Leave the first footprints of the day in the golden sands of Oro Beach. Look for exotic shells as you stroll along the tidemark and be alert for a dazzling sparkle in the sun. Locals say that gold pieces still wash up here from a shipwreck that happened over 150 years ago. Find a quiet place to sunbathe and enjoy a peaceful afternoon with a book and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.
Oro Beach is one of the most secluded and remote beaches in the Manzanillo area. Many think it gets its name from the golden colour of the sand but the real story is more exciting. In 1862 a ship from San Francisco caught fire a short distance out to sea and $1.4 million in gold sank with it to the ocean floor. Much of the gold has never been recovered. Listen to the tales of people still finding ancient coins washed up with the tide.
Arrive early and you may well have the beach to yourself. The drive to Oro Beach, with a 4-mile (7-kilometre) dirt track before reaching the coast, keeps many people away. Make the effort and you will be rewarded with spectacular high cliffs, crashing surf and uncrowded golden sands.
Choose a spot on the sand to set up camp for the day. Dip your toes in the surf or enjoy beachcombing along the tidemark. Even if you don’t spot any gold, you will certainly find unusual shell specimens to study. After your walk, lie back on your towel and doze off to the sound of the surf and the wind in the trees.
Surfers will enjoy the powerful waves but swimmers should avoid going out when conditions are rough. If you want to stay into the evening, pick up driftwood and build a fire in the sand.
Oro Beach is located 18 miles (30 kilometres) northwest of Manzanillo. You will need your own transportation to get there.
