With its stunning desert-meets-sea landscape, San Carlos is a haven for vacationers who want to immerse themselves in one of Mexico’s most beautiful resort towns. San Carlos is brimming with dozens of natural attractions, and is renowned for its magnificent snorkeling, diving and whale watching opportunities.
If you are planning a San Carlos vacation, be sure to add these excursions to your itinerary!
Spend a day at Playa Algodones
Famed for its soft, powdery white sands and rolling dunes that set the backdrop in the film Catch 22, Playa Algodones is aptly named (Algodon is Spanish for ‘cotton’). This quiet stretch of coastline is one of northern Mexico’s most striking beaches, and is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of water sports. Windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing are popular activities along this pristine cove that boasts turquoise waters. Intrepid travelers can even camp along certain parts of the beach, but there are numerous resorts and hotels for those yearning for a bit more comfort and luxury.
Hike Cerro Tetawaki
Feeling up for some adventure? Grab your camera, your hiking boots and a full canteen of water for a strenuous yet rewarding hike up Mount Tetawaki. There are two well-manicured trails up each side of the peak, which offers a mirador with spectacular 360-degree views of the bay and surrounding countryside. The climb is quite steep in parts, so go prepared to sweat. Most visitors can summit Mt. Tetawaki in just over an hour and rave about the incredible vistas!
Zip-lining in Nacapule Canyon
Situated just outside of San Carlos, Nacapule Canyon is a great destination for families who want to hike, go rock climbing, or get a bird’s eye view of the tropical desert landscape. Experienced tour operators offer several different zip-line canopy tours (appropriate for all ages), as well as rappelling along the rugged rock formations.
Fishing with the kids
Fishing is excellent year-round in San Carlos, where the waters are rife with marlin, sailfish, tuna and mahi mahi. If you’re itching to reel in the big one, book a sportfishing charter for the day. If you have small children in tow and just want to have some fun, you can enjoy some bottom fishing off the marina docks or in front of Fiesta Hotel. Common catches include croaker, red snapper and bass.
Horseback riding at El Rancho Del Desierto
Take in the Sonoran Desert beauty on a guided horseback ride geared to all ages and levels. There are several guided trail rides to choose from that meander along backcountry roads, by lapping waves or include both desert and beach. Horses are well-trained and riders are matched to steed according to skill level. Wear long pants and bring your sense of adventure!
Additional San Carlos Resources:
- Zona Turistica, Playa Los Algodones https://www.zonaturistica.com/atractivo-turistico/1758/playa-los-algodones-bahia-de-san-carlos.html
- What’s Up San Carlos, Tetawaki http://www.whatsupsancarlos.com/tetakawi/
- Trip Advisor, Nacapule Canyon https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g151933-d3358176-Reviews-Nacapule_Canyon-San_Carlos_Northern_Mexico.html
- San Carlos Mexico Guide, Fun for Kids http://www.sancarlosmexicoguide.com/funforkids.html