Getting Here and Around

Transportation in Mexico caters to those on a weekend getaway or the seasoned adventure seeker.  In either case, arriving at CocoCabañas is both safe and relatively simple.  Here are the options: 

Arriving by Air

Arriving in the Barra de Navidad area is now very easy due to the proximity of Manzanillo International Airport  (ZLO), located just 20 minutes from CocoCabañas.

If traveling from the U.S. or Canada, check with Alaska Airlines, Continental, Delta and America West for flights.  (Many flights to Manzanillo are only seasonal).  In addition most Mexican airlines have daily or weekly flights to Manzanillo.  From the airport you can either rent a car or take a taxi directly to CocoCabañas (350 pesos/$35).  Private transportation may also be arranged in advance. 

If flying to Manzanillo is not feasible, you may also arrive via Puerto Vallarta (PVL), which is 3 hours by car or 4 hours by bus ($20 each way).  More experienced travelers may elect to arrive in Guadalajara GDL which is 4 hours by car or 5 hours by bus ($30 each way).  In either case, you may rent a car or take a taxi from the airport to the central de autobuses (main bus terminal).  From there, take either the ETN or Primera Plus line to Barra de Navidad and enjoy a very comfortable and scenic ride to the beach. 

Arriving by Bus

Contrary to popular misconception, traveling by bus in Mexico is both extremely comfortable, safe and reliable.  To arrive directly by bus from Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo or Colima City, look for ETN or Primera Plus at the central de autobuses (bus station) and ask for a ticket to Barra de Navidad.  ETN and Primera Plus also offer connections from most other major cities in Mexico via Guadalajara or Manzanillo.

Once you step off the bus in Barra de Navidad, walk one block towards town to the taxi corner and tell the driver to take you to CocoCabañas on Isla de Navidad (150 pesos/$15 dollars).  Or if you’re Spanish is linguistically challenged, show him/her your printed copy of the driving instructions  (driving instructions in JPEG) en español to avoid any confusion. 

OR... 

Adventuresome travelers with light luggage may walk through town to the malecón (boardwalk) and take either the public water taxi (10 pesos/$1) or hire a private lancha (prices vary) to take you across the lagoon to the dock in the small fishing village of Colimilla. When you arrive at the dock, feel free to relax at Mary´s restaurant for great seafood and beverages.  Let her know that you’re guests at CocoCabañas and she can call us for a ride to pick you up.  Or give us a call on your way through town and we’ll be happy to pick you up at the dock on the other side of the lagoon!   Click here for a printable map.(driving instructions in JPEG)

Renting a Car/Jeep

Renting a Car or Jeep is an excellent idea for those wishing to indecently explore the area’s multitude of hidden beaches, scenic towns and other attractions with maximum flexibility.  Cars and Jeeps are available at the Manzanillo airport or in Barra at Crazy Cactus.  (01-315-355-9124). 

Driving Instructions

Leaving the Manzanillo airport head north on HWY 200.  About 5 minutes after passing through Cihuatlan look for the turn off on your left to Isla de Navidad/La Culebra and the signs for the Grand Bay Hotel. Follow the road for 9km/6 miles and look for the CocoCabaña’s sign on your left just after the 3 large topes (speedbumps).  If you arrive at the entrance to the Grand Bay you have gone too far.  Turn around and go back about 400 meters or ¼ of a mile. Click here for a printable map. (driving instructions in JPEG)

If coming from Barra de Navidad/Puerto Vallarta direction, head south on HWY 200.  Go for about 10 minutes until you see the turnoff for Isla de Navidad/La Culebra.  You will be sure not to miss the incredible “million palm vista” unless it is late at night, when it might just be bathed in a soft moonlight.  Follow the road for 9km/6 miles and look for the sign on your left just after the 3 large topes (speed bumps).  If you arrive at the entrance to the Grand Bay you have gone too far.  Turn around and go back about 400 meters or ¼ of a mile.  Click here for a printable map. 

GETTING AROUND 

CocoCabañas sits along a relatively quiet stretch of beach outside of town.  It is incredibly relaxing, as you will hear virtually no noise from traffic or of any other kind except of course for the ocean. 

In order to provide easy access to and from Barra de Navidad, CocoCabañas has a few beach cruiser bicycles, which may be used by guests for just a small maintenance fee to explore the peninsula or travel to and from town via Colimilla.  The bike ride to the dock in Colimilla is 2.8 miles-4.5 km and takes around fifteen minutes.   

You may wish to stop in Colimilla for outstanding local seafood.  The restaurants in Colimilla have delightful views of the lagoon and it’s abundant bird life, while the occasional native vender might come by to show you their wares.  Once you’re satisfied and ready to move on, leave your bike chained  at Mary's restaurant or put it on the lancha (small water taxi) and take it with you to explore Barra on bike.  Take either the public water taxi (10 pesos/$1) or hire a private lancha (prices vary) to take you on a tour or just across the lagoon.   As part of our first class service mantra, we’ll gladly arrange tours, adventures, taxis as well as other transportation services for you.  Click on act activities for more information on things to do. 

For those unable or not wishing to use the bike, we’d be happy to provide transportation to the Colimilla dock when possible (advance notice is helpful).  From the Colimilla dock it is just a picturesque five-minute boat ride across the lagoon into the heart of Barra de Navidad.  If you’re planning to have a late night in town, you will probably have to return via taxi (prices may vary depending on level of intoxication ~$15).   

A note from the staff: If there are any doubts or uncertainties, or if CocoCabañas can assist you in any way to book travel or reservations, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email.  We’d only be too happy to help!