In townThe Sailfish & the Malecón
Photograph the giant blue Pez Vela (sailfish) monument on the downtown malecón, then browse the old port centre and Jardín Obregón.
Manzanillo, Mexico
All-inclusive Pacific-coast resorts · Seasonal direct flights from Canada
4.6 · 2,400+ Manzanillo resort stays reviewed by travellers
All-Inclusive · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Manzanillo
7- and 14-night resort packages with seasonal return flights from Canada
View all packagesFlying from
No deals from Toronto right now
Try another departure city, or check back soon.
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Manzanillo
Manzanillo is Mexico's laid-back Pacific twin-bay resort town in the small state of Colima — a working cruise-and-cargo port that doubles as the self-styled 'Sailfish Capital of the World'. Its golden-sand crescents at Playa Azul, Playa Miramar and the upscale Santiago Peninsula sit beneath green hills and the distant Volcán de Colima, and it stays warm and dry all winter. Unlike the busier Riviera, it's low-key, affordable, and popular with Canadian snowbirds.
Manzanillo, Colima, MexicoClimate
Climate
26–31°C · dry winters
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Sunny and dry November–May; June–October is the humid Pacific rainy and hurricane season.
Currency
Mexican Peso
1 CAD ≈ 13 MXN · USD accepted at resorts
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport + tourist card (FMM)
Top Experiences in Manzanillo
In town
On the peninsulaPlaya La Audiencia & Santiago Bay
Swim and snorkel the sheltered cove at Playa La Audiencia, the calmest, clearest beach on the Santiago Peninsula.
Deep seaSailfish Capital Sport Fishing
Head offshore on a charter for sailfish, marlin and dorado — Manzanillo's world-famous game fishing runs strongest in winter.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is required to enter Mexico. Carry it for the length of your stay.
Tourist card (FMM): Canadians receive a Mexican tourist card (FMM) on arrival — keep it safe, as you surrender it when you leave.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Mexico. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended.
Power & plugs: Manzanillo uses 127V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: Colima state runs on Central Standard Time (CST) — one hour behind Toronto.
Best time to visit Manzanillo
Dec – AprPeak season
Warm, dry and sunny. The prime snowbird window and busiest for Canadians.
May & NovShoulder season
Still mostly dry with rising heat and good value before and after peak.
Jun – SepRainy season
Hot, humid afternoons and storms — Pacific hurricane season peaks now.
OctoberLate rains
Rains easing and lush green hills, with the lowest prices of the year.
Where to stay
Manzanillo zones & neighbourhoods
Manzanillo wraps around two bays — Santiago Bay to the north and Manzanillo Bay by the port. Here's how to choose your base.
Santiago Peninsula
North bay
The headland dividing the two bays, home to Las Hadas, Barceló Karmina and the calm cove of Playa La Audiencia.
Best for
- Resorts
- Couples
- Snorkelling
Playa Azul & Salahua
Santiago Bay
Manzanillo's long golden-sand beach lined with resorts, condos and beach restaurants — the classic snowbird base.
Best for
- Families
- Long stays
- Value
Playa Miramar
Far north
A lively local beach with surf, palapa seafood shacks and a younger, casual crowd at the north end of Santiago Bay.
Best for
- Surfers
- Budget
- Seafood
Downtown (Centro)
The port
The working port centre with the sailfish monument, the malecón, the plaza and everyday Mexican life away from the resorts.
Best for
- Culture
- Budget
- Food
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a great launch point for Colima's beaches, volcanoes and pueblos mágicos. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
CultureColima City & Comala Pueblo Mágico
Full day · 8 hrsColima, inland · ~1h 30m by coach
Tour the colonial capital of Colima and the whitewashed 'Pueblo Mágico' of Comala beneath the twin volcanoes.
Insider tips
- Try the local ponche in Comala
- Bring a light layer for the highlands
NatureCuyutlán Turtle Sanctuary & Green Wave
Half day · 5 hrsCuyutlán, south · ~45 min by car
Visit El Tortugario turtle centre and the black-sand beach famous for its rare green wave and salt museum.
Insider tips
- Turtle releases run seasonally
- Swim with caution — strong surf
Beach DayBarra de Navidad & the Lagoon
Full day · 7 hrsCostalegre, north · ~1h by coach
Cross into Jalisco for the charming fishing village of Barra de Navidad, its lagoon and long open beach.
Insider tips
- Take the water taxi across the lagoon
- Fresh grilled fish on the beach
AdventureSailfish Sport Fishing Charter
Half day · 6 hrsManzanillo Bay · From the marina
Board a charter from the peninsula marina in search of sailfish, marlin and dorado in Manzanillo's famous waters.
Insider tips
- Winter is prime sailfish season
- Crews often catch-and-release billfish
● Limited winter availability — book now
Your Manzanillo escape awaits
All-inclusive packages with seasonal flights from Canada, starting at
No booking feesBest price guaranteeCancel up to 30 days beforeCanadian-owned & operated
Good to know
Manzanillo travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Manzanillo?
No. Canadians don't need a visa for tourism in Mexico — you just need a valid passport and the tourist card (FMM) issued on arrival, valid for up to 180 days.
How long is the flight from Canada to Manzanillo?
Seasonal direct flights are about 5h 15m from Toronto to Manzanillo (ZLO), operating mainly through the winter. Other cities connect via Toronto, Calgary or Mexican hubs.
When is the best time to visit Manzanillo?
December to April is ideal — warm, dry and sunny. June to October is the humid Pacific rainy and hurricane season, so it's best avoided.
Is Manzanillo safe for tourists?
The resort areas, Santiago Peninsula and beach zones are relaxed and welcoming. Use normal precautions, stick to licensed taxis, and follow local advice as you would anywhere.
What currency should I bring?
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the local currency. US dollars are accepted at many resorts, but carry pesos for taxis, markets and tips.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Canadian provincial health plans don't cover care in Mexico, and private medical bills can be costly without coverage.
Are Manzanillo's beaches good for swimming?
Yes — the cove at Playa La Audiencia on the Santiago Peninsula is the calmest and clearest. Open beaches like Playa Miramar have surf, so watch for currents.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes, you can add trips like the Colima & Comala tour or the Cuyutlán Turtle Sanctuary to your booking at checkout, or arrange them at your resort desk.