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.

Bahia Cuastecomate lies 11NM east of Tenacatita, separated by the rocky finger of Isla Igelsias. The verdant wooded hills surrounding the bay are unspoiled except for a development of resorts on the southeast side. The reef on the south side of Bahia Cuastecomate has good coral and is great for snorkeling.

The bay is open to the west and during the winter swell from the northwest makes this a rolly anchorage. Punta Cuastecomatito breaks up some of the southerly swell, this is a lovely anchorage in the mild to moderate conditions in the summer months.

Approaches

Straight forward approach.

Anchorage

Steer clear of the reef on the south side of the bay and anchor behind it in 6.7m on sand with good holding. Dinghy ashore to southern end of the beach.

Facilities

The beach in front of the resorts is lined with palapa restaurants and there is a small grocery store in the village.