Manzanillo has long marketed itself as a capital of sailfish fishing on Mexico's Pacific coast, and its offshore waters see strong sailfish activity for much of the year, which is why the city hosts organized sportfishing tournaments. Charters here are typically half- or full-day trips heading out from the marina in search of sailfish, with marlin, dorado and tuna also possible depending on conditions. This is a fishing-focused excursion rather than a casual boat ride, aimed at people who want to actually fish rather than just be on the water.
Manzanillo's Marina Las Hadas is the departure point for the city's well-known sailfish and sportfishing charters, a trade that has earned Manzanillo its reputation as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Charter boats leave the marina early in the morning, typically before 8:00AM, heading offshore into waters known for Pacific sailfish, marlin, dorado, and tuna depending on the season. Boats range from smaller pangas to larger cabin cruisers, generally shared among a small group of anglers with a captain and mate handling tackle and technique. A typical charter runs a half day to a full day, with catch-and-release standard practice for sailfish and marlin under most operators. The marina itself, framed by the white Moorish architecture of the adjoining Las Hadas resort, is worth a look even for non-anglers, with the best photos of departing boats taken in the early morning light. November through March is peak sailfish season, when the marina is busiest and charter demand is highest, so booking a day or two ahead is advisable during that window.
| Admission | Adult Half-day sailfish charters roughly MXN 6,000-9,000 (~USD 354-531) per boat, shared among a small group · Child Reduced rate on shared charters where offered |
|---|---|
| Hours | Charter boats typically depart daily around 7:00AM-8:00AM |
| Typical visit | Half day to full day |
| Best time | November-March, peak sailfish season that gives Manzanillo its Sailfish Capital of the World reputation |
| Getting there | About 20 minutes by taxi from downtown Manzanillo |
| Address | Marina Las Hadas, Península de Santiago, 28860 Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico |
Location
Marina Las Hadas, Península de Santiago, 28860 Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico
19.1064, -104.3572 View on map
Highlights
- Sportfishing charters for Pacific sailfish, marlin, and dorado
- Marina setting beside the Moorish-style Las Hadas resort
- Early-morning departures with experienced local captains
- Peak sailfish season November-March
Tips for visiting
- Book charters a day or two ahead during the November-March peak sailfish season
- Bring sun protection and motion-sickness remedies for the offshore trip
- Confirm catch-and-release policy with the operator before departure
- Split the shared boat cost among a group to reduce the per-person price
When to visit
November-March, peak sailfish season that gives Manzanillo its Sailfish Capital of the World reputation.
Accessibility
Boarding fishing boats involves stepping down from the dock and moving around a moving vessel, which is generally not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility limitations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Charters run a half day to a full day, typically departing around 7:00AM-8:00AM.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children with fishing interest can join most charters, though the early departure and open-water conditions are less suited to very young children.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is unrestricted on the boats and at the marina, and photos of the catch before release are common.