Manzanillo

Sailfish Capital of the World

Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” Manzanillo is the most important port on the Pacific coast and one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations. Its beaches and bays are perfect for swimming, diving, surfing, or simply relaxing by the sea. At the same time, it’s a modern and dynamic city with nightlife, gastronomy, and commerce. Manzanillo offers a unique blend of international port and vacation paradise.

Events1

Paddle Fest

Sunday, December 13 · 7:00 AM

Attractions15

Beaches

La Boquita

La Playa La Boquita es un destino tranquilo y pintoresco, ideal para disfrutar de un ambiente relajado. Con su arena dorada y aguas cálidas, es perfecta para nadar y practicar deportes acuáticos. Además, ofrece palapas y restaurantes donde se pueden degustar mariscos frescos mientras se contempla el hermoso paisaje. Es un lugar ideal tanto para familias como para aquellos que buscan un escape del bullicio de playas más turísticas.

Beaches

Playa La Audiencia

Small sandy cove ringed by palm-covered hills on the Santiago Peninsula, with a gentle slope and moderate waves. It is one of Manzanillo's most visited beaches for family outings and for snorkeling, kayaking, water skiing or boat rides. Its name recalls an audience said to have been held in 1531 with the local population.

Beaches

Playa Las Brisas

Light-sand beach on Manzanillo Bay, next to the port area, with moderate waves. It is one of the quietest and least crowded beaches, so families with children visit it. Ships can be seen coming and going from the shore, and the Las Brisas pier is popular for fishing. Hotels and food stands are nearby.

Beaches

Playa Miramar

Long beach of soft sand at the western end of Santiago Bay, between Olas Altas and La Boquita. It is known for its seafood palapas, horseback rides, windsurfing and surfing, and for its sunsets. Crocodiles live in the nearby lagoons and estuaries: follow the flags and Civil Protection notices and do not enter the water where a danger flag is flying.

Beaches

Playa Olas Altas

Dark golden-sand beach on Santiago Bay, famous for its strong waves: surf lessons are given here and it is one of Manzanillo's busiest beaches. The seabed drops off quickly near the shore, so be careful with the sea and currents; Navy lifeguards are on duty in peak season. Hotels, bungalows and restaurants are close by.

Beaches

Playa Peña Blanca

Long, semi-wild beach northwest of Manzanillo, facing a large white rock covered in guano that gives the beach its name. It is an ecotourism spot for walking, cycling or ATV rides and for watching seabirds, with strong surf. According to municipal tourism it was once a landing place for pirate ships. No services are confirmed: bring water, food and shade.

Beaches

Playa Santiago

Dark-sand beach with moderate waves in front of the town of Santiago, on Santiago Bay and beside the Santiago Peninsula. It is one of the bay's beaches with a surf school and paddle board lessons, and it sits in an area with hotels, close to other beaches such as Olas Altas and Miramar.

Beaches

Tortugario Manzanillo (Playa Azul, Salagua)

Sea turtle camp on Playa Azul in Salagua, on Manzanillo Bay, which has protected sea turtle nests since 2001. In season, visitors attend a talk and take part in releasing hatchlings at dusk. It runs on volunteers and donations, and lets visitors see conservation work on the Colima coast up close.

Lakes

Laguna de Cuyutlán

Colima's largest coastal lagoon, about 35 km long, runs parallel to the sea between Manzanillo and Cuyutlán, separated from it by a sand strip. It is a refuge for waterbirds and part of it is a Ramsar wetland. You can admire it from the viewpoint at the Tepalcates bridge and tour it by boat; palapa restaurants on the shore serve fresh fish.

Lakes

Laguna de Juluapan

Wetland of about 98 hectares west of Santiago Bay, linked to the sea by a channel. Its shores are lined with red and white mangroves, and waterbirds gather on the mudflats: one study recorded 53 species. You can explore it on a paddle board with a guide, and rustic seafood restaurants line the southeast shore.

Lakes

Laguna del Valle de las Garzas

Urban lagoon ringed by mangroves between Salagua and the Valle de las Garzas neighborhood, one of Manzanillo's most important wetlands. It is home to herons, ducks and cormorants, fish and American crocodiles: the port authority reports more than 230 individuals. It is on the municipality's bird-watching route and is best enjoyed from the shore and at a distance.

Parks

Iguanario Archundia

Iguana sanctuary in the middle of Manzanillo, created by the Archundia family to rescue and protect these reptiles. Hundreds of iguanas roam free among trees and ponds and can be seen up close; staff run supervised feedings. It is a short, different visit to meet local wildlife without leaving the city.

Parks

Jardín Álvaro Obregón

Main square of Manzanillo's historic center, facing the bay. It has fountains, a bandstand, benches and trees, and next to it stands the Sailfish monument, the symbol of the city as the Sailfish Capital of the World. It is a good starting point to walk the seafront promenade, the arcades and the port atmosphere of downtown Manzanillo.

Parks

Malecón de Manzanillo (Paseo del Espíritu Santo)

Seafront promenade in Manzanillo's historic center, known as Paseo del Espíritu Santo. It runs along the bay among sculptures such as La Pescadora, El Estibador and the Sailfish monument, with views of the ships and the port. It is a place to walk at sunset, eat seafood and attend outdoor events and concerts.

Routes

Ruta de la Sal (Sal Real de Colima, Cuyutlán)

Guided tour of the Sal Real de Colima salt works, beside the Cuyutlán lagoon. It has seven stations: retail, packing, production, the water mirror where salt crystallizes, the lagoon, the mangrove and the sales point, with transport inside. It is offered only in the production season, March to May, and reservations are advised. Sea salt and flor de sal are sold.