To the south, Manzanillo Bay is a non-traditional dive destination. Unlike many Mexican resort areas, the reefs here are still pristine and growing. In addition to reefs, divers will also find underwater fissures, swim-through archways, tunnels, and sea mounds with visible lava flows.
As an added bonus, Manzanillo Bay is home to a highly penetrable wreck. You will also be treated to astounding visibility that often reaches 100 feet (30 meters). Be aware that strong currents can ravage the area, especially in the sites outside the bay, and many of the sites along the rocky wall experience heavy surge around full and new moons. At other times, the sites close to shore are perfect for beginners with only gentle current.
November to May is considered the best time to dive offshore sites in Central Mexico, because the sea conditions in the Pacific are calmest during these months. The weather is good too; generally it’s sunny with an occasional rain shower.
If you love diving with pelagic species, book your holiday between November and May.
June to October is the offseason for liveaboards and general tourism in the area. However, at this time, the water warms significantly, reaching 84°F (26°C) in August and September. For many divers, especially beginners who will find the open ocean sites difficult to reach, the summer months are an ideal time to dive.
The Playa de Oro International Airport is a smaller airport located around 40 minutes north of Manzanillo. Offering both national and international flights to the USA and Canada, this is the closest airport to the city. Manzanillo can also be reached from the north and south along highway 200 so arrival from Puerto Vallarta, Colima and other surrounding cities is a possibility.
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