Framed by the Sea of Cortez, cactus-covered mountains and miles of desert, San Carlos Mexico is a place of striking natural beauty. This beautiful slice of paradise is renowned for its pristine beaches, snorkeling and diving, and stellar offshore fishing. There are endless options for the adventure-enthusiast, from hair-raising ATV outings on backcountry roads to kayak explorations along rugged coastline. Enjoy some of the best that San Carlos has to offer with a luxury vacation rental from Sea Side Reservations.
If soaking up some sun is at the top of your list, there are plenty of amazing beaches in and around San Carlos that offer breathtaking views and warm, calm waters that are safe for swimming and boogie boarding. Enjoy a sunset stroll along the pebbly shoreline at La Posada Beach, or head to San Francisco Beach for a day of pure relaxation. Most of the beaches in San Carlos are open to the public and can easily be accessed from the main highway.
San Carlos is home to a championship golf course at the San Carlos Country Club designed by Roy Dye. The 18-hole Par 72 course is celebrated for its sublime ocean and mountain views. Residents and visitors alike enjoy playing the course’s 18 challenging holes, and there are a number of prestigious golf tournaments held throughout the year. Facility amenities include a pro shop, chipping range, practice green, tennis courts, dining room and bar and lounge.
For some great snorkeling, head to Algodones Beach, near the Paradiso hotel. Bring your own gear, or ask around for vendors who rent fins and masks. Another good snorkeling spot is around the protected coves and rocky outcroppings at La Posada beach, where you can swim to an underwater cave, or walk there at low tide. Alternatively, several tour operators offer half-day boat trips to snorkel around Seal Island and Aquarium Cove, where you’re bound to encounter eels, octopus, and schools of tropical fish.
San Carlos offer many opportunities for scuba diving as well, with a slew of fascinating diving sites that cater to both novice and experienced divers. Local dive shops offer Discovery SCUBA courses, 4-day certification courses, as well as advanced open water diving courses. The underwater canyon of Seal Island boasts some of the region’s best diving and chances to interact with sea lions, sea turtle, sharks and other marine life.
If you’ve ever dreamed of landing the ‘big one,’ San Carlos is the place to do it! Offshore fishing is excellent year-round in the Sea of Cortez, where you can book full day or multi-day charters on state-of-the-art vessels. Anglers can expect big game fish like wahoo, sailfish, striped marlin and tuna. Closer to the shore, you can pull in red snapper, monster-sized grouper, sea bass and yellowtail tuna. You can arrange your sportfishing tour at the San Carlos Marina, where operators also offer chances for bottom fishing and fly fishing. San Carlos is also home to several prominent fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the International Billfish Tournament which attracts huge crowds!
If you love to paddle, kayaking is extremely popular around San Carlos. You can rent kayaks (both singles and doubles) from the Marina terra Beach Club as well as several outdoor shops in town. Scenic bays and coves provide endless opportunities to explore the picturesque coastline. Travelers can opt to rent their own gear, or take advantage of personalized kayak tours to the following hotspots: San Carlos Bay, San Francisco Bay, Punta Doble, Pintas Cove and Estero Del Soldado.
Intrepid travelers can’t miss an opportunity to hike San Carlos’ most notable peak – Mount Tetakawi. Soaring more than 650 feet above sea level, this mountain offers challenging terrain and incredible views over Sonora Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. This is a physically demanding and often steep trek to the summit that can take up to three hours, but those who reach the top are rewarded with panoramic vistas.
Some of the ultimate four-wheeling adventures can be enjoyed in the Sonoran desert. Book an ATV tour in San Carlos for hours of thrills along open plains, sand dunes and up into the high desert. Half-day excursions include a bilingual guide, refreshments, safety gear and hours of fun!
Interested in wildlife watching around the Sea of Cortez? An eco-cruise is a terrific way to take in the magnificent scenery of Isle San Pedro and Isle Ventana, where playful dolphins, sea lions and breaching whales are often seen. For something a little more romantic, consider booking a two-hour sunset cruise through the Bay of San Carlos. The excursion includes interesting commentary from the boat captain, delicious appetizers and unlimited margaritas.
Planning a vacation to San Carlos soon? Sea Side Mexico has a wide selection of affordably-priced beach front condos and vacation homes that are mere steps from the area’s biggest attractions and most popular tours. Our reservation specialists can help you find the perfect San Carlos rental villa, whether you’re looking for an ocean view property, or want family-friendly accommodations.
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