooster fish with experienced captains.
- Rainforest tour
- Guided hike through rainforest trails near Manzanillo to see sloths, lizards, frogs, and jungle plants.
Beaches
- Santiago Bay
- Located a few miles north of the city, offering excellent swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving with shipwrecks and reefs.
- Bahía de Santiago
- The newer and more upscale beach area on the west side of the Santiago Peninsula with a crescent-shaped beach about 6.5 km long.
Where to eat
- Café Coral
- Buffet-style restaurant on Peninsula de Santiago serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with ocean views.
- La Plaza Esmeralda
- Beach restaurant on Peninsula de Santiago offering romantic buffet dinners with live music entertainment Thursday to Saturday.
Bars and nightlife
- Nirvana Lounge
- Bar on Peninsula de Santiago open daily from 5 PM to 1 AM.
Getting around
A working port that's spread out, take a taxi or tour to reach beaches or Barra de Navidad.
What to eat
Fresh seafood, ceviche and, naturally, sailfish.
Budget notes
Moderate; fewer tourist markups than the resort ports.
Tips
Industrial at the pier; the good stuff is a short drive away, so plan a taxi or excursion.
Best for
Beaches, relaxed pace