La Manzanilla is the jewel of the Happy Coast, (Costa Alegre) on the Central Pacific Coast of Mexico. Just three hours south of Puerto Vallarta by car or three hours by plane from Los Angeles (via Manzanillo Airport accessed by Alaska Airlines two times per-day, seven days a week.) La Manzanilla is easy to access but will leave you feeling worlds apart.
A quiet fishing village in style and atmosphere La Manzanilla sits on the arching and calm Tenacatita Bay. The lagoon, coastline and coastal tidal waters are a federally protected ecological zone. Guided tours into the lagoon reveal animals including, alligators, heron, ibises, egrets and kingfishers, a truly exciting nature experience. Ocean and beach animals include porpoises, whales, frigates, pelicans, cormorants and more.
The bay is home to some of the best fishing in Mexico including huachinango, tuna, dorado, jack, and sailfish. It also provides safe harbor for many sailboats and power yachts. Gently sloping with gentle waves it is perfect for swimming, children, kayaking or long moonlight walks. In addition to all this enjoy horseback riding, snorkeling, hiking, mountain biking, yoga and some of Mexico’s best golf courses as close as Tamarindo (10 minutes away) and Isla Navidad.
In the words of Washington Post,
“The town lies cupped in the protected southeastern reach of the Bay of Tenacatita, and even water-sissies like me can spend hours boogie-boarding the soft, rolling wavelets, riding right up onto the beach, with a bathing suit full of sand and the kind of silly grin you see on a 6-year-old, sure of her safe delivery to shore.”
La Manzanilla is rustic but with access to the best in authentic Mexican cuisine, seafood, and culture as well as modern amenities. Want to experience authentic Mexico, Mexico dreamy, Mexico fun, Mexico relaxed, historical and idylic. Visit La Manzanilla on the Happy Coast.