Caleta Campos is another surf swept cove on the south coast of Michoacan 75NM west of Zihuatanejo. This colourful horse shoe shaped cove boasts golden sand, coconut palms and verdant green vegetation dotting the rusty red cliffs. The bay is open to the south and Punta Bufadero and Punta Corralon offer little protection to swell from southeast through to west. This anchorage is only recommended in calm conditions.

2.5 NW of the cove the mouth of the Rio Nexpa is well known for great point and beach breaks.

Approaches

Entrance into the bay is straight forward.

Anchorage

Enter the bay mid channel and anchor off the beach in 5.8m on sand.

Facilities

The village has a laundry, several palapa restaurants and some small grocery stores for staples. There is also a supermarket near the highway. People come from miles around to climb up Bufadero Bluff to watch the blow hole in the islands off the point.

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.