Half-Day Manzanillo City Tour: Bays, Miramar Beach & Iguanario

Summary

Discover Manzanillo: Local Wildlife, Beaches & Handcrafts

You’ll get to see both sides of Manzanillo—its lively beaches and its quieter corners—plus meet locals and spot wildlife you’d never find on your own. If you want more than just sunbathing, this tour gives you a real slice of the city.

What’s the experience like?

Salt air hit my face as we rolled along the curve of the Santiago Peninsula. The driver slowed so we could catch that first wide-open view of both Manzanillo and Santiago bays—fishing boats bobbing in the distance, pelicans gliding low. Our guide, Javier, pointed out where the movie “10” was filmed. I’d never realized how much history these beaches held.

We made a quick stop at Miramar Beach. The sand felt warm under my sandals, and you could smell grilled fish from a nearby palapa. Vendors had their tables out—woven hats, painted ceramics, little wooden turtles. I picked up a hand-painted mug after chatting with Doña Rosa about her favorite local fruits (she swears by the guanábana).

The Iguanario Archundia sanctuary was next. It’s tucked away behind a simple gate—easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Inside, hundreds of iguanas lounged on tree branches or sunbathed on rocks. There were also raccoons and wild boars; you could hear them rustling in the leaves. The guide here knew every animal by name—he even let us feed a few slices of mango to the iguanas. It’s not something you’d stumble on without a local showing you.

Before heading back, we paused at a lookout spot above the city. The breeze picked up and you could see both bays stretching out below—cargo ships on one side, surfers on the other. Someone handed out cold sodas; honestly, it hit the spot after all that walking. The whole tour felt relaxed but full—you see the real Manzanillo, not just the postcards.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manzanillo Bay and Local Wildlife

• Sightseeing at Manzanillo and Santiago bays
• Sightseeing and souvenir shopping
• View local handcrafts and buy souvenirs
• Visit local wildlife sanctuary
• See local tropical fruits
• Brief stop for scenic view

Top questions

Is this Manzanillo city tour suitable for kids or seniors?

Yes! The tour is easy-paced and accessible for all ages. There are spots to rest and everything’s stroller and wheelchair friendly.

Can I buy souvenirs or local crafts during the tour?

Absolutely. There are stops at Miramar Beach and local markets where you can pick up handmade crafts and gifts.

What animals can we see at the Iguanario?

You’ll spot iguanas everywhere, plus raccoons, badgers, wild boars, and sometimes even tropical birds.

Is bottled water included?

Yes, bottled water and sodas are provided during the tour to keep you refreshed.

What’s included

Your spot includes guided transport around Manzanillo’s main sights, entry to the Iguanario sanctuary, plus bottled water and soda to keep you cool along the way.