Manzanillo is a port city that lies on the Pacifi Ocean. In the 1500′s, while in search of a safe harbor and an excellent location for shipbuilding, the Spanish Explorer Hernan Cortez along with his tripulation landed on the shore of what is now known as Manzanillo. Interestingly, Cortez also used this site as the parting place to go in quest of the Phillipines. This only proves what an important point of departure Manzanillo was for the Spaniards upon their arrival. It was the Spaniards who baptized this beautiful bay with the name of Manzanillo due to the abundance of Manzanillo trees found here. Also of importance is the fact that this tree was specifically used to build ships. Nowadays, the port of Manzanillo maintains its place as an important harbor. It has become a stopping point for cargo ships all over the world, so much that it is the largest port on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

But Manzanillo isn’t just all harbor business; it is an excellent adventure destination as well as a resort destination. Don’t forget that Manzanillo is the “Sailfish Capital of the World!” Multitudes of fishing tournaments are held throughout the year on the pristine and magnificent beaches of Manzanillo. Upon disembarking on the beautiful Manzanillo coast you should head to one of the local scuba shops and submerge into a full-blown underwater adventure. For starters you should try some snorkeling or scuba diving. The waters of Manzanillo are so clean and clear that make them an ideal location to snorkel or dive. Not only this, but Manzanillo is filled with lots of natural coral and fish. While snorkeling, don’t forget to ask your guide to show you The Aquarium, which is a 10,000 year-old reef and it it but 3 to 7 feet under the surface. This particular reef is huge and can almost be compared to the size of a football field, about 100 yards or about 300 feet. Another must-see while snorkeling is San Luciano, which is a 300-foot-long shipwreck. This is one of the many ships that were wrecked during the 5 storm category hurricane of 1959. This ship is completely made of metal, and has become a “man-made” coral reef, for it is now filled with all types of marine life from octopuses hiding to aquatic plants wrapped around it. Roca Elefante (Elephant Rock) is a true natural wonder; this is an underwater rock in the shape of an elephant, which is where the name comes from. I was told that at one point a piece of the rock was in the shape of the trunk running upwards, but that it was destroyed during an earthquake. Nevertheless, the rock still maintains it’s similarity to that of an elephant but now with a trunk facing downward or in a resting position. The shape of the rock isn’t the only interesting component of it; in addition, the rock forms what we know as a blow hole, or as they call it in Manzanillo a “bufadora,” which blows water up to several feet in the air. Another natural wonder that can be observed in Manzanillo is the Green Flash Phenomenon. This is when you’re able to see a green light coming at a distance only over the ocean. It is seen on the line that divides the ocean from the sky. The best time to observe this is between sunset and sunrise; this is definitely worthy of a picture.

The underwater adventure is only a piece of all the activities and fun that Manzanillo provides to its visitors. Along the beach you’ll find areas where you can go horseback riding. Imagining that: horseback riding along the beach, it’s like something out of a romantic Hollywood film, right? If you’re into something more exiting and adrenaline pumping, then rent a few jet skis and race onto the ocean. You can also go kayaking or simply bring your boogie board and enjoy the soft ocean waves cradling you along the coast. However, the further into the ocean you go the more likely you’ll be to encounter ocean life. In fact, Manzanillo has an enormous dolphin population. So if you’re lucky enough, you might just encounter a dolphin swimming right next to you!

Kayaking is even more exciting when done in a mangrove. All you have to do is take a small trip about 15 to 30 minutes from the city and you’ll arrive at some of the most incredibly scenic mangroves ever. These mangroves will take you around the lagoon; here you’ll have the opportunity to observe a diversity of bird species. This is quite a unique experience for the bird aficionado. After this really neat experience you’ll have to treat yourself to the 100-foot waterfall, called El Salto (The Jump), which is also withing a 45 minute trip north of Manzanillo. Getting there is pretty much an awesome vehicle ride along with some walking; it is quite the best way to include some exercise in your day. The place surrounding the waterfall is virtually untouched by civilization is one of the few spots around the world boasting of being a true natural beauty. It literary is a jungle-rainforest combination; it might even seem like you’ve travel back in time, for a place like this is hard to believe it still exists in today’s society. Note that the best time to visit the waterfall, that is if you wish to swim in it, is between November through May. During these times the waters are pristine and very calm. During the rainy season, it is not recommended, for it might become dangerous due to possible mudslides.

If you’d like to take a small break from the ocean adventures and visit the city, then I must recommend the Museo de la Perversidad (Museum of Perversity). But don’t get the wrong idea based on its name. In actuality, the museum is much like a house of horrors based on historical facts. The museum features “scenes” of torture and artifact or tools of torture. It’s important to mention that all the artifcats including the mannequins were created by local artisans. Nevertheless, the museum is more than just a scary house straight out of a horror movie; its purpose it is bring consciousness to the public about humaneness; this museum was created to promote and bring to life the issue of human rights.

As you shop through the streets of Manzanillo, your attention will be caught by the fact that all of the shops have small sculptures of a particular hairless canine. You’ll find images of this dog throughout the city. The fact is that, the hairless dog known as Techichi or Escuincle is the national dog, although it has been concluded that this was the first native dog of the American continent. The dog was named during pre-Hispanic times by the Aztecs after the pagan god, Xolotl, who was the twin brother of the more well-known god Quetzacoatl. Escuincle comes from the Aztec word for dog, or itzcuintli. The Aztecs used this dog for several purposed including watchdog, healer, and most interestingly as a food source. The Mayans believed that the Xolotl dog were guardians of the afterlife and so they mummified them and put them in tombs with their owners, talk about man’s best friend being a true companion. Its popularity was such that not only are their images throughout the city, but even great artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo feature them in their art.

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Beaches

Manzanillo has many beaches to choose from for surfing, swimming, or simply admiring, beach such as Playa San Pedrito and Playa Audiencia.

Watersports

Surfing is very popular in Manzanillo, especially in Playa Miramar. Scuba diving is popular here also. Local boat tours will take to places difficult to get to but merit a visit. These tours also have stops for scuba diving.

Fishing

Manzanillo is a great place for sport fishing, with year-round excursions available. In fact, it is a self-proclaimed “sailfish capital of the world.” The city is also well known internationally for deep-sea fishing.

Tours

Tours are available of the city itself as well as of colonial Colima. There are several lagoons along the coast, which are excellent places to go bird watching. Available eco-tours will take you there. A new toll road makes the colonial and historic city of Guadalajara reachable as a day trip.

Golfing

If you’re a golfer then bring your clubs as Manzanillo has two of the top golf courses in Mexico.

Nightlife

Being a fairly large city, restaurants and bars are readily available, but they can be a fair taxi ride away from some resorts. Shopping too varies from upscale shops to local vendors.

Yes, Manzanillo is definitely a place worth considering for your next vacation to Mexico. With plenty to do and warm laid-back attitude Manzanillo is an attractive get-away-from-it-all destination.

To learn more about Manzanillo, Mexico, visit the Manzanillo Mexico Travel Information [http://www.manzanilloinfo.com] site. The free site contains maps, weather info, travel tips and ideas, and helps you find valuable services in Manzanillo. For more travel destinations visit Must Travel.

Tip #1: Check the Weather Report

Your boat captain should be doing this anyway, but it never hurts to just look at the weather report and make sure there isn’t a storm on the way. A good rule of thumb: if all of the other boats are staying docked, then you probably should too.

Tip #2: Double Check Your Gear

The day before your excursion, go through all of your equipment. Make sure everything works and that you have aren’t running out of anything. Try to get this done before noon so you can get replacements before the stores close.

Do the batteries in your flashlight work and do you have back-ups? Do you have a functional first aid kit? Do you have a waterproof bag for your wallet and cell phone and does it attach to your clothing correctly? Do you have rations in case you are stuck on the water for a couple of days? Do you have a couple of flares in case you need to signal someone in the night?

All of these items may sound small, but could be very important if something happened.

Tip #3: Make Sure the Radio is Working

Before you let the boat leave the dock, ask the captain if he has checked the. If they have a GPS system, check to see if that is working too.

Tip #4: Find the Life Jackets

Hopefully, your captain will go through some quick safety features before you leave. Make sure you know where the life jackets, rafts and/or lifeboats are located. In addition, find out where the fire extinguishers are located.

Tip #5: Learn Meditation

Sometimes a minor problem can turn into a catastrophe if everyone panics. Remain calm and offer the captain and his crew help in handling other passengers. If they are your family, make sure that you are firm in your instructions and show confidence.

Tip #6: Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Some deep sea fish are very strong and can pull a person off a boat. Be sure that your fishing rod is securely anchored and that you are also attached to the boat in some way in case your rod gets free. If you have children with you, this is extremely important. Little Billy isn’t going to win a battle with Señor Fish.

Tip #7: Leave Your Information

Make sure that somebody has a copy of your vital information before you leave. If your spouse is staying on the mainland, be sure that she knows what you are doing, the name of the charter company, when you should be returning and other information that will be helpful in case something happens. This includes any medical information and names and numbers of emergency contacts back home.

If you are traveling alone or your entire party is going on the trip, it is a good idea to leave your information with the front desk so that you have someone looking out for you.

All of these tips don’t take very long and they could save your life. Make sure that your trip is a happy one and not a disaster.

Happy fishing!

If you would like more information on fishing safety, go to Take Me Fishing. Not only do they have a great site, but they also have some wonderful information about fishing and safety.

This article was written by Kimberly Carrillo for Cascadas de Manzanillo, a new development of luxury real estate in Mexico located in Manzanillo, Mexico [http://www.vivacascadas.com/about.htm], the “Sailfish Capital of the World.”