El Tortugario

Central Pacific Coast


This turtle sanctuary, located 4km east of Cuyutlán, has released more than two million green, black and leatherback turtle hatchlings into the wild here. The center also has small iguana and crocodile sanctuaries, swimming pools and a picnic area. Don’t miss the lagoon trips on the Palo Verde Estuary, a nature preserve that’s home to more than 100 bird species, including 257 migratory birds. Lanchas (skiffs) move through mangrove tunnels and past sunbathing crocodiles.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Central Pacific Coast attractions

1. Museo de la Sal

2.81 MILES

This museum, located in an old salt-storage barn a block behind the main plaza, traces the history of the region’s sea salt extraction and economy. All…

2. Playa San Pedrito

20.85 MILES

Around a kilometer from the main plaza, this is the closest beach to the old town, but also the dirtiest.

3. Playa Las Brisas

21.38 MILES

Just across the harbor from the old town, this long stretch of sand is backed by a fast-growing zone of hotels, restaurants and bars. Buses marked 'Las…

4. Playa Azul

23.01 MILES

This 6km-long, curving strip of sand is rather steep and buffeted by Pacific surf, so it's better for sunbathing and walking than swimming. It stretches…

5. Playa La Audiencia

25.1 MILES

Playa La Audiencia, lining a gorgeous cove on the west side of Península de Santiago, has tranquil water and is popular for waterskiing and other noisy…

6. Playa Santiago

25.65 MILES

On the far side of the Península de Santiago from town, this is one of Manzanillo's cleaner beaches and part of the 8km-long Santiago Bay. Buses marked …

7. Playa Olas Altas

26.49 MILES

True to its name (Big Waves Beach), this attractive stretch of sand has lovely surfable breakers and is backed by a handful of simple beach restaurants.

8. Playa Miramar

27.44 MILES

Boasting the best surfing and bodysurfing waves in the area, the long and beautiful Playa Miramar is an ideal place to take the plunge and rent a…