Manzanillo is a peaceful and friendly community. The people have survived for the past hundred years by harvesting coconut and cocao (chocolate), hunting, fishing and lobster diving. The interdependent and close-knit lifestyle of the community can be seen in shared activities such as child-rearing, building a house, and sharing the daily news under the town’s central almond tree. As recently as 1985, the first road was completed to Manzanillo, linking it to the outside world. Since then, Manzanillo has developed slowly as a unique Eco-tour destination. Dugout boats take the place of cars in this community not yet taken up by the 20th century. The town itself sits within the boundaries of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

The temperatures on this part of the coast don’t vary much. Normal daytime temperatures are about 85 degrees F. during the day and 70 degrees F. during the night. The ocean and inner reef is safe for all water sports. The water is warm (about 82-85 degrees F.) which invites swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, and diving.

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a nationally protected area which includes tropical rainforest on land, and coral reef off-shore. It includes a stunning array of animal and plant species. The blue-green Caribbean waters are home to a myriad of brilliant tropical fish and marine animals. The living reef is made up of a surprising variety of corals, sponges and crustaceans, and is home to lobsters, eels, sea stars and other fascinating creatures. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut palms, an important crop for past and present local residents.

Lush tropical rainforest directly behind the beach and village is home to innumerable species of animals, birds, insects and plants, including monkeys, sloths, parrots, butterflies, frogs, crocodiles, jaguar, tapirs, flowers and medicinal plants- only to name a few!