Located only a short 4-hour (250 mile) drive from Nogales, Arizona on the four-lane divided highway of Mexico Highway 15, lies the Mexican resort community of San Carlos, Mexico. Nestled on the Sea of Cortez, the charming community of around 7,000 inhabitants has something for everyone. Most travelers to San Carlos come here for the abundant water sports this resort town provides, such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and offshore fishing. Of course the soothing sandy beaches of San Carlos are also a big attraction, with gently lapping waves and spectacular sunsets. There are many hotels, condominiums and rental homes available to fit every group and budget, in various beachfront resort communities.
Don’t let the modern, pristine hotels and developments fool you, San Carlos and Guaymas have a very rich, colorful and albeit violent history. Originally occupied by the Guaymenas Indians, the area wasn’t explored by Europeans until 1539, and the city wasn’t established until the Jesuit missionaries came in 1617. Father Kino and Father Salvatierra worked with the tribes around 1680 and reported back to Spain about the natural resources in the area. The news from Fr. Salvatierra brought even more adventurers. In the early 1700s, Captain Antonio Soto came from Mexico City with a company of men. Unable and unwilling get along with locals, the next 40 years brought nothing but rebellions and death for both the Indians and Captain Soto and his men. The Jesuits were then expelled from America and the Franciscan Fathers arrived to look after the souls of San Carlos. Due to lack of funding, they did poorly. Finally, the Spanish gave up and left the local people to themselves.
San Carlos has an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a bowling alley and numerous gift shops and galleries for shopping and browsing. Two marinas provide boaters easy access to the water with paved launch ramps, dry storage facilities and complete marine repair and maintenance services. There are several fuel docks and slips can be rented at very reasonable rates. A visit to San Carlos would not be complete without trying one of the numerous seafood restaurants in town. The restaurants of San Carlos also include offerings such as Sonoran beef, Mexican dishes and American cuisine. Just over the mountains, the bustling sea port of Guaymas buzzes with activity, with over 200,000 inhabitants. Because the two towns are so close together, San Carlos and Guaymas are often referred to as the same place, and the sights and activities of both towns often overlap. Once you are settled in, there are several places to see and activities you will want to experience. Here are just a few of the things to to in San Carlos.
Frenchies Cove/Lalo’s Cove – Scenic Overlook Road (Mirador Escenico)
Frenchie’s Cove and the sister bays of Lalo Cove are two of the prettiest and most assessable beaches in San Carlos. Perfect for diving, snorkeling and fishing from the rocks. Beach combing and at low tide provides some of the best tide pooling opportunities in San Carlos. Be respectful with the “residents,” look but don’t touch as you gently turn over rocks to reveal the numerous species living there. The spiny sea-urchins are best observed and not handled, while the Brittle Stars may look very stout but are very fragile. Please don’t handle them. The Sea Cucumbers, on the other hand are fun to touch as they spew water out with a gentle poke. Frenchies Cove is a popular beach and too many of the visitors do not respect the pristine beauty of this enjoyable place. Remember to take a trash bag with you to help keep this area clean. Grab your trash, and any else you come across and help this beautiful beach remain pristine. There is easy access for just about any vehicle but you must stay on the road. Driving on the beach or low dunes is prohibited, as well as ATV and horses.
Mirador Escénico – San Carlos
Located a mere 4 miles from the heart of San Carlos, Mirador was rated the #1 Scenic Ocean View according to National Geographic’s “Secret Journeys of a Lifetime.” You can spot whales, rays and several species of birds from this spectacular view. The view up and down the coast goes on without end, making Mirador the favorite place to enjoy the sunset, photograph the sunrise, or just watch the breathtaking seascape of the bay all day long.
Delfinario – San Carlos/Guaymas
A great Dolphin experience with very entertaining shows featuring both the Sea Lions and Dolphin. There is an underwater viewing window where you can watch the dolphins as they swim by, and will usually come to the glass to watch you as you are watching them. The Delfinario Sonora is located on the water’s edge and is the perfect place to spend a couple hours with the family.
www.delfinariosonora.com/cedes/delfinario
The Pearl Farm – Guaymas
Offering some of the rarest and certainly the most unique pearls found in the Sea of Cortez, this pearl farm began as a class project that turned into specialized pearls that you can see today. Tours of The Pearl Farm are conducted daily, providing a hands on experience involving the history of pearl farming and pearl cultivation. Of course there is a store where you can purchase Sea of Cortez Pearls.
www.perlas.com.mx
The Beaches of San Carlos
Walk from one end of the bay to the other, count all of the hotels, all of the restaurants. Entertain yourself watching the para-sailor, para-gliders, surfers and snorkelers. Watch the boats disappear into the horizon, stick around and watch the boats return and dock. The white sandy beaches of San Carlos are the place to relax and enjoy the surf. Bring your sunscreen and spend the day lounging in the sand.
