Manzanillo is famous for its fishing, particularly sailfish. Marlin and sailfish are abundant year-round. Winter is best for dolphin fish and dorado (mahimahi); in summer, wahoo and rooster fish are in greater supply. The international sailfish competition is held around the November 20 Revolution Day holiday, and the national sailfish competition is in February. You can arrange fishing through Villas Caribe concierge or directly at the fishermen's cooperative (tel. 314/332-1031), located downtown where the fishing boats moor. Call from 7am to 7pm. A fishing boat is approximately $40 to $65 per hour, with most trips lasting about 5 hours.

MANZANILLO HAS BEEN TOUTED as the "Sailfish Capital of the World," made famous by the fishing tournaments held in November and February, with prizes worth thousands of dollars. OCEAN PACIFIC ADVENTURES offers the beginner and experienced angler deep sea fishing action in the "Sailfish Capital of the World"! Owners Sam and Marilyn Short have been running fishing charters for 10 years and have placed in many of the fishing tournaments held annually. Their personalized service and expertise is well known in Manzanillo. Ocean Pacific Adventures has the only boats that will "catch and release" if you desire.

Underworld Scuba - (tel./fax 314/333-0642; cell 314/358-0327; www.gomanzanillo.com), owned by longtime resident and local diving expert Susan Dearing, conducts highly professional diving expeditions and classes. Underwater Scuba warm enthusiasm and intimate knowledge of the area make this one top recommended for dive outfitters in Mexico. Many locations are so close to shore that there's no need for a boat. Close-in dives include the jetty with coral growing on the rocks at 14m (45 ft.), and a nearby sunken frigate downed in 1959 at 8m (28 ft.). Divers can see abundant sea life, including coral reefs, seahorses, giant puffer fish, and moray eels. A dive requiring a boat costs $60 per person for one tank (with a three-person minimum), or $70 for two tanks ($10 discount if you have your own equipment). You can also rent weights and a tank for beach dives for $10. A three-stop snorkel trip costs $35. All guides are certified divemasters, and the shop offers certification classes (PADI, YMCA, and CMAS) in very intensive courses of various durations.