Day trips

Day trips worth making

Barra works best as a base for doing very little, but a few nearby trips are worth the effort if you want variety.

Colimilla and the lagoon (about 10 minutes by boat)

Barely a “trip,” but the essential one. A short lancha ride across the lagoon lands you at waterside palapa restaurants for grilled fish and calm-water swimming. Do this even if you do nothing else. Worth it.

Melaque (about 10 to 15 minutes)

The larger town around the bay, reachable by a quick taxi or local bus. Bigger beach, busier plaza, cheaper eats, more of the everyday. Worth it as a half-day change of scene, especially for the plaza in the evening.

Costalegre beaches heading north (30 minutes to a couple of hours by car)

The coast north toward Puerto Vallarta is dotted with quieter coves and beach towns like Tenacatita and Boca de Iguanas. Some have calm swimming and snorkeling that Barra’s open beach lacks. Worth it if you have a car and want a beach-hopping day; not worth the hassle by bus.

Manzanillo (about 45 minutes to one hour south)

The nearest real city and airport, with bigger beaches and more services. Fine as a practical stop or an errand run, but it is a working port city rather than a charmer. Worth it only if you specifically want the city; otherwise skip it and stay put.

Travel times are approximate; confirm locally before you set out.