Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist
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!
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Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist
What's included in Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Inclusions
- Use of waterproof binoculars
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Use of field guides to identify wildlife
- 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.
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- 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.
