Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
"World Class!" That's how divers describe the spectacular Sea of Cortez. Summer water temperatures can reach well into the 80's and visibility can be 100' or more.
Diving is a one of the big reasons San Carlos was discovered years ago and continues to have a loyal following. It doesn't matter if you're a first-timer or a veteran. Crystal clear and constantly calm waters provide an incredible showcase for more than 800 species of maritime life. Two artificial reefs, a sunken ferry and several smaller wrecks make the San Carlos diving areas a top destination in the Gulf de California.
Artificial Reefs in San Carlos
"It's a monster fish hotel!", "How else can one describe this?" San Carlos is home to two famous sunken ships. Off the coast of the ecological retreat known as Caņon de Las Barajitas, rests the "Presidente Diaz Ordaz," a 330-foot long ferryboat. The ferry was in an accident near Mazatlan where it partially sank. It was towed to Guaymas for repairs that never happened. Diving enthusiasts conspired and convinced authorities to have the huge ship sunk off San Carlos. Nearby is another huge shipwreck to explore. During a storm, a 180 foot tuna boat, the "Albatun", sunk in only 20 meters of water. It's a diver's dream.
San Pedro Island
The Sea of Cortez is known for the chain of islands that run up and down its coast. San Carlos is near one of the most spectacular. Just a few miles from San Carlos is San Pedro Island. It's considered one of the best locations to dive and to fish along the Mexican coast. Deep blue, crystal clear water! The island throughout the year is host to the Californian sea lions, seals and dolphins. Dive, snokel or swim with these beautiful creatures. This is an unique opportunity as you are able to interact with them. It's a spectacular location that's a photographer's paradise.
The beautiful cliffs around the island give way to a submarine canyon that allow you to see a huge variety of beautiful fish and marine wildlife. Recently the Mexican Government declared San Pedro Island an ecological reserve.
Making Plans: There are several long established American-owned dive shops in town that can make all your arrangements. There are ½-day and full-day trips seven days a week.
Contact Gary's Dive Center for more information. This is from their website:
Gary's Dive Shop, established in October of 1971, was the first 100% legal, federally certificated and licensed maritime operator in San Carlos. Our twenty-nine person staff is very experienced with an average of over 12 years each with us. We have diving, fishing, snorkeling and ocean/nature tours, as well as bay and sunset cruises, dive instruction, rental and repair services. We are open every day, 365 days a year from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
We have seven specially designed 40' boats, two of them are very fast boats that can travel to Seal Island in about an hour, the Cortez Sun and the Cortez Explorer. In fact, the Explorer is the largest, most powerful and fastest charter boat in San Carlos. All of our boats have first aid and oxygen, water, ice, coffee, Diet Coke and we make fresh fish tacos onboard.
E-Mail Gary
Gary’s Diving Center
gary@garysdivemexico.com
www.garysdivemexico.com
(Canon de Barajitas)
Other great dive centers
El Mar Diving Center
263 Creston
San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico
Phone/Fax 1-877-365-0251
E-Mail: elmarmex@prodigy.net.mx
Sea of Cortez Dive Centers
110 Calle Beltrones
San Carlos Sonora Mexico
Phone: 888-547-3483 or
520-408-3483
Here are more folks who can provide snorkeling and other excrusions
The Sonora Sport Center
011 52 (622) 226-0929
MAROSA NO. 1 SAN CARLOS C.P. 85506
Diversiones Del Mar De Cortez
011 52 (622) 226-0839
SAN CARLOS, SAN CARLOS C.P. 85506
hdtours@prodigy.nst.mx
Yacht and Fishing boats
Tesoros Del Mar De Cortez
011 52 (622) 227-0171
SAN CARLOS, SAN CARLOS C.P. 85506
scplaza@prodigy.net.mx
Kayak Rental
Ecotours Los Jitos
011 52 (622) 226-0404
SAN CARLOS, SAN CARLOS C.P.85506
elmarmex@prodigy.net.mx
Kayak Rental
Dory Charters
011 52 (622) 226-0044
SAN CARLOS, SAN CARLOS C.P. 85506
Yacht and Fishing Boats Charters
Blue Water Sports
011 52 (622) 227-0171
Hotel San Carlos Plaza
011 52 (622) 226-0696
Marina
Servicio De Buceo
011 52 (622) 224-2148
Fax 011 52 (622) 222-1513
AV. DEL AMOR Y CALLE DEL TRABAJADOR NO. 8 COLINA DEL TRABAJADOR C.P. 85470
Yacht and fishing boats
Select from the choices on the right to learn more.
