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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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.
Options
Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist
One person addition
One person addition
Reviews
52 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
Great adventure
stevenhD9692FK,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our second adventure with Michael. We switched to a hiking tour having taken the boating adventure before. Both were fantastic! Highly recommended
Great captain, excellent experience
JBKB 15,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great trip! Michael was a fantastic captain - he shared his extensive knowledge about marine life, geology and life in San Carlos. We were a group of seven, including several tweens. Michael made sure that everyone had the right gear to be safe and comfortable while snorkeling. We enjoyed our time on the “Pipiripau” and the beverages and lunch that Michael provided as well. We also appreciate that Michael chose not to book boat rides for the next few days since the forecast is for rougher seas. He truly cares about your experience of this beautiful place.
Highly recommended
rubrialuc ap,May 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My boyfriend and I had so much fun, we loved snorkeling and the food at the end was great. 10/10 must do it again.
Well worth it!
B Rodge12,Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time out on the sea of Cortez with Micheal. We enjoyed the scenic view, bird watching, and looking for dolphins. We ended the trip in a quiet bay with ceviche and drinks compliments of Michael. This is our third guided experience with him and he never disappoints! Would highly recommend and can't wait again for next time!
From US$80.00
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Operated by Educational adventure tours of San Carlos