San Carlos Travel Guide

San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

San Carlos is called the "Greatest Jewel of Sonora" by the Sonora Tourism Board and once you see the beauty here, you will understand this definition! The rocky, volcanic geography, the turquoise water of the Sea of Cortez and the grand Cordon cacti and Organ pipes which seem to march right into the Sea create a spectacular and truly unique landscape!  

San Carlos is located in the western area of the state of Sonora, Mexico. Sonora is Mexico's second largest state and it is the most northern state in Mexico. Sonora is bordered by Arizona to the north and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa to the east and south. Sonora also boasts some 700 miles of coastline along the Sea of Cortez! This diverse and rich sea has been called "the world's aquarium" and is virtually unmatched in its abundant sea life. Along this coastline is where you will find San Carlos! 

The romance of Old Mexico's seashores has long been the subject of stories and song. The seaside town of San Carlos is where the Sonoran Desert meets the Sea of Cortez. Here the landscape is scattered with the Cardon cacti and Organ pipe which merge with sub-tropical plants and palm trees growing in the crevices of the rocky cliffs surrounding this seashore of Mexico. These incredible mountains slant right into the clear blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.

The town of San Carlos is actually a beachfront subdivision of the port city of Guaymas, Sonora. San Carlos is populated for the most part with full-time expatriates from the U.S. and Canadians, along with part-time snowbirds. San Carlos is a very popular tourist destination for foreigners and Mexican travelers alike. The town offers visitors a wide variety of activities, of which deep sea fishing is definitely a main attraction! The closest airport is in nearby Guaymas, or Hermosillo which is just an hour away. There are daily, direct flights from Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. By car, San Carlos is about 450 miles from Phoenix, AZ or about 325 from Tucson, AZ. You would reach it by crossing the International border at Nogales, Arizona and driving south on Mexico's Highway 15, which is a modern 4-lane divided highway.

NOTE: For travel farther south of the San Carlos/Guaymas area, a car permit would be required; however, travel to the San Carlos area is a part of the Only Sonora Program which is considered a "Free Zone" for vehicle travel.

Although a fairly small town of not more than 7,000 inhabitants, San Carlos has a number of RV parks, resorts, restaurants, souvenir shops and markets. San Carlos has an active diving community, golf community and incredible fishing opportunities.

San Carlos has two picturesque marinas. The large home port is Marina San Carlos, which is older and very conveniently located in the center of San Carlos. It is nick-named "hurricane hole" due to its being an "ensenada" or safe marina, protected on nearly all sides by tall mountains. This marina has over 350 slips in the inner marina along with extensive sheltered anchorage in its outer bay. The second and newer marina is Marina Real which is open to private, non-commercial boats.

San Carlos is located on property which until the mid 1950's was a large cattle ranch known as the Baviso de Navarro. However, local businessmen envisioned this seaside area as the perfect spot for a resort and retirement community and San Carlos was born! As the town grew it caught the eye of Hollywood and in 1969, the first movie was filmed on location. This was the classic film "Catch 22" starring Alan Arkin, Orson Welles and other famous actors. More recently, "The Mask of Zorro" starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta Jones was also filmed in San Carlos.

San Carlos' most beloved landmark is the Tetakawi. This is a mountain which looms over the town and to some appears to be a giant goat laying on its back. This mountain was named "Tetas de Kawi" or " Tetas de Cabra," which basically means "goat's teats" in Spanish.

To reach San Carlos, you will drive on the Beltrones scenic highway for about 15 miles. This cobblestone drive is lined with oleanders, flowers and palm trees. Running parallel is a bicycle path and off to the left you have unobstructed stunning views of the desert and the sea. This main road will take you past many of the hotels, motels, condominiums, RV parks, restaurants, gift shops, dive shops, grocery stories, liquor stores, a bank, and gas stations. You will also pass the San Carlos Country Club and Golf Course on a bluff to the right. And at a point where the road splits you may take a left to reach the San Carlos Marina or choose the right and continue on past more houses and onto the Mirador Escénico, or scenic overlook. You will not want to miss this highlight of San Carlos as it offers an unbelievable view of the sea! This overlook is incredibly popular at sunset – for good reason!

On the drive approaching the overlook, you will have grand views of the Tetakawi mountain, Piedras Pintas Beach, the Marina Real marina, and many of the resorts and housing developments. Continuing past the scenic overlook, you will pass several resorts and lastly, the La Manga Fishing Camp. This tiny fishing community is a Mexican neighborhood seemingly at the end of the world and literally at the edge of civilization. Here you may be able to buy fresh fish and clams.

San Carlos is surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches. Some beaches are private and tucked in quiet coves while others are broad sandy expanses. Beaches in Mexico are public property and are considered to be in a federal zone; therefore, you may access many beaches by walking. Respect signs and fences which may be private property.

San Carlos offers the visitor many fun activities. There is the 18-hole golf course, diving and snorkeling, kayaking, hiking trails, sunset cruises, a glass bottom boat night cruise and several fishing charter trips to choose. There are almost limitless gift shops, an art gallery and dozen of shopping or browsing opportunities. There is a wide selection of authentic restaurants featuring fresh seafood or local Mexican cuisine.

Nearby, is the Delfinario Sonora which is a research and therapy facility; however, it is also open to the public. This is a delight for any family as the Delfinario features both a sea lion and dolphin show at a reasonable admission fee. These are not the same as a SeaWorld type show, as the focus is on the animal's more natural abilities.

Another attraction is the saltwater pearl farm located in Bacochibampo Bay, between San Carlos and Guaymas. And, nearby is the bustling port city of Guaymas.

Plan a trip to San Carlos and Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico!

Where to Go in San Carlos