Lone seagulls skim the surface of the protected bays that scallop the shores of Manzanillo. A pleasant-sized city south of Puerto Vallarta, the beaches glimmer with phosphorescence at night and adjacent bars keep a local laid-back vibe going until the wee hours of morning.
Manzanillo's biggest attraction is the Pacific. Rent kayaks and paddle out to offshore rock islands, riding the lazy swell shielded with sun block. Surfers and bodyboarders can try to catch a wave at beaches where break is bigger and far enough from shore like Miramar and Olas Altas.
Toggle your tan with tacos and an afternoon dip in a swimming pool before retreating to the shade. Anglers won't want to miss a day on deck fishing for sailfish while old sea dogs may want to rent a boat and spend the afternoon breeze under sail.
Short the hurry of big resort destinations, Manzanillo offers relaxed days of book-reading broken by a refreshing swim or snorkel.
Manzanillo is 177 miles south of Puerto Vallarta and 676 miles northwest Puerto Escondido.
