Culture

In Manzanillo is the Archaeological Museum, located just north of downtown at the San Pedrito campus of the University of Colima. The museum displays 5,000 of its more than 18,000 collected artifacts, which come from the immediate region, the state of Colima and Mesoamerica.

In addition you will find art galleries, cultural expositions, dance and dramatic theatre, dinner theater, concerts, folkloric performances and artesanias in every city and major town in Colima.

Colima City's colonial buildings and traditional parks and gardens have been beautifully preserved. Around her main plaza are three excellent museums, the University of Colima’s "Pinacoteca" or Fine Art Painting Museum, the Museum of Western Culture and a Mask Museum which is a delight for collectors.

The Ballet Folklorico is considered the country’s best. The area offers numerous attractions including the curious magic zone, the El Salto waterfall, the Nogueras Hacienda, and breathtakingly beautiful villages tucked below the region’s twin volcanoes.

On Thursday evenings the University philharmonic orchestra often performs in the plaza bandstand while couples dance in the open air.

The University of Colima is known for its strong medical and technological programs.

Beaches and Lagoons

Shrugging off the chill of cold weather can be deeply satisfying on the 20 kilometers of choice beaches around Manzanillo. The city claims 12 beaches, each listed below with their individual attributes. Parallel to the arc made by Manzanillo Bay are four lagoons (not including the working inner port) studded with birds and wildlife. Click on the Eco-adventures link to find out about lagoon and wetlands tours.

The Beaches of Manzanillo

La Audiencia - This beach slopes gently toward Santiago Bay. Its sugary sand and soft waves make it excellent for sunbathing and swimming.

La Boquita Beach - At the mouth of the Juluapan lagoon, this beach is located on the western side of Santiago bay. Like most of the beaches in this bay, its deep sandy shelf and gentle waves allow for wading and easy swimming.

La Escondida Beach - Fine, light-brown sand and gentle waters characterize this beach.

Las Hadas Beach - One of the most beautiful beaches in Manzanillo, its name means "the fairies'. Located in front of the Moroccan-styled resort of the same name, it was made famous by the American movie "Ten" starring Bo Derek and Dudley Moore. An exclusive beach, it is perfect for swimming, snorkeling scuba diving, and other water sports.

Miramar Beach - On the west side of Santiago Bay, this is a fun place to rent sports equipment and swim.

Arrecife - Sometimes written in French as L’Recife, this rocky reef is for sunsets and drinks, not for swimming.

Azul Beach - The intense blue of the ocean gives this beach its name, "Blue Beach". Soft gray sand and luminous sunsets make it a romantic favorite.

Elephant Rock - "Roca Elephante" is an hour’s boat ride from the port of Manzanillo or a half-hour’s water journey from Las Hadas resort. Named for its animal-like rock formations and located at the westernmost end of Santiago bay, the massive boulders form a narrow cove ideal for boat swimming. Snorkeling enthusiasts find the marine life clearly visible in the still waters.

Olas Altas Beach - This is the beach surfers prefer.

Playa de Oro Beach - Near the Manzanillo international airport, "Gold Beach" gets its name from the sunken American ship "Golden Gate" which went down in 1862, taking with it 500 passengers and a cargo of gold. The sunken vessel is about a kilometer from the shores of Peñon de Torrecillas.

San Pedrito Beach - Gentle waves makes this beach ideal for children.

Santiago Beach - The namesake of its bay, this beach is one of the most popular beaches in area. Boat trips to the Santiago Lookout at the tip of the peninsula show off the beach’s golden sand and the intense blue waters of the bay.

Suites staff can assist you with beach chairs, loungers and sunshades.

Resorts

Grand Bay Isla Navidad - a 27 hole golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge, is just one of the outstanding features of this world class hotel, resort and marina. Located on the Isla Navidad peninsula across from Barra de Navidad, this resort can be viewed by boats rented from the Manzanillo pier.

Grand Bay

Karmina Palace Golf and Spa Resort - located on Manzanillo’s main thoroughfare, the lush golf course is easily visible from the road. A six star resort, it offers spa and convention services as well as first rate service.

Karmina Palace

Las Hadas, an 18 hole golf course, two pools, 10 tennis courts, 70 vessel marina, water sports and a wide range of first rate services characterize this white Moorish-style, 5 star resort.

Sports/Eco-adventure

Golf - Manzanillo offers the most spectacular golf courses in the country: Las Hadas with 18 holes, Isla de Navidad with 27, Club Santiago with 9, and El Tamarindo with 18. The courses are the site of national and international competitions.

The world-famous 18th Green

Sport Fishing - Crowned the World Sailfish Capitol of the World in 1954, Manzanillo continues its rein. In the months from February to November it is the setting for national and international championship competitions.

Sailing - Three marinas provide berths for sailboats from all over the world.

Surfing - Olas Altas is the preferred beach for surfers.

Tennis - Hard surface and clay courts can be found at a number of resorts in Manzanillo. June is the month for the Maeva Hotel International Amateur Seniors Tennis Tournament.

Hotels, Travel Agencies and Tour Operators can rent equipment for the following acitivities:

The Pleasures of Scuba Diving

• Windsurfing
  
• Water skiing
  
• Jet skiing
  
• Kayaking
  
• Swimming
  
• Snorkeling
  
• Scuba Diving
  
• Boat Touring
  
• Paddle Boarding
  
• Banana Boat Rides
  
• Horseback Riding
  
• Bicycling and Mountain Biking
  
• ATV Four-Wheeling

Events

Starting February 5, near Colima city in Villa de Álvarez, one of Mexico’s most traditional and interesting fairs begins with the building of a rodeo ring by hand. Built to begin the festivities of the "Charrotaurino" fair, the building of "La Petatera" opens a powerful portal for visitors to glimpse the rich traditions of the region. Also in February the National Sailfishing Tournament, the Manzanillo "Carnaval" and the Amateur Tennis Tournament is held.

In May the Fiestas de Mayo, much like a province or state fair, offers everything from musical events to cockfights.

In June the Maeva International Amateur Seniors Tennis Tournament brings athletes from all over the world.

In September the "Fiestas Patrias" celebrate regional traditions.

In November the state explodes with tournaments and events of all kinds such as the Salsa, Cumbia and Merengue dance fest, The "All Saints Fair" in the city of Colima, the International Sailing Tournament, the Las Hadas Amateur Cup Golf Tournament, the Grand Bay Isla Navidad International Golf Tournament, and the Maeva National Open Tennis Tournament.

When Friends and Family Visit

The staff of the Suites can help you plan and host a memorable vacation for your grandchildren, friends and family during your stay. Your guests can release turtle hatchlings at the turtle sanctuary in Armería and kayak the lagoons and estuaries near the Bay of Manzanillo while birdwatching. Horseback riding, hiking and fishing in the Sierra Madre mountains, caving, and mammoth truck and ATV adventures, snorkeling, scuba diving and sail fishing are just a few of the outdoor options available for children, teenagers and adults. Van tours to the volcano, Colima city, archeological zones, museums and other attractions can also be arranged.

Use the Menu Bars
to explore our facilites and Manzanillo!