Manzanillo - Excursions

Playa de Oro

Below Chateau Manzanillo about 300 yards is the white sandy, 5 mile long beaches of Santiago Bay. Along the beach are shops, artisan markets & restaurants. North of town, at km 30-1/2, you'll see a small sign directing you to this little-known beach with a very famous history. the untouched spectacular beauty of this area will never be forgotten. But how did this "Beach of Gold" get its name? True, visitors are treated to miles of golden sand flecked with bits of mica, but the area's name originates with a shipwreck.

In July of 1862 a paddle steamship called the "Golden Gate" sailed from San Francisco with 337 people and $1,400,000 of gold. Off the coast of this beach, the Golden Gate caught fire and sunk. Only 80 people were saved and the gold was lost. In 1864, several cases of gold were recovered, but the majority remained until an American, who lives in Manzanillo today, headed a massive salvage operation in the 1960s.

Since the major part of the wreckage was located less that 50 yards off shore (where the treacherous waves break), it is believed that much of the gold still remains to be discovered. Locals tell stories of an occasional gold coin found washed up on the "Beach of Gold." Whether or not a trip to this beach nets you any treasure, it is still excellent for beachcombing, nude sun bathing or walking.

The cliffs overlooking the sea are breathtaking, and are covered by several types of cactus. In one rock close to the sea there's a small cave where you'll find a family of bats, and there's plenty of scrap wood for a campfire. 

Peña Blanca

Another unpopulated beach is Peña Blanca, km 24, where Rancho Peña Blanca offers ATV adventures and Jeep tours to this once quiet haven. Fortunately they don't have much business as yet, so the long expanse of beach is still unpopulated. During various times of the year, the beach is closed so that the endangered turtles may lay their eggs. During that time human volunteers and Mexican Navy personnel, who guard against poachers, protect the beach. The area got its name from the great rock pinnacle, visible from the beach, called Peña Blanca, or "White Rock," after the bird droppings that give it its color.

Playa L'Recif

A small, pebble-strewn beach where the wave action is spectacular. When calm, the diving and snorkeling is great because of the huge coral reef just a few yards off shore.

Come just for the view, both above and below the water. A word of caution: at this site the ocean conditions can change rather quickly, so if you plan to be in the water be aware at all times. The photo-taking opportunities from the top of the hill will make your trip enjoyable, no matter what.

La Boquita

Just North of Chateau Manzanillo are the beaches of Santiago Bay that stretch for 5 miles. At the northernmost point, where the lagoon empties into the sea, is a popular locals beach, which is busy on weekends. Mild surf (no surf in the lagoon) is its main attractions, and the small, thatched-roof ramadas serves excellent seafood.

Museum

The Museum of Archaeology and History is an excellent way to explore the cultural past of the Mexican west. It displays over 1,800 figurines and dishes from the Comala, Capacha, Periquillos, Colima and Armería cultures, out of a collection of 18,000. Make sure you visit the reproduction of the two shaft tombs that correspond to the Comala phase that lasted from 300 to 500 AD. If you would like to take home a souvenir from Manzanillo, the Shell Museum carries a wide range of typical handicrafts made on the coast. You will also be able to watch artisans fashioning their beautiful craftwork.