Explore Manzanillo
Manzanillo is the largest city in the state of Colima, Mexico and is a bustling port on the Pacific Ocean. Manzanillo is a tourist hub as well, what with its lush, tropical milieu and beautiful beaches. The large bay of Manzanillo contains vibrant coral reefs and a shipwreck, as well as various rock formations on its outskirts.
Divers of all experience levels find Manzanillo to be an exciting dive destination. The sheltered areas of Manzanillo Bay offer easy shore dives that will meet the needs of open water students, newly certified divers, and those in need of a refresher. Less-sheltered areas that are subject to heavier surf are suitable for more advanced divers. Since Manzanillo has many great dive sites close to shore, liveaboard diving is not common or necessary. There are a few dive resorts that offer daily boat trips as well as certification courses, but the majority of Manzanillo’s dive boat tours run through local dive shops.
Top Manzanillo Dive Sites
1. San Luciano Wreck
This site features a 300ft shipwreck accessible within a 10-15 minute swim from shore. Situated at a depth of just 6 meters, it's ideal for both scuba divers and snorkelers. The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and corals. The adventure level is easy, making it suitable for beginners.
2. Roca Elefante (Elephant Rock)
Accessible by boat, this site offers two underwater arches to swim through at an average depth of 18 meters. It’s common to see coral reef species, with occasional sightings of sea turtles and whale sharks. The site is suited for scuba diving and is considered moderate to advanced due to its depth and features.
3. Playa la Audiencia
A shore dive that requires navigating through surges, it rewards divers with rock formations, crevices, and abundant marine life such as corals, angelfish, and moray eels. This site is ideal for scuba diving and is suited for those with some experience due to its challenging entry conditions.
4. Club de Yates
Located near Playa la Audiencia, this site offers easy access and is great for observing diverse marine life. It’s suitable for scuba divers of all levels, providing a chance to see an array of fish in a relatively safe environment.
5. Peña Blanca
An open ocean dive site offering opportunities to encounter migratory whales, manta rays, and sailfish. It is accessible by boat and suited for advanced divers due to the potential for strong currents and the need for open water experience.
