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Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist

69 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 69 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Mexico, Mexico
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish
Instant confirmation

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!

What's Included

  • Lunch 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 waterproof binoculars
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
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    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Choya
    Bahia, 85506 San Carlos, Son., Mexico

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

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    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Bahia San Carlos

    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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    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Roca San Nicolimaás

    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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    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Isla La Raza

    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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    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Bahía San Francisco

    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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    45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    1 hour Admission Ticket Free

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    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • If you easily get seasick it is highly recommended to take medication such as Difenidol an hour before the tour.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions (9)

    Q: Will I get seasick on Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist?

    A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-230300P2

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    69 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 69 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    69
    4 stars
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    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
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    1 star
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    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • LunchFreshly 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 waterproof binoculars
    • Use of Snorkelling equipment
    • Use of field guides to identify wildlife

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • If you easily get seasick it is highly recommended to take medication such as Difenidol an hour before the tour.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

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    Activity name