Playa La Boquita is a beach at the western end of Bahía de Santiago, in Manzanillo on the Pacific coast of Colima, Mexico. Mountains rise around the bay, and the sand and shallow shoreline catch a gold shimmer in the sun. Families with young children come for the gentler water on calm days and for room to spread out away from the busy restaurant rows. Between swims, you can eat seafood under palm-roofed ramadas, drink iced coconut, or walk the trail into the hills toward abandoned houses.
Getting there and parking
Playa La Boquita sits in the Miramar area of Manzanillo. If you drive, there is a free parking lot and a paid one, and you can also find free and paid street parking nearby.
Without a car, you can reach the beach by taxi or bus. From the road, expect a walk of 20 to 25 minutes along the sand.
The beach and the water
The beach is cleaner and more open on its main stretch than the busier areas along the bay. The sand gleams gold when wet and shows a silver shine where it is dry, and some visitors notice small metallic sparks across the beach.
The current is not especially strong, and the mountains around the bay give the beach a sheltered feel. On windy days, however, the waves can be large and rough. The shore is also rockier in some places, particularly to the left.
The beach is one of the places where local fishing competitions are held. Fishermen often start and end their days here, so you may see boats and nets at the water's edge early in the morning.
Restaurant zone and open sand
The restaurant zone has the most activity, with umbrellas set close together and vendors walking the sand. If you want quiet, walk past it toward the open stretches, where there is plenty of room.
Vendors move up and down the beach through the day. Many offer water toys, souvenirs and snacks, and they are part of the beach's character.
Hiking, snorkeling and food
A trail climbs into the mountains above the beach and passes abandoned houses, which makes a good walk before or after a swim. Camping areas are also available in the area.
For snorkelers, a shipwreck lies about 500 meters offshore. The lagoon next to the beach can make the water murkier near the shore, so the wreck is the reason many people go out past the shallows.
The ramadas serve seafood, and informal restaurants sell iced coconuts. Sit in the shade of a palm-frond palapa, order a plate of seafood, and take your time between swims.
Preguntas frecuentes
How do I get to Playa La Boquita without a car?
Take a taxi or a bus and walk in. From the road, allow 20 to 25 minutes along the beach.
Is there parking at Playa La Boquita?
Yes. There is a free parking lot, a paid parking lot, and both free and paid street parking.
How much do umbrellas cost?
Umbrella rental has been around 180 pesos. Prices can change, so ask before you pay.
Can you snorkel here?
Yes. A shipwreck lies about 500 meters offshore, and snorkelers explore it.
