Cruise port · Mexico · Mexican Riviera & Baja
Manzanillo cruise port guide
Manzanillo, in the state of Colima, is one of Mexico's busiest cargo ports and a laid-back beach town that calls itself the sailfish capital of the world. Cruise ships dock right downtown, so you can walk to the waterfront plaza, then head to golden-sand bays such as La Audiencia, go sportfishing or visit the hilltop Las Hadas resort.
- Beaches
- Sportfishing
- Quiet port day
- Snorkeling
Photo: Montaje realizado por User:Wovedro ., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Mexico
- Region
- Mexican Riviera & Baja
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Spanish. English is less widely spoken than in larger resorts, so a few Spanish phrases help.
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN). Dollars are accepted by some tourist businesses; pesos are more practical.
- Best time to visit
- January–December
- Average highs
- 85–89°F through the year
About Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a working town first and a resort second, which keeps it low-key. Container cranes dominate one side of the harbor, but around the bay you'll find long sandy beaches, rocky headlands and the Moorish-style Las Hadas resort, made famous by the 1979 film 10.
Most cruisers spend the day on a beach, out on a fishing boat or exploring the small downtown around Jardín Álvaro Obregón and its giant blue sailfish sculpture. It's a relaxed, uncrowded stop compared with Puerto Vallarta, partly because fewer ships call than in past decades.
Choose Manzanillo for beach time, fishing and a gentle pace. If you want a lively old town, nightlife or headline attractions, you may find it quiet, and inland highlights such as the Colima volcano are too far for most port days.
Where cruise ships dock in Manzanillo
Ships dock at the downtown cruise pier, next to the town center and away from the main container terminals, so there's no tendering. You can walk off the pier to Jardín Álvaro Obregón, the malecón and the sailfish sculpture in a few minutes. The main beaches and the hotel zone along Santiago Bay are spread out to the northwest, roughly 15 to 30 minutes by taxi depending on the beach. Taxis gather near the pier; agree on fares before you set off. Downtown can be seen in an hour or two, so most visitors pair it with a beach or a boat trip.
Best things to do in Manzanillo on a cruise
- 1
La Audiencia Beach
beach
A small, sheltered cove on the Santiago peninsula with calm water, golden sand and palapa restaurants. It's one of the best swimming and snorkeling spots in the area and a good choice for families. Expect a taxi ride of roughly 20 to 25 minutes from the pier.
- 2
Sportfishing for sailfish
adventure
Manzanillo has a long fishing tradition and hosts a well-known international sailfish tournament. Half-day charters chase sailfish, marlin, dorado and tuna offshore. Fishing is seasonal and catches vary, so ask charter operators about recent conditions and set a return time well ahead of all-aboard.
- 3
Las Hadas
scenery
This whitewashed, Moorish-inspired resort tumbles down a hillside on the Santiago peninsula and became internationally known after the movie 10 was filmed there. Its architecture and bay views make it a popular photo stop, and day passes or lunch reservations are sometimes available.
- 4
Downtown and the sailfish sculpture
culture
Steps from the pier, Jardín Álvaro Obregón is the town's main square, with the huge blue Pez Vela sculpture on the waterfront nearby. Wander the malecón, the market streets and the parish church for a taste of everyday Colima life. It's an easy, low-key hour before or after the beach.
- 5
Snorkeling and boat trips around the bay
nature
Boat tours explore the rocky points and coves of Manzanillo and Santiago bays, with snorkel stops over reefs where you may see tropical fish and the occasional ray. Visibility varies with the season and swell, so treat it as a fun swim rather than a serious dive trip.
- 6
Playa Miramar
beach
A long, open beach at the far end of Santiago Bay, popular with local families, boogie boarders and anyone wanting a lively scene with beachfront restaurants. Waves can be bigger here than in sheltered coves, so check conditions before swimming.
Manzanillo weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 8529 | 8529 | 8630 | 8731 | 8932 | 8932 | 8932 | 8831 | 8731 | 8731 | 8731 | 8630 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7524 | 7423 | 7423 | 7524 | 7725 | 8027 | 8228 | 8228 | 8127 | 8127 | 7926 | 7625 |
| Rain in (mm) | 0.410 | 0.922 | 0.616 | 0.25 | 0.923 | 4.8122 | 6.1155 | 8.6219 | 9.3236 | 6.1154 | 1.127 | 0.49 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
What to eat and drink in Manzanillo
Colima's coast is known for fresh ceviche, grilled fish and shrimp served at beach palapas. Look for sopitos, small fried tortillas topped with meat and salsa that are a Colima specialty, and try tuba, a mildly sweet drink made from coconut palm sap that street vendors often sell with fruit and nuts. Downtown has simple local eateries near the main square; beach restaurants are best for seafood.
Tips for your port day
- Downtown is small, so plan a beach or boat trip to make the most of a full day.
- Pick a sheltered cove such as La Audiencia if you want calm water; the open Pacific beaches can have strong surf.
- Carry pesos in small bills; card acceptance is patchier here than in bigger resort towns.
- Calls here are less common than they once were and can change, so confirm your itinerary close to sailing.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and water. Midday heat on the beaches is intense for much of the year.
Cruise lines that visit Manzanillo
Often on the same itinerary
Manzanillo cruise FAQs
Can you walk from the Manzanillo cruise port to town?
Yes. The cruise pier is right downtown, and the main square, malecón and sailfish sculpture are a few minutes' walk away. The best beaches require a taxi.
Is Manzanillo safe for cruise passengers?
Cruise visitors who stick to downtown, the beaches and reputable tours generally have uneventful days. Colima state has carried one of the State Department's stricter advisory levels, so read the current U.S. State Department travel advisory and follow your cruise line's guidance.
What is the best beach in Manzanillo for cruise passengers?
La Audiencia is the favorite for calm water and snorkeling, about 20 to 25 minutes by taxi. Playa Miramar is a longer, livelier beach with more surf.
Why is Manzanillo called the sailfish capital of the world?
Because sailfish are plentiful offshore and the town has hosted a major sailfish tournament for decades. The giant blue sailfish sculpture downtown celebrates that tradition.
Do I need a passport to visit Manzanillo on a cruise?
A passport is recommended. On a round-trip cruise from a U.S. port, American citizens can often get by with a birth certificate and photo ID, but only a passport lets you fly home from Mexico if plans change.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.