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You can visit the Colima Volcano,
one of the worlds most active Volcanoe, scuba diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, tennis and horseback riding. Old downtown Manzanillo with 500 years of tradition and culture. Puerto Vallarta Is 120nm north, about a 3 hour drive.
Children will love this special place. Down the Mexican Riviera
coastline on a 45 minute palm tree lined drive from Manzanillo to Cuyutlan
to visit EL Totrugario.
The purpose of El Tortugario is to protect sea turtles, iguanas and crocodiles from future extinction. Located South Of Manzanillo Mexico.
They had built a modest house on an ocean front lot
up the road. John the camerman from NBC, did an informative interview with
Robert. El Tortugario had a great group of people working
together for a very noble and worthy cause.
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Playa de Oro
Below Chateau Manzanillo about 300 yards is the white sandy, 5 mile long beaches of Santiago Bay.
Get
your sandals from Island Surf
because there is some great walking along the bay.
Along the beach are shops, artisan markets & restaurants. North of town, at km 30-1/2, you'll see a small sign directing you to this little-known beach with a very famous history. As you drive 7 km on a washed-out cobblestone road, you may start to wonder what all the fuss is about, but once there, the untouched spectacular beauty of this area will never be forgotten. But how did this "Beach of Gold" get its name? True, visitors are treated to miles of golden sand flecked with bits of mica, but the area's name originates with a shipwreck.
In July of 1862 a paddle steamship called the "Golden Gate" sailed from San Francisco with 337 people and $1,400,000 of gold. Off the coast of this beach, the Golden Gate caught fire and sunk. Only 80 people were saved and the gold was lost. In 1864, several cases of gold were recovered, but the majority remained until an American, who lives in Manzanillo today, headed a massive salvage operation in the 1960s.
Since the major part of the wreckage was located less that 50 yards off shore (where the treacherous waves break), it is believed that much of the gold still remains to be discovered. Locals tell stories of an occasional gold coin found washed up on the "Beach of Gold." Whether or not a trip to this beach nets you any treasure, it is still excellent for beachcombing, nude sun bathing or walking.
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The cliffs overlooking the sea are breathtaking, and are covered by several types of cactus. In one rock close to the sea there's a small cave where you'll find a family of bats, and there's plenty of scrap wood for a campfire.
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Peña Blanca
Another unpopulated beach is Peña Blanca, km 24, where Rancho Peña Blanca offers ATV adventures and Jeep tours to this once quiet haven. Fortunately they don't have much business as yet, so the long expanse of beach is still unpopulated. During various times of the year, the beach is closed so that the endangered turtles may lay their eggs. During that time the beach is protected by human volunteers and Mexican Navy personnel, who guard against poachers. The area got its name from the great rock pinnacle, visible from the beach, called Peña Blanca, or "White Rock," after the bird droppings that give it its color.
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Playa L'Recif
A small, pebble-strewn beach where the wave action can be spectacular. When calm, the diving and snorkeling is great because of the huge coral reef just a few yards off shore.
Come just for the view, both above and below the water. A word of caution: at this site the ocean conditions can change rather quickly, so if you plan to be in the water be aware at all times. The photo-taking opportunities from the top of the hill will make your trip enjoyable, no matter what.
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La Boquita
Just North of Chateau Manzanillo are the beaches of Santiago Bay that stretch for 5 miles. At the northernmost point, where the lagoon empties into the sea, is a popular locals beach, which is busy on weekends. Mild surf (no surf in the lagoon) is its main attractions, and the small, thatched-roof ramadas serves excellent seafood.
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