Overview
Tucked into the Colima coastline on Mexico's Pacific side, Manzanillo is one of the country's most underrated resort towns — famous among anglers as the self-proclaimed "Sailfish Capital of the World" and beloved by golfers, divers and anyone after a quieter alternative to the likes of Cancún or Los Cabos. Twin bays of Santiago and Manzanillo curve around golden-sand beaches, a working port with genuine local character, and resorts like the iconic Las Hadas. For UK travellers, flights to Manzanillo take a bit of planning since there's no non-stop service from Britain, but the connections are straightforward and the reward — a genuinely laid-back slice of the Mexican Riviera — is well worth it.
Best time to fly to Manzanillo
The dry season, roughly November to April, is when Manzanillo is at its best: warm, sunny days, low humidity and calm seas, making it the most popular (and priciest) window for flights to Manzanillo from the UK. May to October is hotter and more humid, with afternoon downpours becoming more frequent as the season goes on; this period also falls within the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, so it's worth keeping an eye on forecasts if you're booking a summer trip. Shoulder months either side of the dry season often bring the best balance of good weather and lower fares — check the When to book chart above for current pricing trends.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Manzanillo from the UK, so the journey involves one change of plane. The most common route is London to Mexico City (British Airways flies this sector non-stop from Heathrow, with Aeromexico also serving it via European gateways), followed by a short domestic hop of around 1 hour 20 minutes to Manzanillo's Playa de Oro Airport (ZLO) with Aeromexico or Volaris. An alternative is routing via a US hub such as Houston, Dallas or Los Angeles on carriers like United, American or Delta, then connecting onward to Manzanillo. All-in, journey times from the UK typically run from around 15 to 19 hours depending on layover length, so it's worth comparing both the Mexico City and US-hub options when searching for cheap flights to Manzanillo.
Things to do in Manzanillo
Once you land, Manzanillo rewards visitors with a mix of watersports, history and low-key glamour:
- Las Hadas Resort & Marina: the whitewashed, Moorish-style resort that put Manzanillo on the map — worth a wander even if you're staying elsewhere.
- Deep-sea sailfishing: charter a boat from the marina and see why anglers travel from across the world for these waters.
- Playa Miramar: the go-to beach for bodyboarding and surfing, with a lively strip of beachfront restaurants.
- Isla Navidad golf course: a championship 27-hole course a short drive north, with sweeping ocean views.
- El Centro and the malecón: Manzanillo's old town retains a proper working-port feel, with a seafront promenade, plazas and a giant sailfish statue at its heart.
At Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO)
Manzanillo's airport sits around 25–30km north of the city centre, near Santiago, and roughly a 30–40 minute drive depending on traffic and which part of the bay you're staying in. Pre-booked private or shared shuttle transfers are the easiest option for UK travellers arriving after a long journey, though official airport taxis and car hire desks are also available. Many hotels along the Santiago and Salagua bays are actually closer to the airport than the old town, so it's worth checking transfer times against your specific accommodation.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Manzanillo
- Book around 2–3 months ahead for the best fares on the London–Mexico City–Manzanillo routing, and earlier still for travel over Christmas or Easter.
- Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) on both legs tends to undercut weekend fares noticeably.
- Stay flexible with dates either side of peak dry-season weeks — even shifting by a few days can open up better pricing.
- Compare both the Mexico City and US-hub connections, as well as Aeromexico versus Volaris for the domestic leg, using the price charts on this page.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourism in Mexico for stays of up to 180 days, but you will need a valid passport and a completed FMM tourist card, which is usually arranged as part of your flight booking or on arrival. The local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN); cards are widely accepted in Manzanillo's hotels and restaurants, though it's sensible to carry some cash for smaller vendors and taxis. No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, though routine travel health advice (and bottled water) is recommended as standard.
