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!

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