Embark on a captivating San Carlos coastline tour guided by a marine biologist. Discover the natural history of the area, observe dolphins, spot nesting bird species, and enjoy a delicious ceviche in a secluded cove.
Embark on a captivating San Carlos coastline tour guided by a marine biologist. Discover the natural history of the area, observe dolphins, spot nesting bird species, and enjoy a delicious ceviche in a secluded cove.
- Bahia San Carlos - Experience a delightful boat journey through the stunning turquoise waters of Bahia San Carlos, the town’s namesake. The tour begins at the mangrove estuary, Esterito, situated at the northern tip of Bahia San Carlos. This estuary is home to lush mangrove growths, including the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle. A rich variety of…
- Bahia San Carlos - Experience a delightful boat journey through the stunning turquoise waters of Bahia San Carlos, the town’s namesake. The tour begins at the mangrove estuary, Esterito, situated at the northern tip of Bahia San Carlos. This estuary is home to lush mangrove growths, including the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle. A rich variety of marine birds can be seen feeding among the mangroves. As the boat glides across the bay, the guide will highlight local coastal attractions, such as the serene beaches of Caracol, El Tomate, and El Acuario.
- Roca San Nicolimaás - Upon nearing the island of Roca San Nicolimaás, a diverse array of birds that frequent the island can be observed. Binoculars are provided! A notable bird is the blue-footed booby, Sula nebouxii, which nests here. Roca San Nicolimaás is a rocky island, typical of those in the Sea of Cortez, and is entirely covered with white guano. This extensive guano cover indicates the large populations of marine birds and the plentiful fish that sustain them.
- Isla La Raza - As the boat approaches Isla La Raza, large birds like the brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis, can be seen nesting on the island’s flat top. Unlike the typical rocky islands in the Sea of Cortez, Isla La Raza is flat and wide. Similar to other islands in the area, it is completely covered in white guano due to the numerous marine birds that visit. The flat top of the island provides excellent nesting sites for large birds.
- Bahía San Francisco - The tour will also include observing a local pod of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, that frequent Bahia San Francisco. These dolphins often enjoy riding the bow of boats, with young ones frequently seen alongside their mothers. Their cooperative hunting behavior is often witnessed as they feed on striped mullet, Mugil cephalus, a common fish along the sandy shores of the Sea of Cortez. Bahia San Francisco is a vast bay stretching from San Carlos to the mangrove estuary, Estero Soldado, and its coastline is lined with the beautiful white sands of Playa San Francisco.

- Use of waterproof binoculars
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Use of field guides to identify wildlife
- Lunch
- Use of waterproof binoculars
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Use of field guides to identify wildlife
- Lunch
Our distinct excursion unfolds on the traditional 24-foot Mexican panga ‘Pipiripau’, partnered with a professional Marine Biologist who will provide insights about the region’s wildlife and ecological history. We begin our journey from the picturesque mangrove estuary of Esterito, situated at Bahia San Carlos’ northern tip. Our path veers towards Bahia…
Our distinct excursion unfolds on the traditional 24-foot Mexican panga ‘Pipiripau’, partnered with a professional Marine Biologist who will provide insights about the region’s wildlife and ecological history. We begin our journey from the picturesque mangrove estuary of Esterito, situated at Bahia San Carlos’ northern tip. Our path veers towards Bahia San Francisco with the objective of spotting a local grouping of Bottlenose Dolphins often noted indulging in games and hunting near the coast. On route, we embark upon untouched islands serving as habitats for diverse bird life, including the Blue-footed Boobies and Brown Pelicans. We anchor at the serene and hidden Shangri-La cove pre-return to savor homemade ceviche, absorbing the day’s experiences and findings. Subject to the weather, take a dip or delve underwater with snorkeling!
- If you easily get seasick it is highly recommended to take medication such as Difenidol an hour before the tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.