10 Best Things to Do in Manzanillo

Looking for what to do in Manzanillo? Set on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Colima, Manzanillo is a working port city that doubles as a relaxed beach destination. It is known for sweeping bays, golden sand, excellent deep-sea fishing and classic resorts that feel more laid-back and Mexican than many larger tourist hotspots.

From beach-hopping between twin bays and exploring the historic centre to trying local seafood, heading out on the water and taking coastal day trips, here are the 10 best things to do in Manzanillo to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Walk the malecón and historic centre

Start your visit in Manzanillo’s compact historic centre, where narrow streets meet the busy commercial port and a small malecón curves along the waterfront. The area around Jardín Álvaro Obregón (the main plaza) is dotted with shops, cafés and local restaurants, plus the distinctive sailfish statue that has become a symbol of the city.

From the plaza, stroll along the malecón to watch fishing boats and cargo ships come and go, spot pelicans gliding over the water and enjoy views across the bay. It is especially atmospheric in the late afternoon when the heat eases and families come out for a paseo.

2. Relax on Playa Miramar and Playa Olas Altas

Manzanillo’s most popular beaches line the Bahía de Santiago, a wide bay to the northwest of the centre. Playa Miramar and Playa Olas Altas offer long stretches of sand backed by palm trees, low-rise hotels and casual eateries.

These beaches are ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing or simply walking along the shoreline. Small stands rent loungers and shade, and you can order snacks, ceviche, fresh coconuts or cold beers without leaving the sand.

3. Visit the Las Hadas area

At the far end of Bahía de Santiago, the Las Hadas resort area is known for its whitewashed buildings, marina and sheltered coves. The iconic Moorish-inspired architecture and hillside layout made it a classic Pacific-coast hideaway for decades.

Even if you are not staying here, boat trips and some beach clubs give access to quiet coves with calm, clear water perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. The views back across the bay towards Manzanillo’s hills are particularly pretty at sunset.

4. Swim and snorkel in La Audiencia

Playa La Audiencia, nestled between rocky headlands in Bahía de Santiago, is one of Manzanillo’s prettiest and most sheltered beaches. Its relatively calm waters make it popular for swimming, snorkelling and renting kayaks or paddleboards.

The surrounding rocks and reefs host colourful fish and marine life, and you can easily spend a day here moving between the water, shaded sun loungers and simple beach restaurants serving seafood dishes.

5. Try sport fishing in the “Sailfish Capital”

Manzanillo markets itself as the Sailfish Capital of the World, thanks to the abundance of billfish in the deep waters offshore. Sport-fishing charters depart from the marinas and beaches around the bay, offering half-day or full-day trips to chase sailfish, marlin, dorado and other species.

Even if you are not an experienced angler, going out on a fishing boat is a great way to see the coastline from the water and possibly spot dolphins or turtles along the way.

6. Take a coastal boat tour

Beyond fishing, boat tours from Manzanillo explore bays, sea caves and viewpoints along the rugged Pacific coast. Many cruises circle both Bahía de Manzanillo and Bahía de Santiago, giving you a good overview of the city, resorts and natural scenery.

Some excursions include snorkelling stops, swimming from the boat and drinks on board, making them a fun option for groups or families wanting to spend time on the water without focusing on fishing.

7. Enjoy seafood and local cuisine

As a major port and fishing centre, Manzanillo has excellent, fresh seafood. Look for ceviche, shrimp cocktails, pescado zarandeado (grilled fish), octopus and other mariscos in beachfront palapas and small restaurants around the centre and bays.

In addition to seafood, try regional dishes from Colima such as sopitos (small fried tortillas topped with meat and sauce), tatemado (slow-cooked pork) and traditional sweets made with coconut and milk. Eating at simple, busy spots favoured by locals is often the most rewarding experience.

8. Drive to viewpoints over the twin bays

Several viewpoints around Manzanillo offer sweeping panoramas of its twin bays, port and surrounding hills. Roads climbing the hillsides behind Bahía de Santiago and the Las Hadas area reveal beautiful vantage points, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light softens over the water.

If you have a rental car, take time to explore these hilltop roads; if not, some local tours and taxis can take you to popular miradores for photos.

9. Take a day trip to Barra de Navidad or Colima

Manzanillo makes a good base for coastal and inland day trips. To the northwest lies Barra de Navidad, a relaxed beach town set around a lagoon, with a walkable centre, sandy beach and small-town charm. Boat shuttles cross the lagoon to neighbouring communities and waterfront restaurants.

Inland, you can visit the state capital, Colima, and the nearby town of Comala — a Pueblo Mágico known for whitewashed houses, traditional cantinas and views of the Fuego volcano. These excursions provide a broader glimpse of everyday life in the region beyond the beach.

10. Watch Pacific sunsets from the beach

Manzanillo faces west onto the Pacific Ocean, so sunsets here are reliably spectacular. As the sun sinks into the sea, the sky turns shades of orange, pink and purple, reflected in the waves rolling towards the shore.

Whether you choose a quiet cove in Bahía de Santiago, a livelier stretch of sand near Miramar or a waterfront bar in the centre, ending your day with a sunset over the ocean is one of the simplest and best things to do in Manzanillo.