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Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist

Location Mexico
$150.00
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

This unique tour takes place on a classic 24 foot Mexican panga "Pipiripau", and you will be accompanied by a marine biologist that will assist in explaining the natural history of the area. The tour starts in Esterito, a beautiful mangrove estuary in the northern most extent of the Bahia San Carlos. We will head towards Bahia San Francisco in order to observe a local pod of bottlenose dolphins that are frequently seen playing and feeding along the shore. Along the way we will pass pristine islands that serve as nesting sites for various bird species, such as blue footed boobies and brown pelicans. Before we return we will anchor in the beautiful and secluded cove of Shangri-La to enjoy freshly made ceviche as we discuss the days activities and observations. Weather permitting, swimming and snorkeling are encouraged!
Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 3 hours

Availability depends on seasonality and number of participants. Bookings can not be made for the same day. Please read our TnC’s.

When giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience during a booking process. Otherwise, you can choose one after checkout and voucher redemption.
Check available dates by emailing us at [email protected]
  • Use of waterproof binoculars
  • 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 Snorkelling equipment
  • Use of field guides to identify wildlife

Meeting point
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 Abarrey supermarket towards the Bahia San Carlos. Take a right onto a dirt road just before crossing the little bridge.
Return details
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 Abarrey supermarket towards the Bahia San Carlos. Take a right onto a dirt road just before crossing the little bridge.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This experience requires good weather.
    If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers.
    If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met,
    you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
  • How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist

    Location Mexico
    $150.00
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
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