Walking along the beach – which stretches for miles to the north – is a favorite pastime. Beachcombers frequently find interesting seashells and can participate in the release of baby sea turtles near Boca de Iguana at different times of the season.

A well-protected and world-famous anchorage a few miles from town is home every December through June to a fleet of sailboats and cruising power yachts from the U.S. and Canada. The captains, crews and guests frequently anchor on the beach in front of La Manzanilla to eat at local restaurants and stock up on supplies for their boats.

La Manzanilla is home to a crocodile refuge and mangrove swamp that is studied by wildlife researchers all the time. Adventure tours through the refuge – in kayaks – are available, though most visitors are content to watch these prehistoric leviathans paddle slowly around the swamp in plain view.

A short drive north from La Manzanilla takes you to the small fishing village of Tenacatita on the northwest part of Tenacatita Bay, featuring fabulous seafood restaurants, snorkeling in clear water and swimming. Yachts anchor off the beach and guests and crew swim to shore to enjoy the views – and the food.

La Manzanilla’s fishermen bring in huge catches of huachinango [red snapper], tuna, dorado, jack, and sailfish every day. Even the small fish make excellent ceviche.

The warm sunny days are enjoyed by iguanas, too, who can be seen sunning themselves around town and frequently high up in the trees.

Veteran La Manzanilla visitors – and residents – will tell you that the legendary ‘green flash’ at sunset is a real phenomenon that occurs many times a year.

Local residents and tourists never get tired of the beautiful sunsets along the Tenacatita Bay beach.

Street vendors selling everything from fruit juice to tacos line the downtown streets of La Manzanilla every day and evening. And the town square (el Jardin) is frequently the scene of music and dancing in the evening, sometimes with vendors selling clothing, jewelry and beach accessories.

The gentle surf of the beach in front of La Manzanilla makes it an ideal place for swimming and boating. Kayakers enjoy the small surf but can also paddle out along the rocks and see fish and other marine life directly below.

Spectacular views of the town and the bay can be found a short walk up the hills in the village.

The beaches along Tenacatita Bay give plenty of room for all sorts of uses, including horses, bicycles, motor scooters and the occasional quads.