Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If you easily get seasick it is highly recommended to take medication such as Difenidol an hour before the tour.
What To Expect
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.
Options
Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist
One person addition
One person addition
What‘s Included
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
56 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience/
Violeta S,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mike was amazing! So much knowledge about everything! We had a blast on the boat tour ! The snorkeling at the end with ceviche and drinks were the cherry on the top!
10 out of 10
37riverf,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had so much fun on our tour, it was one of my favorite experiences in years of coming to San Carlos. Michael was so friendly, knowledgeable, and funny. We really felt his love and passion for the topic and Learned a ton about the history and ecology of the area. Experiencing the ocean this way was so special. Highly recommend!
so good
jacobys495,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing! Had such a blast. Micheal is incredibly knowledgeable and so friendly and fun! Knows the area and the wildlife intimately and is a great guide and person to spend time with. He took us to a special snorkling spot that was absolutely incredible. Saw so many beautiful fish, a stingray, a puffer fish, coral. And he fed us amazing aguachiles! Highly recommend.
It was such an amazing...
Lizett F,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was such an amazing experience, and the ceviche that they had on board was so good! I will definitely be coming back to you guys!
Fun, educational boat tour & snorkel with fantastic host!
Teresa Nathalia L,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the best part of our trip! We got to see and learn about the local birds and sea creatures, we went snorkeling, and at the end Mike had ceviche and beers waiting for us! Mike was the nicest and very knowledgeable, we're already planning to come back and do it again :)
Wonderful nature boat ride in San Carlos
chrislE1469EY,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our excursion with Michael was very educational, enjoyable and downright lovely! We learned about the area, as well as the animals and birds that reside near/ on/in the sea. We saw dolphins, a sea lion and countless pelicans, terns, blue herons, gulls and even several blue footed boobies. And then got to snorkel and saw colorful fish in a quiet cove... Michael finished the tour with some tasty ceviche tostadas... Thank you Michael! You made us feel welcome!
Great guide!
Michael C,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great way to get to know the area! Michael was an excellent host and guide. Was saw birds, fish, dolphins - after seeing different islands and bays, we finished off with some snorkeling . We thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
Great experience. Muy recomendado
Alejandra P,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Mike was super nice and knowledgeable. We had a great time through the San Carlos coast. All excellent. Gran experiencia. Super recomendado.
Water world
Grant V,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00First of all Mike was awesome he really made the trip great. Awesome homemade ceviche btw. Second very much worth especially compared to the price of getting your own boat and went to the extra mile to help us see the dolphins! Unfortunately the sun was not on our side but on a great day this would have been even better
Snorkeling, ceviche and lots of nature
angelpH8681MH,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience! Mike is a super nice guide, you can tell he loves nature and was super interesting the whole trip, super recommended
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