SAN CARLOS MARKETING COMPANY SA DE CV
A "GRUPO CABALLERO" COMPANY
SAN CARLOS DEVELOPERS FOR OVER 40 YEARS
DIVING AND WATER SPORTS
DESCRIPTION
Diving is one of the most popular passions of visitors to San Carlos, whether 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 and nearby Guaymas areas an ideal place to learn and visit repeatedly. The Sea of Cortez, some 1,200 kilometers (approx. 800 miles) long, 222 kilometers (139 miles) wide and up to 3,500 meters (11,000 feet) deep, was formed some five million years ago as the result of the San Andres fault, which separated the Baja California peninsula from the continent, creating a home for more than 800 variety of fish and more than 3,000 species of maritime animals including sharks, whales, dolphins and an incredible variety of fish. Many of these species are unique to the Sea of Cortez, which is also known as the Gulf of California. The Sea unites unique features of the mouth of the gulf, bringing together species from both the tropical south and north. In the depths of the Sea, astonishing forms of life have been discovered that were, just a few years ago, not known to exist. But at temperatures well below 0 degrees centigrade, where light is not able to penetrate, incredible oceanic discoveries have been made.. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| " Gary, thank you for our diving experience...and, as always,
diving in San Carlos was exceptional". Jeff Stack, Salt Lake City, Utah |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
In front of Cañon de las Barajitas is a colossal chunk of rock that offers natural protection to seals and sea lions. Depths of the nearby waters are about 30 meters. (A meter is slightly more than a yard). The island offers divers a magnificent region to observe the behavior of these animals, who approach visitors without inhibition. The waters are generally cold in this region and they are located almost 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the coast. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
SAN CARLOS This bayside, world-famous destination offers innumerable opportunities for the diver (free or scuba) with classes and training from a wide variety of service providers. Rental and purchase of equipment is available also, as is maintenance, air compression services and more. There are many sites at which to dive and explore the intricacies of the Sea of Cortez. The best season to dive is considered to be the summer, where water is 26 degrees centigrade (78 degrees Fahrenheit) and visibility is excellent because of the presence of sunlight. Many underwater photographers choose to come here during the summer precisely because of the visibility. The lowest temperature may vary from 13 to 15 degrees centigrade (55 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit.)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
EL HIMALAYA This area is well known to both Mexican and foreign divers because it offers a large beach, easily accessible by ground. El Himalaya often serves as a departure point for groups leaving in both inflatable and regular crafts with on-board motors that do not exceed 27 feet in length. It offers a jagged, rocky point and a channel Up to 10 meters deep that, during certain months, serves as a site for reproduction of various species. Ensenada Chica and Grande represent bays known for the protection offered boaters and diving groups.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
WATER TEMPERATURES
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
CURRENT
FISH SIGHTINGS Please see the El Mar Web/Mexico site at: www.elmar.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
DIVE and WATER SPORTS SHOPS San Carlos is fortunate to have excellent
selection of dive shops that offer a variety of services: scuba diving
and snorkeling gear rental, diver guides (PAD certified), certification
programs and much more. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
San Carlos also offers an exceptional
access to the Sea of Cortés (also known as the Gulf of California) with
two world class marinas. Actually, the Marina San Carlos is the largest
natural marina in all of Latin America. Together, Marina Real and Marina
San Carlos offer over 750 slips – a great way to start a scuba
diving or sports fishing experience. |
Just
30 minutes from San Carlos toward the north, at about 20 meters depth,
rests the tuna boat known as “Albatun,” which is nearly
180 feet in length, and nearby, just in front of the ecological retreat
known as Cañon de Las Barajitas, rests the “Presidente
Diaz Ordaz,” a 330-foot long ferryboat. (The tuna boat sank in
rough seas where it rests. The ferry was in an accident near Mazatlan
where it partially sank. It was towed to Guaymas for repairs that were
never performed and then sunk at the request of the diving industry.)
SAN
PEDRO NOLASCO ISLAND