Mexican Riviera

January 17, 2008

Carnival Spirit

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Manzanillo

The person posting said they went to the beach where the movie "10" was filmed and then went out on a snorkel trip from there.  They said the beach was gorgeous and the snorkeling was excellent.

http://www.gomanzanillo.com/beaches/more.htm

Day trip info

Audiencia Beach

A charming, usually tranquil cove that divides both bays is Playa Audiencia. It was the original site of all the beach scenes from the movie "10," with Bo Derek and Dudley Moore. That was before the 5-star Hotel Tesoro (formerly Hotel Sierra) was built 17 years ago. The Tesoro has one of the most beautiful locations in all of Manzanillo, and this beach has a variety of water sports. Jet skis, kayaks, boogie boards, inner tubes and banana boat rides are available on the beach. Both sides of Audiencia, near the rocks, are great for snorkeling and diving. On the north side is a seafood restaurant with prices for a plate no higher than $9. There are umbrellas, sling-back chairs and tables for rent right on the beach; just place your order at the restaurant and they'll deliver it to your selected shady spot. If you want souvenirs, or "Bo Derek mini-braids" (trensitas), visit the small tianguis market near the street entrance.


Playa Las Brisas

The Las Brisas Beach is considered one of the nicest in Manzanillo, because it's clean, safe and deserted most of the time. The two-mile stretch (also part of Manzanillo Bay) ends at the entrance to Manzanillo's harbor.

Today, Las Brisas is a dead-end peninsula, but at one time the road led directly to Manzanillo. The area has many older, inexpensive hotels., small sidewalk cafes, and numerous businesses. At the end, near the jetty, scuba diving and snorkeling are perfect watersports. More laid-back tourists like to watch the ships come and go from the port. It is a rare day when you won't be able to see large ships anchored outside the port, or cruising to deliver their cargo.


Not bad, either.

La Boquita

The beaches of Santiago Bay stretch for 5 miles. At the northernmost point, where the lagoon empties into the sea, is a popular local's beach, which is busy on weekends. Mild surf (no surf in the lagoon) is its main attraction, and the small, thatched-roof ramadas serve excellent seafood.

Various activities are available for the young and young-at-heart, from horseback riding, boogie-boarding, banana boat rides, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. It's great for shopping, too. Bargain with the vendors for hammocks, toys, jewelry, T-shirts and more!

Start out your delicious seafood lunch with a shrimp cocktail (Mexican style), or fresh oysters and clams caught that morning by the local fishermen. At Marildo's (our favorite restaurant), choose from a varied menu of seafood for the main course, such as shrimp, filet of dorado, red snapper, or lobster.

A specialty is "pescado sarandeado," which is fresh red snapper grilled on a mesquite fire, and brushed with a tangy sauce. Another specialty is "almejas de la talla," or clams grilled over mesquite in their shells. The opened clams are filled with a mixture of Magi and Worcestershire sauces, cilantro and onions, then placed over the fire. Melted butter is then dribbled on to make the grill flare up and quick cook them. Unbelievable! While you're enjoying one of the best seafood lunches in Manzanillo, have the strolling musicians play you a few Mariachi tunes while you drink a cold brew under the shady palapa. Ahhh....

The umbrellas are for rent for only $8 per day. Bring your lunch, or have the restaurant serve you shrimp or fresh oysters under your personal "sombrilla."

Half the fun is sampling all the home made treats, such as "raspadas" (snow cones). Enjoy a coconut (drink the milk and eat the meat with lime, salt and salsa)! Other treats are mangos on sticks, and "coco locos," a drink you can enjoy fresh out of the coconut, loaded with several types of liquor, such as tequila, rum, vodka & gin. Do you wonder why it is called a "coco loco"!

Playa Las Hadas

Playa Las Hadas is a man-made beach on the south side of the Las Hadas marina, and officially starts Manzanillo Bay. It can only be accessed by Las Hadas guests, or guests of other hotels with Las Hadas privileges. It is normally a very calm beach, due to the construction of a jetty around the marina. Sailboats often anchor in the protected harbor just off the beach. You can pay for a "day pass" and have access to the Las Hadas hotel and beach. Depending on the time of year, prices range from $20-50 USD for the pass. The money you pay can be used up in Las Hadas services, such as food and beverages.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=591200

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=489044

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=543671

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=411206

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...fic_Coast.html




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