- just around the corner

Twenty minutes south on Highway 200 will take you to the town of Melaque also known as San Patricio. Barra de Navidad and beautiful Cuastecomate are each just a few minutes further on. Melaque is the nearest major town for most civilized needs: ATM, post office, stores and markets, restaurants and lots of shops. Barra is more of a tourist town with restaurants, hotels and a water park with swimming pools and slides.

Or, after a twenty minute drive to the opposite end of the bay from La Manzanilla you will find Tenacatita. Protected from the waves, it hosts a white coral reef excellent for snorkeling and is lined with restaurants where you can watch your meal come out of the water before it is prepared for you. Boca de Iguanas is located just up the beach from La Manzanilla, you can walk or drive if you want to experience bigger surf.

Satisfy an errant craving for luxury at one of two resorts, also located within a 20 minute drive. Tamarindo is an exclusive five-star on it’s own private bay, Blue Bay Los Angeles Locos caters mostly to families and Mexican tourism and its sister resort, Punta Serena features a full service spa. Reserve ahead for dinner or a day pass.

- day trips and adventures

If you’re ready for more adventure, day or overnight trips can take you to the port/resort city of Manzanillo with it’s bustle and night life or visit the Cuyutlán turtle sanctuary and buy a kilo of sea salt for a song. World class surfing can be found at Boca de Pascuales. Then take a day to visit colonial gem Colima, maybe it’s volcano will be putting on a show.

In the opposite direction, the Costa de Careyes awaits, investigate miles of beaches where you just may find you have the place all to yourself. Bahia Chamela and its beaches Careyes and El Tecuán are but a few you may discover.

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