Home to the busiest port in Mexico, the resort city of Manzanillo is rife with charm—think hills covered in minimalist white buildings, two sheltered beaches, and a bay dotted with boats. Despite its laid-back vibe, the city has become a hot spot for sport fishing and scuba diving, thanks to its sailfish-rich waters and several shipwrecks in the bay. Top things to do in Manzanillo include hiking to the Mirador del Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic city views, surfing at Miramar Beach, and kayaking around nearby rock formations.
The best time to visit depends on your interests—the season for sailfish runs from mid-October to March, and two large fishing tournaments are held in November and February. If you’re planning to surf, May to November tends to be the best season, and surfers of all experience levels will find a nearby beach to enjoy. Miramar and La Boquita beaches, with their small to midsized waves, are particularly good options for learners.
Located a roughly 50-minute drive away from Manzanillo, Playa de Oro International Airport serves as the gateway to the state of Colima. Be aware that it’s a small airport, and international flights can be infrequent. Getting around Manzanillo is easiest with your own vehicle, as public transit can be unreliable, and the city’s beaches and hotels are fairly spread out. If you’d prefer to skip driving, taxis are also easy to find and reasonably priced.
Head to Bar HOA off of Boulevard Miguel de la Madrid for a gorgeous sunset view and board games. This relaxed beach bar is popular among locals and visitors alike, and features live music on weekends, affordable drinks (their mojitos and micheladas are especially popular), and casual, delicious food. It’s the perfect spot to spend a few hours unwinding, or to make some new friends over Monopoly.
