A Day in Guaymas- Ideas for what to do

[lacurtis]

We can't go on our cruise due to my DH having double vision and doctor seeing instability in his eye... I am crushed. I spent many nights gathering information about the ports we were going to so I am going to share it here, at least planning the cruise was fun...

 

I tried to pick some fun options for our family (me, DH, DD (3 year old toddler), Mom, Dad, Aunt and Uncle) with varying interests. Enjoy and have a wonderful cruise!!

 

Guaymas

http://www.desertdivers.com/Map_(800k!).cfm

http://www.sancarlosmexico.com/index.html

http://www.scaamexico.com/

http://www.sancarlosmexicoguide.com/chap8c.html

To get the full effect of the Guaymas area with it's azure seas, striking mountains and crystal clear skies take a walk along the waterfront section of Avenida Serdan, the main street in town. There are several small seafood restaurants nearby to sit down and enjoy the view.

Snorkel with the Sea Lions: http://www.desertdivers.com/OSSC_2008_Price_List.htm 10-3, $67, We have a snorkeling trip scheduled to go out to San Pedro Island to snorkel and play with sea lions, which is a very exciting trip; and we usually see dolphins and whales on the way out and back to the island.

Kayak: http://www.desertdivers.com/OSSC_2008_Price_List.htm 1-800-830-3483. http://www.scaamexico.com/

Beach Day: Beaches are in San Carlos, you will have to take a Taxi or Bus to get there (15 minutes). The beach offers crystal clear blue waters with more than 800 species and some artificial reefs.

http://www.mexico.itravel2000.com/Baja/SanCarlos/WhatToDo/Beaches/

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  • Catch 22 Beach (Los Algodones): Access north of San Carlos Plaza Hotel and Convention Center- Great Windsurfing! Located north of Guayams, west of San Carlos. Miles of beautiful beaches backed by spectacular mountains!
    
  • San Francisco Beach: Access east of Fiesta Hotel
    
  • Frenchies Cove: Access to the left past El Mirador RV Park
    
  • Piedras Pinta Beach: secluded cove- no services.
    

Delfinario Sonora: http://www.sancarlosmexico.com/delfinario.html$30 -15 minutes interaction, $5- show, 12:30/ 3:00/ 4:00- 1 hour tour. Located in San Carlos New Guaymas, the Delfinario Sonora is a first level tourist attraction. 011-52-622-225-2600. The Dolpinarium" that has 6 captive dolphins and they have shows and do have certain times when you can pay to get in the pool with them. I believe the price is around $125.00 usd per person.

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  • Touching Table: Learn about bones and the evolution of marine mammals like: whales, dolphins and marine wolves, besides other organisms as the invertebrates.
    
  • Marine Wolves: With Ulises and Ariadna (marine wolves) you will learn about the anatomy and differences between these and the seals. Besides, they will show you the exercises learned in the training sessions and some guests will be able to feed them.
    
  • Dolphins: Attend a swim or training session and learn about the external anatomy and biology of dolphins while you observe the jumps and exercises they have prepared for you.
    
  • Interactive Swimming: Learn about dolphins and swim with them!
    

[pinotjolie]

I've been to this area several times since my parents have retired in San Carlos. San Carlos is a fifteen minute or less cab ride away from the cruise ship terminal. There are many things to do there-scuba, snorkel, nature trips, and of course, delicious margaritas.

I have done the Nature Cruise with Gary's Dive Shop two times now-I enjoy learning about the information about the geology and animal life of the area. A highlight of my last nature cruise was a baby dolphin swimming of the wake of the boat. Priceless! http://www.garysdivemexico.com/

There are also awesome beaches relax, ATV, horseback ride on-Algodones Beach is my preference. You can horseback ride to the set/ruins of Catch 22, also. http://www.astridranch.com/

 

In Guaymas, I like to go to Pancho Villas to eat tasty Mexican food. In San Carlos, I go to the Marina Cantina. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

PS-I've been trying to go to the Dolphinarium for the last three years, but with no success. Appears to be closed a lot. :(

 

There is also a pearl factory nearby-which can be interesting.

[CowPrincess]

pinotjolie, thank you SO MUCH for posting :D We are going to Guaymas for one day, and from my research it seems that San Carlos is the place for beach, kayak and snorkel activities.

 

Are there taxis readily available, and is there anything we should be aware of when hiring a taxi? Are there taxis in San Carlos, too, for the return trip?

 

DH wants to snorkel with sea lions, if this is do-able, escorted and relatively safe. Any suggestions on an operator?

 

Alternatively, we would definitely look at a horseback ride, and later some slothing on the beach. In the link you provided, are the horses well-cared-for? My DH especially would be terribly upset if the horses were undernourished or not cared for to a Canadian standard.

 

At the beach you recommend, is there anywhere to perhaps rent a kayak on our own, and/or snorkel gear?

 

And about those pearls.... :) I'm lusting after a Sea of Cortez pearl set in silver. Any "magic words" to use when purchasing one to get a better price? :)

 

Thank you again SO MUCH!!!!

[CanuckCruizer]

Wondering if anyone knows if there is shopping/flea markets in San Carlos or is it just beaches mostly - any shopping in Guaymas?

 

Thanks,

 

Canuck

[CowPrincess]

Sea of Cortez PEARL SHOPPING in Guaymas for sure :) Based on what I've been able to find Guaymas is more town/less beach, while San Carlos is more beach.

 

Hopefully someone will be able to tell both of us more :)

[CanuckCruizer]

Thanks, CowPrincess. The only thing I could find out is that there is a marina in San Carlos and apparently there are gift shops and galleries - so sounds like "higher end" shopping to me - but, of course, I am only guessing. When I did a search before, someone said that there is "nothing" in Guaymas - go to San Carlos, so.....

 

Actually, for the Sea of Cortez ports - there is not a lot of info really. I am interested in finding good restaurant recommendations for Loreto, Topolobampo (or Los Mochis) and Guaymas. I am allergic to seafood - so looking for good Mexican or Tex-Mex (I know - not "authentic" Mexican but we don't have any Mexican restaurants nearby to us here so we are always craving good guacamole, fajitas, enchiladas....lol).

 

Seems like no one reports about any of these places - very weird!

 

Canuck

[CowPrincess]

Thanks, CowPrincess. The only thing I could find out is that there is a marina in San Carlos and apparently there are gift shops and galleries - so sounds like "higher end" shopping to me - but, of course, I am only guessing. When I did a search before, someone said that there is "nothing" in Guaymas - go to San Carlos, so.....

 

Actually, for the Sea of Cortez ports - there is not a lot of info really. I am interested in finding good restaurant recommendations for Loreto, Topolobampo (or Los Mochis) and Guaymas. I am allergic to seafood - so looking for good Mexican or Tex-Mex (I know - not "authentic" Mexican but we don't have any Mexican restaurants nearby to us here so we are always craving good guacamole, fajitas, enchiladas....lol).

 

Seems like no one reports about any of these places - very weird!

 

Canuck

 

Not many people actually do Sea of Cortez cruises :D which is what I found on our Nov/08 Sea of Cortez cruise, when trying to do advance research.

 

We went to the Giggling Dolphin in Loreto, and were VERY pleased with the food there. Not sure of everything they offer, 'cuz we got to "Shrimp" and pigged out -- no help for you! We WILL be going back there this year (OMG soon!!!!) Maybe try googling it to see if you can find a menu.

 

We went to Los Mochis, didn't see any of Topolobampo -- it is down a different road than the shuttle takes to Los Mochis. Didn't eat in Los Mochis, but there were a couple of hotels the shuttle guide recommended for "Americans" :) We ended up eating at the beach (taking another shuttle) and were not impressed with the food. So I can't help with Los Mochis/Topo. Sorry!

 

This is our first trip to Guaymas, so can't help. Have you tried TripAdvisor? (We are just going to shuttle to San Carlos and have a beach day -- guess we'll eat whatever is available :) which scares me a bit as I have food allergies too!)

 

edited to add: googling got me a review with pics and commentary -- Giggling Dolphin DOES offer choices other than seafood!

 

http://www.starkinsider.com/2008/11/giggling-dolphin-restaurant-boat-bar-loreto-bcs-mexican-comfort-food.html#

[CanuckCruizer]

CowPrincess - Thanks very much for all the info. I actually had read your comments before about the Giggling Dolphin and had made a note to go there! Thanks very much for the link. Yes - I was beginning to think that we were the only ones going on the Sea of Cortez cruise....lol.

 

Thanks,

 

Canuck

[San Carlos lady]

I think you will find the favorite offering for visiting our area is Donna's nature tour via Gary's Dive Shop. That said, you might have to take it via the boat tour, as I think they max her tours, usually 2 per time alloted for our port.

Guaymas always goes out of the way to have festivities when boats in port, with "native" shopping. San Carlos shopping is higher end, but some quality shopping available. Limited restaurants in Guaymas, full range out in San Carlos. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding our area. Bienvenidos!

barb@casadeamigos.net