Manzanillo cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Manzanillo's central cruise terminal to the historic waterfront around the Pez Vela monument.

• Walk: a practical central-town outing from this terminal. The port authority places the cruise facility in the city centre; follow the authorised passenger exit onto the Avenida Morelos side before continuing around the waterfront.
• Taxi: taxis serve the terminal’s pier exit; agree your town destination and fare before boarding.

Sources: port authority terminal study, port operating rules, Colima tourism, checked 2026-10-02.

Orientation, not a walking route

Ships normally berth alongside. Princess identifies the cruise terminal for its calls, and the port authority distinguishes this passenger facility from the commercial port. Use the exit directed by port staff rather than following service roads into other harbour areas.

Remember the terminal entrance as well as the ship's appearance. A waterfront map helps with orientation, but the approved route through the port still governs your return. If assistance is needed, settle the gangway arrangements with the cruise line before leaving the ship.

About this port

Manzanillo combines an active commercial harbour with a town waterfront and beaches around its bays. Cruise passengers use the central cruise terminal, making a modest town visit possible without a long initial transfer. The blue sailfish monument gives you a recognisable focal point for exploring the historic centre.

This is Manzanillo in the Mexican state of Colima, not the similarly named Panamanian port. The beaches promoted under the destination's name spread beyond the central waterfront: decide whether to stay in town or arrange transport to a particular beach rather than expecting the whole resort area at the gangway.

Getting Around

The historic centre is the natural choice on foot. For a beach outing, name the beach when requesting transport: La Audiencia, La Boquita and Miramar are separate destinations. The port's operating rules make provision for taxi services at the cruise terminal; agree the complete fare, currency and return arrangement before setting out.

An excursion to Colima or Comala is a different undertaking from a local beach visit. Princess offers these inland options, but they involve a substantial organised outing. Compare the itinerary with your time ashore and make one the day's main activity rather than an addition after lunch in town.

Things to Do

Historic waterfront and Pez Vela. Start with the sailfish sculpture, then explore the surrounding plazas and waterfront. The state's tourism site identifies the monument as a work by Sebastián. This is the easiest option to shorten when you want a gentle visit or an early return.

A beach outing. Colima tourism promotes La Boquita as a family beach destination. Arrange your return transport before settling in and follow local swimming instructions on the day; an attractive stretch of sand is not automatically suitable for swimming. Official beach guide.

Iguanario Archundia. The tourism board lists this family-run animal attraction at Calle 21 de Marzo 521 in the centre. It offers a smaller-scale alternative to an out-of-town tour. Entry is listed as free, with voluntary donations, checked 2026-10-02. Use the attraction's current visiting arrangements when planning the stop. Visitor details.

Getting back to your ship

Ask your driver for the central cruise terminal, specifying your ship, rather than a generic commercial-port destination. From the beaches, the remaining road journey matters even when the bay makes the ship appear close. From town, allow for the authorised terminal approach and security before the gangway. Keep the ship's all-aboard time, and the clock used aboard, as the basis for every collection arrangement.

Practical Information

Carry water and sun protection, especially if combining the pier walk with time on the waterfront. Choose footwear for walking and bring beach equipment only if it fits your plan. Keep your ship card and the identification requested by your cruise line accessible for re-entry.

For food, the regional tourism guide highlights Colima-style ceviche and pescado zarandeado. A meal in town can be the centrepiece of a short visit; leave enough time to finish comfortably rather than relying on a hurried return from a distant beach.