Explore on your own rating

Colima, including Manzanillo, is rated Level 4 (Do not travel) by the U.S. State Department: if you go ashore, stay with a ship's tour or keep to the central tourist and port areas.

Where ships dock

  • Manzanillo cruise terminal in the city centre, separate from the commercial port (ships berth alongside)

Getting to town

Leave by the authorised passenger exit on the Avenida Morelos side. The Jardín Álvaro Obregón, the Malecón and the blue Pez Vela (sailfish) monument are a short, flat walk of about 5 to 15 minutes.

Taxis serve the terminal exit but are not metered: agree the full fare, in pesos, and any waiting time before you get in. Playa La Audiencia is roughly 15 to 25 minutes by taxi.

Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.

Top sights nearby

  • Pez Vela sailfish monument and the Malecón
  • Jardín Álvaro Obregón (main square)
  • Playa La Audiencia (taxi)
  • Colima and Comala (long tour)

Beaches

  • La Audiencia (taxi)
  • Miramar and La Boquita (taxi)

Safety & tips

  • U.S. State Department warning: Colima state, including Manzanillo, is rated Level 4, Do not travel, due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping (Mexico advisory issued May 29, 2026). U.S. government employees may only visit Manzanillo's central tourist and port areas: the historic centre and Malecón, the hotel zone, Península de Santiago/Las Hadas and Club Santiago. Read the advisory before deciding to go ashore.
  • This is Manzanillo in Colima, Mexico, not the Panamanian port of the same name.
  • Carry pesos in small notes; card acceptance is patchy at beaches.
  • Check the U.S. State Department advisory for Colima state before you go ashore.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

Leave the beaches an hour before all-aboard and agree your taxi's return pickup time in advance.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Shore excursions that get you back on time

Prefer a guided option in Manzanillo? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.

Find Manzanillo shore excursions on Viator ↗

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick answers

Can you explore Manzanillo on your own?

A tour is the easier choice. Colima, including Manzanillo, is rated Level 4 (Do not travel) by the U.S. State Department: if you go ashore, stay with a ship's tour or keep to the central tourist and port areas.

How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Manzanillo?

Leave by the authorised passenger exit on the Avenida Morelos side. The Jardín Álvaro Obregón, the Malecón and the blue Pez Vela (sailfish) monument are a short, flat walk of about 5 to 15 minutes.

When should I head back to the ship in Manzanillo?

Leave the beaches an hour before all-aboard and agree your taxi's return pickup time in advance.

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📚 Sources