Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist
Overview
A classic 24-foot Mexican panga named "Pipiripau" serves as your vessel while a marine biologist provides insights into the natural history of the area. The tour begins in Esterito, a stunning mangrove estuary located at the northernmost part of Bahia San Carlos.
- 🐬 Observe local pods of bottlenose dolphins frequently seen playing and feeding along the shore as we head towards Bahia San Francisco.
- 🦩 Pass pristine islands that are nesting sites for various bird species, including blue-footed boobies and brown pelicans.
- 🏖️ Before returning, we will anchor in the secluded cove of Shangri-La to enjoy freshly made ceviche while discussing the day's activities and observations.
- 🌊 Weather permitting, swimming and snorkeling are encouraged during the tour!
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- Freshly prepared ceviche of locally caught fish served on a tostada with sauces of your choice, accompanied by purified filtered drinking water, mineral water, or fruit juice.
- Use of field guides to identify wildlife
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Use of waterproof binoculars
Meeting point
Return details
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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.
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As we approach the island of Roca San Nicolimaás we will observe the wide diversity of birds that frequent the island. Binoculars provided! One bird of interest is the blue footed booby, Sula nebouxii, which nests here. Roca San Nicolimaás is a rocky island, as is typical of most islands in the Sea of Cortez. The island is completely covered with white guano. The extensive cover of guano is a testament to the large populations of marine birds, and the abundance of fish that feed them.
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Large birds such as the brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis, can be observed nesting on the flat top of Isla La Raza as we approach the island. Isla La Raza is an atypical island in the Sea of Cortez in that it is not rocky, but rather flat and wide. Like most islands in the Sea of Cortez it is completely covered in white guano as a result of the many marine birds that frequent the island. Large birds in particular find the flat top of the island to provide excellent nesting sites.
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We will locate and observe the behavior of a local pod of bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, that frequent Bahia San Francisco. The dolphin seem to enjoy riding the bow of boats and young individuals are often seen accompanied by their mothers. Co-operative hunting behavior is also frequently observed as they feed on stripped mullet, Mugil cephalus, a very common fish of the sandy shores of the Sea of Cortez. Bahia San Francisco is a large bay extending from San Carlos to the mangrove estuary, Estero Soldado, and its coastline is boarded by the beautiful white sands of Playa San Francisco.
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We will enjoy freshly made ceviche accompanied with a variety of refreshments while we set anchor on the eastern side of Isla La Jama to unwind and discuss our observations of the day. Weather permitting, snorkeling would be encouraged here since this area is protected from swells and offers an excellent opportunity to observe the diversity of marine organisms found amongst the reefs of the Sea of Cortez. Playa Shangri-La is a calm beach that is protected by Isla La Jama and as the name implies, the natural beauty of the area is stunning.
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met,
you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.