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Things to Do in Manzanillo

Things to Do in Manzanillo

Manzanillo Central Pacific Coast, Mexico Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Manzanillo's coastal location and diverse landscape make it a prime spot for outdoor activities.

Water Sports & Activities

Snorkeling & Diving

Enjoy clear waters at Playa La Audiencia or take a boat to reefs, including the Tenerife II shipwreck site.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Rentals available at beach clubs and resorts on calm beaches like La Audiencia and Santiago Bay.

Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Banana Boat

Available on popular beaches for exhilarating exploration or fun group activities.

Wildlife Encounters & Safaris

  • Whale Watching: Humpback whales migrate from December to March. Boat tours offer observation opportunities.
  • Sea Turtle Release Programs: Participate in releases at El Tortugario Ecological Center (Cuyutlán) during nesting season (June-Nov).
  • Birdwatching: Laguna de Cuyutlán offers excellent opportunities with diverse species.

Sport Fishing

  • World-renowned for sailfish and marlin.
  • Numerous charters for half-day or full-day trips.
  • Peak season: October to May.
  • Major tournaments: November and December.

Hiking & Cycling

  • Formal hiking trails within Manzanillo are limited to informal coastal paths.
  • Nevado de Colima National Park (day trip from Manzanillo) offers challenging hikes.
  • Casual cycling along the Malecón or within resort areas.
  • Mountain biking trails exist informally in the hills.

Surfing

  • Playa Miramar has some waves.
  • Serious surfing at Boca de Pascuales (south of Manzanillo).
  • Boca de Pascuales is for advanced surfers due to powerful beach break.
  • Exercise extreme caution there.

Safety Warning

When surfing at Boca de Pascuales, note that the waves are extremely powerful and are suitable for advanced surfers only.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Manzanillo's local culture through various experiences.

Workshops & Performances

  • Workshops: Formal cooking classes are limited. Inquire at resorts or local culinary schools for private arrangements. Art or craft workshops at Casa de la Cultura.
  • Cultural Performances: Mariachi music is a staple, often found in restaurants or plazas. Folkloric dance is less common but may occur during festivals or at resort theme nights.

Local Interaction & Learning

Community-Based Tourism

Formal community-based tourism initiatives are limited in Manzanillo. Immersion is best achieved through daily interaction with locals.

Language Learning

No dedicated Spanish language schools specifically for tourists exist. Daily interaction with locals enhances language practice.

Sailfish Tournament

The Manzanillo International Sailfish Tournament, held in late November or early December, is a major event celebrating the city's fishing heritage.

Carnaval de Manzanillo

Occurs before Lent, offering a lively celebration with parades, music, and dancing, though it is smaller than Mexico's more famous Carnivals.

Other Festivals

Fiestas de Mayo (May Festivities) take place throughout May. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is observed in early November with altars and local traditions.

Relaxation & Wellness

Manzanillo provides ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Most large resorts (Las Hadas By Brisas, Barceló Karmina, Grand Isla Navidad Resort) feature full-service spas.
  • Offer a range of treatments: massages, facials, body treatments.
  • Independent massage therapists or smaller wellness centers may be found in the Santiago area.

Other Relaxation Options

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

No major hot springs are directly in Manzanillo. Some are situated further inland towards Colima.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Dedicated retreats are limited. Some resorts may offer yoga classes as part of their activity programs.

Traditional Healing Practices

These are less commonly offered as tourist experiences in Manzanillo.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Resort Day Passes

Many hotels and resorts offer day passes to their beach clubs and pools, allowing non-guests to enjoy their facilities.

Public Beach Areas

Often have palapa restaurants where you can rent chairs and umbrellas for a relaxing day by the sea.

Relaxation Focus

These spots provide a comfortable and convenient way to unwind and soak up the Manzanillo sun.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Manzanillo offers a relaxed nightlife scene focused on dining and live music.

Live Music & Bars

  • Many restaurants and bars, especially in Santiago Bay, feature live music on weekends or specific nights.
  • Expect Mariachi, Cumbia, or popular cover songs.
  • Hotel bars frequently provide live entertainment for guests.

Nightclubs & Late-Night Options

Nightclubs & Dancing

A few nightclubs cater to a younger crowd, mainly found in the Santiago area. Hotel discos also offer dancing opportunities.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Manzanillo does not have a designated "bar district" or organized pub crawls. Bars are scattered throughout the main tourist zones.

Closing Times

Restaurants and bars generally close around midnight to 1 AM. Nightclubs typically stay open later into the early morning hours.

Resort Discos

Many larger resorts offer their own discotheques and entertainment for guests, providing a convenient nightlife option.

Casual Bars

Numerous casual bars are available in Santiago Bay, offering a relaxed setting for drinks and conversation.

Restaurant Entertainment

Enjoy live music and a dining atmosphere at many local restaurants, especially on weekends.

Note

Manzanillo's nightlife is generally more subdued compared to larger Mexican tourist destinations, focusing more on relaxed dining and casual entertainment.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, souvenirs, and everyday goods at Manzanillo's markets and shops.

Traditional Markets & Bazaars

  • Mercado Municipal (Downtown Manzanillo): The main market, offering fresh produce, meats, spices, clothing, household goods, and small eateries. Provides a lively, authentic local experience.
  • Mercado de Santiago: A smaller, neighborhood market. Offers food stalls and local goods, providing a more intimate shopping experience.

Artisan Crafts & Luxury Shopping

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Look for shops selling regional handicrafts. These include pottery from Colima, featuring replicas of pre-Hispanic artifacts (like the famous Colima dogs), wooden carvings, and textiles.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Luxury and boutique shopping options are limited, mainly found within the larger resorts.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Sailfish-themed items (figurines, keychains, t-shirts).
  • Colima Pottery (replicas of pre-Hispanic artifacts).
  • Mexican vanilla or coffee from nearby highlands.
  • Tequila/Mezcal.
  • Silver Jewelry.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • Support local artisans by purchasing directly at markets.
  • Look for certified fair trade products if purchasing coffee or other agricultural goods.
  • Your purchases contribute to the local economy.

Shipping & Customs Information

  • Research customs regulations for your home country in advance.
  • Use reputable shipping services for large items.
  • Be aware of potential duty and taxes upon arrival in your home country.

Tips for Shopping

Bargaining
  • Bargaining may be customary in some smaller market stalls, but usually not in formal shops.
Cash vs. Card
  • Smaller vendors and market stalls often prefer cash (pesos). Larger shops and resorts accept cards.

Activity Planning Summary

Adventure Planning

  • Check seasonal timings for whale watching (Dec-Mar) and turtle releases (Jun-Nov).
  • Confirm local access rules for sites like San Pedrito Lighthouse or El Salto waterfall.
  • Consider booking tours for specific activities, like deep-sea fishing or snorkeling trips via platforms like GetYourGuide.

Cultural & Relaxation Planning

  • Look up local festival dates (Carnaval, Fiestas de Mayo, Día de Muertos) to coincide your visit for cultural immersion.
  • Plan for a spa day at one of the luxury resorts or a relaxing day at a beach palapa.