Manzanillo city information

Our Opinion of Manzanillo

Manzanillo is a picturesque Pacific coast destination and a great spot for travelers who have done Puerto Vallarta and are looking to try something different. There are some outstanding golf courses as well as incredible deep-sea fishing. The beaches are similar to Puerto Vallarta.

Among the best resorts in Manzanillo are the Karmina Palace and Las Hadas Resort. Tesoro Manzanillo is a well priced and poplular all-inclusive resort, but keep in mind that it is definitely on the lower end of the 4 star scale.

More Manzanillo Vacation Information

Manzanillo is one of Mexico's major ports, where visitors can admire ships both large and small that come from all over the world. The 16 km of beaches in the city and its surroundings are the envy of the country. They majestically stretch from west to east in the bays of Manzanillo and Santiago and offer ideal conditions for divers, surfers, and jet skiers. The most popular beaches in Manzanillo are Playa Las Brisas and Playa de Miramar, well known for their impressive waves that will delight even the most seasoned surfers.

Approximately one hour from Manzanillo is Colima, the state's capital, founded in 1523. Here, you can admire an architectural style that is unique to the region, as well as a volcano. Downtown Manzanillo offers plenty of shops, good restaurants and evening entertainment, while Colima features a variety of gardens, museums, theatres and shops.

Beaches in Manzanillo are typical Pacific beaches. Waters are rougher, cooler, and darker than their Caribbean cousins. Beaches are very wide, but of a darker sand and rougher surf. As such, beaches are not ideal for swimming but numerous water sports are available.

Manzanillo Hotels

All hotels in Manzanillo

Barcelo Karmina Palace

Blue Bay Los Angeles Locos

Gran Festivall All Inclusive Resort

Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad

Las Hadas Resort

Tesoro Manzanillo

Vista Club Playa de Oro

Manzanillo Destination Reviews

Been to this destination?

Rating:

"Location: Isolated location - many miles to the next major town. Absolutely beautiful private beach. Surrounded by all kinds of wild life. Sea Turtles come on shore to lay their eggs in the sand. The water is very warm. Beware of ocean undercurrent. At certain times of the year this beach is home of many, many stingrays and may make it rather impossible to swim in the ocean safely."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 15, 2009

Rating:

"You will have to take a bus to get to any shopping. There are many shops in the area of Wal-Mart before you reach the downtown."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Dec. 02, 2008

Rating:

"Liked Manzanillo, weather was perfect & it's a beautiful setting. Hotels & Homes & Apartments built on the hillsides all white & tile roofs, & lots of green & palm trees. Town is close by & has shopping."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Dec. 01, 2008

Rating:

"I found I wasn't that excited when going into Manzanillo (just a large city) but there are a lot of small villages near by that were amazing! There is a lot to do there and everyone is very helpful and will try to communicate with you as best they can! They have an amazing market in Santiago which is 5 min aways on Sat or you can walk out the back of the resort to another smaller one every day. The beach is just across the road with your own access, very clean and beautiful! "
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Mar. 13, 2008

Rating:

"A wonderful holiday. but the flight was less than inspiring. It would have been nice to have room to breathe at least!"
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Mar. 02, 2008

Rating:

"Love Manzanillo and the proximity to Barra & Melaque."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Feb. 25, 2008

Rating:

"I'd return in a moment...ate our faces off with the variety in buffets and LaPalapa. Our room super as was the service of all the staff from front desk to cleaning staff. Great place."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Feb. 21, 2008

Rating:

"Interesting area but having seen it, we will probably not return. Tour to Colimas worthwhile."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 23, 2008

Things to know about Manzanillo Vacations

Activities & Sports

All water sports are practised along Manzanillo's 20 km coast line. Snorkeling is best at the Santiago Peninsula by the rock outcroppings. Diving is more limited but you can explore a sunken cargo ship sprouting coral and marine life. Kayak excursions are organized at the Chamela Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve.

Sport fishing is Manzanillo's main attraction, particularly for sailfish fishing enthusiasts. Every February since 1954, Manzanillo has hosted the International Dorsey Tournament, a famous competition that awards winners valuable prizes. The special, medium-sized boats available for hire in the port of Manzanillo allow sport fishing enthusiasts to sail in the high seas a short distance from the coast.

Manzanillo has several magnificent golf clubs compromising the La Mantarraya Course, the Santiago Country Club, the Isla Navidad and the Tamarindo Country Club.

Dining & Nightlife
The state is renowned for its seafood while its exotic traditional beverages are superb, as are its desserts. Regional candies such as coconut and pineapple paste sweets, coconut confections with honey, pecans and raisins, guava paste, tamarind candies, caramel candies soaked in liqueur and sweet-dried bananas are all sold here.

There are several restaurants in downtown Manzanillo and the port zone where you can savor superb fish and seafood dishes such as camarones a la diabla or shrimp cocktail, crayfish cooked in garlic or chili, or grilled river crab.
Manzanillo is much more quiet in the evening in comparison to more developed destinations but there are a few great discotheques to dance the night away in such as Tropigala, Baby Rock and Vog.

Shopping
There are many shops and street vendors to be found around the town square, as well as the nearby traditional Tianguis (Open air) market which is the best place to find handmade wares. Handicrafts include hammocks, pottery, and necklaces made from seashells.

Flying time from:
Toronto: Approximately 5 hours
Montreal: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
Calgary: Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes
Edmonton: Approximately 4 hours 55 minutes
Vancouver: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes

Languages: Spanish.
Currency: Mexican Pesos. U.S. currency widely accepted.
Climate: Sub-tropical with average tempuratures of 27C.
Electricity: Same as Canada and the U.S.

Documents

Canadian citizens require a valid passport or birth certificate and government issued photo ID (ie. drivers licences). All other nationalities please consult a vacation specialist or the Mexican consulate.

Note: Some hotels require credit card imprint upon check-in for any incidental charges. Hotel check-in is typically between 3pm and 4pm. If your flight arrives early, it is a good idea to pack essential items in your carry-on luggage (i.e. bathing suit, suntan lotion, medications, etc.), so you do not miss any valuable vacation time.

Mexican tourist cards are supplied & validated with vacation packages. Some restrictions apply to tourists 18 years & under, when travelling without parents. Contact the Mexican Government Tourist Office toll free at 1-800-446-3942.

Manzanillo Vacation Tips

The ocean waves in certain areas of Manzanillo can be very strong, use caution if swimming in the sea and watch for any post warnings, like red flags.

There are many beach vendors who will try to sell you anything from sunglasses to ceviche. Ignore them and they will pass you by, show interest and they will set up shop and start pulling out samples for you.

As with most destinations in Mexico, negotiate taxi fares before getting in the cab. Buses are also a cheap and easy way to get to downtown Manzanillo. You can catch them running along the main road next to the ocean with the word "Centro" on the windscreen. Look for "Miramar" when heading back to the hotel area.

Manzanillo Weather Averages

Avg. °C	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
High	26	26	27	27	29	31	31	32	32	31	29	27
Low	16	16	17	18	21	24	24	24	24	23	20	18
Rain (mm)	28	18	7	7	12	206	334	327	347	123	19	20

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Manzanillo Vacations

Our Opinion of Manzanillo

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Manzanillo Hotels

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