Getting to San Carlos
Sightseeing in San Carlos
San Carlos Mexico is a subdivision in the city of Guaymas. It is located on the Gulf of California and has a small population of 7,000 residents. Its proximity to the United States makes it a favorite travel destination for Americans who enjoy its warm climate and crystal waters.
San Carlos is a six-hour drive from the United States border. The city is full of activities and places to see. You can visit anything from local markets, places to eat, beaches, and beautiful natural sites. Scuba diving is hugely popular here. Here are some ideas for spots to visit during a getaway to San Carlos:
Sea of Cortez
This is another name for the Gulf of Mexico. The sea surrounding San Carlos is one where you can see natural marine life emerge in front of your eyes. Dolphins, birds, and striking coral reefs are part of the scenery.
The Bay of San Carlos
One of the most breathtaking San Carlos places is the bay. Touching the Sea of Cortez, the bay is unusually picturesque and offers an unforgettable experience for photographers and nature lovers alike. The ocean breaks at the rugged cliffs, and occasionally, there are dolphins swimming by.
Nacapule Canyon
The Nacapule Canyon of San Carlos Mexico is a vast area of land located to the north of the city. It is part of the Cajon del Diablo biosphere reserve and provides a trek for families and hikers of all abilities. The view is of deserts and rocky highlands that stretch as far as you can see.
Beaches
Another of the San Carlos places that you will not miss is the beaches. The most popular ones are San Francisco Beach and La Posada Beach. Both of these offer warm and clear waters. San Francisco beach has a cove filled with a variety of wildlife. La Posada Beach has a line of pebbles that contour its shore.
San Pedro Nolasco Island
Once you have secured your vacation rentals in the city, you can hit the tiny island found 17 miles to the west. The small island, also known as ‘Seal Island’, is popular with its large communities of sea lions, dolphins, and rare fish species. Many people enjoy swimming in the company of the sea lions or diving to see the amazing coral reefs.
Mirador
Mirador is a terrace on a cliff off the coast that is all about sightseeing. It faces the twin-peak Tetawaki, which is most beautiful at sunset. Down a steep path below is the beach where you can rent a kayak or boat and ride the waves below the viewing platform.
If you want to enjoy your visit and not worry about the practical things, rely on trusted and professional vacation rentals. After all, you are on a vacation, and the last thing you will want to deal with is property management. Leave all the pragmatic dealings to us, and enjoy your stay in San Carlos where you will create unforgettable memories.
Other Travel Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
Located on the western coast of Mexico, the best way to travel fast is to use the Hermosillo airport. Regular flights from Mexico City, La Paz, Monterrey, Phoenix, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Culiacan, Mexicali, and Chihuahua arrive at the airport. US Airways has daily non-stop flights from Phoenix, Arizona to Hermosillo Airport. Once you land, you can pick up a rental car or hire a taxi. You can also reach Guaymas bus station with a taxi, and travel to your rental home from there. Online travel sites and travel agents can be contacted in advance to book flights and give you the most accurate San Carlos travel information. You can use the preparatory phase of your trip to secure your travel and trip by booking vacation rentals.
Driving to the waterside community is easy and safe on the highway from Nogales, Arizona. The road is full of interesting landscapes that you can enjoy while traveling. The highway reaches Hermosillo where you will continue south onto Mexico Highway 15 that connects with Sonora 17 Highway West. Keep on it until you reach San Carlos. Stops along the way include drinks, food, gas, and restrooms. There are toll roads along the way, so be sure to have pesos with you. Follow the speed limits around Hermosillo and San Carlos to avoid any fees. Always carry your US passport, and be sure to get Mexican car insurance if you are driving.
Once you reach the community, you can get around by using a taxi, bus, rental car, or ferry. In town, taxis can be picked up in front of the Marina Terra Hotel or the Plaza los Jitos between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. You can ride around the town for anywhere between $3-$6 dollars. Modern buses go around the resort. The buses take off every 20 minutes from their starting place and operate between 6:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. Three late buses depart at 8, 9, and 11 p.m. The bus goes through Boulevard Beltrones, through Marina Terra, and towards the Marina San Carlos end.
Ferry boats are an easy way to reach mainland Mexico and return. Vehicles can also go on the ferries. San Carlos travel information can be acquired on site together with booking of vacation rentals for the perfect all-inclusive trip.
In San Carlos, summers are short, with temperatures in the 90s or above, and the skies partly cloudy. In contrast, the winters are warm and mostly clear. There are basically two seasons in San Carlos: the hot season, which lasts for 2.2 months, from March 22 to May 30, with an average daily high temperature above 94°F; and the cool season lasting for 3.1 months, from November 3 to February 6, with an average daily high temperature below 85°F.
The best time of year to visit San Carlos for warm-weather activities is from early December to early March.
As the sun dips below the horizon, travelers will have no shortage of bars, nightclubs and lounges to choose from. Enjoy drinks with friends, hit the dance floor and mingle at these San Carlos hotspots:
- Hammerhead’s – popular sports bar with big TVs, draft beer and happy hour specials
- Froggy’s – Live music, cheap margaritas and ale, Froggy’s is where the locals go to party
- Shots Bar and Restaurant – Located in the marina, features live entertainment on Friday and Saturdays and is a terrific bar to enjoy sunset cocktails
- Tequila’s Restaurant and Bar – Known for their delightful margaritas, Tequilas has a dance floor and features live music every weekend
San Carlos is a prime example of why the Sea of Cortez is known as “The Aquarium of the World”, from being biodiverse. This makes it ideal for sports fishing and scuba diving, and also a scientists’ natural laboratory. The ocean is a habitat for 40% of the earth’s mammal species, including over 900 fish species and the widest variety of dolphins and whales on earth.
Snorkeling, Kayaking, Scuba
The destination is rich in marine life, so take a day and view the coral reefs, dolphins, turtles and more. How about scuba diving? If you aren’t certified, there are local outfits that give lessons. La Posada Cove is an especially nice spot for going out for a snorkel or to take a kayak out for a paddle.
Whale watching, visiting sandy beaches, scuba diving in “The Aquarium of the World,” visiting El Soldado Estuary, and visiting Sonora Dolphinarium are some of the things to do around San Carlos.
Mountain climbing
You can hike to the top of the Tetakawi Mountain. It stands at 200 meters above sea level.
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