Manzanillo is situated about 4.5 hours southwest of Chapala and 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta. It is the largest port in Mexico. That being said, the water is not suitable for swimming. Not due to pollution, but because of very strong undertows and rip currents. It is still a beautiful beach to walk on.
If you are interested in renting this property you can contact Jackie and Wynne at https://www.homeaway.com/ property #172887 Elegance Blue, Manzanillo, MX.
Many "snowbirds" escape the brutal cold of the north for the warm tropical beaches of Mexico. We met many very friendly people enjoying long term rentals here.
One meal that was great was the chamorro (pork knuckle) at El Fogon restaurant. It is right across the street from the Gran Pacifico. For 140 pesos ($7) you get a huge pork knuckle with salad, tortillas and refried beans. This dish is easy to share between two people. I forgot to mention dinner also includes a huge plate of chips and salsa that you get for free.
On one of our days in Manzanillo, we took the #1 local bus to Playa Miramar. The cost is 7 pesos (33 cents) per person. It is the closest swimming beach to Manzanillo. It is almost 2 miles long and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Once you cross over from the Santiago peninsula, you will see the beach. Stay on the bus until you get to the far end of beach. Right before the bus turns the corner and heads back up into the hills, get off. If you miss this stop, the very next light is Club Santiago. Get off there and you will have the option of walking back to the beach or walk the tree lined streets through the neighborhoods. Either way it's a 20-30 minute walk to reach Tanilo's Restaurant on the beach in Playa Miramar. Good food and great margaritas are found here daily.
If you take the beach, you will pass the Oasis Beach Club. This is a hot spot for expats and there is always something going on.
To get to this beach, take the #1 local bus to Santiago. Get off at the Primera Plus bus office. Here you catch the Coordinados bus line to Barra de Navidad. The cost is 49 pesos ($2). If you need to wait a little bit, there is great restaurant right across the street called Juanito's for coffee and good eats.
Once in Barra de Navidad, you can sit on the ocean side and watch the surfers or take a 40 peso ($2) boat ride to the island in the middle of the lagoon for a leisurely lunch. Every Thursday there is a local market. So if you need a break from the rigors of sipping margaritas on the beach, you can stroll the aisles of vendors selling their wares.
So, the next time you are looking for a beach destination, look up Manzanillo. It is not as touristy as other beach areas in Mexico, but it would be well worth your time.
~Randy