San Carlos Coastline Tour: Marine Biologist Guided
5.0
24 Ratings
Esterito Bahia San Carlos
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.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bahia San Carlos - We will boat through the turquoise waters of Bahia San Carlos, the namesake of the town. The boat tour will start in the mangrove estuary known as Esterito, located in the northern end of the Bahia San Carlos. The estuary contains extensive growths of mangroves including the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle. A wide diversity of marine birds can be observed in the estuary feeding amongst the mangroves. As we motor across the bay your guide will point out local coastal attractions, such as the secluded beaches of Caracol, El tomate, and El Acuario.
What's Included
  • Use of field guides to identify wildlife
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Lunch
  • Use of waterproof binoculars
Additional Information

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!

  • NOTE: 2 person minimum/tour. Please contact your host before any tour to confirm weather conditions. Custom tours ($50/hr, 3hr minimum) are available!
  • If you easily get seasick it is highly recommended to take medication such as Difenidol an hour before the tour.
Location
Esterito Bahia San Carlos
Head west along the main road of San Carlos (Blvd. Beltrones) towards the iconic mountain known as Tetakawi. Take a right at the roundabout by the Santo Valle supermarket towards the Bahia San Carlos. The restaurant Mariscos El Esterito will be on the right side just after crossing a little bridge.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(24 Ratings)
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Eike
Mar 21, 2024
Knowledgeable, flexible and all-around great guide! - Any tour with Michael will be worth it! So knowledgeable and genuinely excited about showing us the local wildlife! We had to reschedule because of the weather, which was no problem.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amanda_l
Feb 18, 2024
Fun, education, culture! - We were here in the winter and it was one of the most magical things we’ve ever experienced. First of all, you get to ride in a hand-made traditional boat. Second, you get to hear the perspective of a multi-lingual college professor of marine-biology on one of the most bio-diverse places in North America. Micheal is like having a way cooler David Attenborough take you on an adventure. I never thought I’d see blue footed boobies this side of the Tropic of Cancer, but here we are. This experience is not to be missed. Micheal also helped us so much with our Spanish. My husband and I are intermediate-level Spanish speakers. Michael let us practice with him. He was very patient. P.S. We also loved his hiking experience! We got some exercise while we learned about plants, birds, geology, and more.
Review provided by Viator
527jeaninew
Feb 1, 2024
Islands of San Carlos - The same 3 of us who did the hike went on the boat. As others have said it the water was beautiful the ride fantastic and snorkeling was the best. And the Ceviche was wonderful. Should I come back I will spend another day with him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_h
Jan 12, 2024
Tour the exotic sea near san Carlos - A fabulous way to see the coast of San Carlos! Michael is knowledgeable and presents the geology and marine biology of the Sea of Cortez in a safe and fun tour that explores the Sonoran desert, multiple island populated by exotic marine birds, and the clear shallow waters of the sea. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
204lbg
Dec 29, 2023
So much to see - The trip was excellent. Michael was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much about the flora, fauna, cultural history, geology and some personal antidotes about the area. We got a full tour of San Carlos, and he included some great personal touches with the ceveche and drinks at the snorkeling area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caroline_v
Dec 23, 2023
Beautiful boat tour - It was a memorable experience with marine biologist Michael. The San Carlos bay was so beautiful that we may return. The snorkel aspect of the boat tour was exciting!
Review provided by Viator
Anne_m
Dec 17, 2023
A personal and rewarding trip. - Michael was so knowledgeable about the area; geology, fishes, and birds. He considered what we wanted from the tour and made sure to highlight those. He also served excellent ceviche. He was well prepared, with sea life guidebooks, binoculars, and vinegar for the unfortunate jellyfish sting.
Review provided by Viator
Assit2019
Nov 21, 2023
Great boat trip - We had so much fun on the boat trip! Michael is a great tour guide, who knows the area really well. Highly recommend it :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jay_z
Nov 8, 2023
Wonderful Boat Tour - Michael was great at explaining the wildlife we encountered & getting us outfitted for snorkeling. It was a fun seeing the small islands, observing the sea birds, and snorkeling in a small cove.
Review provided by Viator
Fiona_r
Oct 29, 2023
Brilliant boat trip! - Michael adjusted the schedule to our needs and it was all fantastic! Great snorkeling and unique observations of rare species.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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