Plan a CruiseManzanillo, founded in 1527, holds the distinction of being Mexico's largest port city on its west coast. It is characterized by two expansive bays, Manzanillo Bay and Santiago Bay, both offering excellent beaches and a variety of ocean-focused activities. Cruise ships typically dock at a modern pier built in 2010, situated conveniently 2 to 3 km from the city center, right next to the iconic giant sailfish statue. In less common instances, ships may dock in an industrial area alongside container ships; should this occur, a round-trip bus transfer to the city center is available for $3.00, and taxis can also be found near the ship. The downtown area features a scenic, mile-long Malecon (boardwalk) and the "Jardin" (town square), which serves as the vibrant heart of local life.
Getting Around from the Port
From the dedicated cruise pier, the city center is approximately 2 to 3 km away. This distance is walkable for some, but taxis or local buses offer a quicker alternative. If your ship docks in the industrial area, a bus transfer to the city center is provided for a $3.00 round-trip fee, or taxis are available.
- Walking: The downtown area is compact and highly walkable, with major sights like the Malecon and Jardin located within a few blocks of each other.
- Buses: Manzanillo operates a simple bus system. To reach downtown, look for buses displaying "El Centro" or "Jardin" in the window; these routes consistently head south. It's advisable to have 1 and 2 peso coins for the fare. Buses generally run every 10 minutes, though frequency may decrease during the siesta period, typically from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Taxis: Taxis are a reasonably priced option. Always confirm the price with the driver before beginning your journey. Most destinations within Manzanillo (excluding Vida del Mar and L'Recif Restaurant) should cost 35-50 pesos or less. A taxi ride to the Las Hadas resort will cost approximately $10 USD.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in Manzanillo, you can easily explore the city's highlights and enjoy some nearby attractions:
- Downtown Manzanillo Exploration:
- Malecon (Boardwalk): Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the mile-long Malecon. Observe various fishing boats, from tourist charter cruisers to local "pangas." The boardwalk is lined with palm-shaded benches and sculptures by local artists. Look out for the old anchor of a cargo ship that sank in the 1959 hurricane, which makes for an interesting photo opportunity.
- Jardin (Town Square): This central garden is where locals converge for lunch, shoe shines, or simply to "people watch." In cooler evenings, bands often play in the gazebo, and feeding pigeons is a popular pastime.
- Shopping and Dining: Explore Av. Mexico and the streets surrounding the Jardin, where you'll find numerous shops offering tourist items like silver and T-shirts. Several restaurants in this area serve a variety of Mexican dishes and fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
- Las Hadas Resort: Located a short taxi ride away (about $10 USD), Las Hadas is a renowned resort featuring whitewashed cottages that blend Moorish, Mexican, and Mediterranean architectural styles. Famous as a filming location for the movie "10," visitors can enjoy its luxurious amenities either by paying a flat all-inclusive day rate or on a pay-as-you-go basis.
- Manzanillo Mercado (Market): For an authentic local experience, visit the Mercado on Av. Francisco I. Madero, one block south of Av. Mexico. The best time to go for the freshest seafood, fruits, and vegetables is between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The market also offers traditional items such as piñatas, pottery, and leather goods.
- Ocean-Oriented Activities: Manzanillo Bay and Santiago Bay are excellent for deep-sea fishing, swimming, and surfing. You can find local operators offering these activities.
- Colima and Comala (Further Excursion): For those interested in venturing a bit further, Comala, known as the "Pueblito Blanco" (White Village), is a picturesque town north of Colima City. Designated a "Pueblo Magico," it's famous for its white buildings with red tile rooftops and vibrant bougainvillea. While charming, consider travel time for this option as it's further inland.
Dining
Manzanillo offers a good selection of dining options, particularly around the Jardin and along Av. Mexico. Here you can find numerous restaurants serving a variety of Mexican dishes and fresh seafood at reasonable prices. For an authentic taste of local produce and a vibrant atmosphere, visit the Manzanillo Mercado.
Shopping
The areas around the Jardin and Av. Mexico are home to many shops selling tourist souvenirs, including silver, T-shirts, and other local crafts. For traditional Mexican goods such as piñatas, pottery, and leather items, the Manzanillo Mercado offers an authentic local shopping experience.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), which uses the "$" symbol. The exchange rate is approximately 17 pesos to 1 US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. However, credit cards are not as commonly accepted as in Europe or the USA, and some establishments may apply an extra charge of around 5% for credit card transactions. Spanish is the primary language spoken, but English is widely understood in tourist destinations. Several cafes in town provide free WiFi for customers.