Playa Caleta Blanca is the northernmost inlet in Caleta Paraiso but can only be accessed by dinghy. It is possible to anchor on the eastern side of the islands but the passage is studded with isolated rocks and reefs. Exploring the area by dinghy is recommended prior to trying to set an anchor there.

This anchorage east of Isla Paraiso is sheltered from wind and swell from the south, however it is exposed to the north and northwest and during the winter months it is only recommended in calm conditions.

Approaches

Navigate the northern passage between the islands and the mainland with great care keeping a sharp look out on the bow.

Anchorage

Look for a patch of sand to drop anchor in 6-7m. Make sure the anchor is well set before leaving the boat. Dinghy ashore to Playa Caleta Blanca or any of the other secluded beaches in the bay.

Facilities

None. Playa Caleta Blanca also has a private guest house behind the beach. Exploring aquamarine waters of Caleta Paraiso by dinghy is magical; snorkel on the reefs, dive in the sea caves or just make footprints in the fine white sand.

Just 4NM from Paraiso, Bahia Careyes is another lobate bay surrounded by rocky islands and headlands. This bay has been developed with luxury homes, resorts and condos and is long way from the remote uncluttered paradise of Paraiso, however the enjoying the white sand beaches and snorkeling and diving on the clear water is just as good.

Bahia Careyes is well sheltered from north and east but the anchorage can be rolly when northwesterly winds and swell wrap around into the bay. The anchorage is untenable during the summer months.

Approaches

Several isolated rocks have been charted in the approaches to Bahia Careyes and care should be taken navigating in the area. Enter the bay in the centre of the channel between the northern point and Isla Careyes.

Anchorage

The anchorage is located in the northern cove of the bay. Moorings fill the shallow water but anchoring is possible between the point and the old Club Med dock in 7.4m. The holding in sandy gravel on coral is poor and a stern anchor is recommended to maintain position in this tight spot. Alternatively anchor further out in 10m but the holding is still marginal.

The beach in front of the palatial mansion is private but it is possible to tie the dinghy up to the dock.

Facilities

None. There are a couple of restaurants in the other coves in the bay. Snorkeling on the rocks around the point is fantastic.

Bahia Careyes is a small bay which has been developed for luxury living and upmarket tourism. Moorings and tour boats tend to occupy the more sheltered parts of the three coves which make up the bay however there is still space to anchor outside the mooring field off Playa Careyes in the southern cove. Anchorage is possible in the northern lobe however the holding is poor and the beach is private property.

Even during the winter months swell diffracting between the islands tends to make this a rolly anchorage.

Approaches

Keep good lookout for isolated, uncharted rocks as you approach the anchorage from the south-west.

Anchorage

Anchor outside the moorings in 7.3m on sand. Check your anchor is well set as the holding is moderate. Playa Careyes is buoyed for guest swimming and cannot be approached by dinghy. Instead go ashore at Playa Rosa in the central cove.

Facilities

A couple of restaurants can be found at Playa Careyes and Playa Rosa. Swimming and snorkeling are heavenly in the crystal clear waters.

Manzanillo Bay was discovered by the Spanish in 1527 and became an important port for ship building and provisioning for expeditions to China, Asia and particularly the Philippines. It remains a large cargo port and is a port of entry to Mexico. Known as the sailfish capital of the world it also boasts miles of pristine beaches and swathes of unspoiled wilderness.

The port of Manzanillo lies on the south side of the bay. Many local boats moor in a small anchorage area behind the harbour wall close to the entrance to the port. The area is well protected from wind and swell although the noise and dust from the docks can be a bothersome.

Approaches

The approach is straight forward. Call the Manzanillo Port Captain on VHF16 to arrange anchorage in the bay.

Anchorage

Find a spot behind the cruise ship dock amongst the pangas and tour boats and anchor in 13m on a sandy bottom with good holding. Tie the dinghy up the fishermens dock or at the Chinese Restaurant on the west side of the anchorage area. Walk through the restaurant to town but make sure you stop for a drink or a meal to thank them. Landing the dinghy on Playa San Pedrito is convenient for the Immigration and Port Authority offices but watch out for the swell.

Facilities

Just a short walk away lies El Centro, the historical heart of Manzanillo. Banks, supermarkets and plenty of restaurants abound and away and the Mercado Municipal 5 de Mayo is great for fresh produce. Walk up Cerro de la Cruz to the viewing point for a fantastic view of Manzanillo Bay and the mountains in the hinterland.

Yacht transportation can be arranged to a number of ports worldwide from the Port at Manzanillo.