Scuba Diving Trips in San Carlos

Upcoming Trips

San Carlos, Mexico

San Carlos, with its clear waters along the Sea of Cortez, provides a mesmerizing scuba diving experience, showcasing a variety of marine life and captivating underwater topography.

Divers of all skill levels can explore sites teeming with colorful fish, sea lions, and unique coral formations. The region’s underwater landscapes, featuring caves and canyons, add to the thrill of each dive.

San Carlos’s diving community is known for its professionalism, guiding divers to explore the area’s marine biodiversity. Whether it’s the renowned sites or secluded spots, diving here offers an unforgettable adventure for marine enthusiasts.

What To Expect

Scuba Diving

Discover the underwater marvels of San Carlos, a diving haven with its rock and black coral forests, sandy bottoms, and intriguing swim-throughs. This destination is not just about the diverse marine landscapes; it’s also a place of conservation, exemplified by the Sea Lion Preservation at Isla San Pedro Nolasco. Divers are treated to a symphony of sights, from the textured terrains of the sea floor to the playful sea lions, making each dive an educational journey into the heart of marine biodiversity.

The average visibility is from 30 to 50 feet.

You might see: 

  • Sea Lions
  • Stingrays
  • Moray Eels
  • Dolphins
  • Turtles
  • Parrotfish

Recommended Specialty Courses

  • Fish Identification
  • Deep Diving
  • Wreck
  • Navigation
  • Photo & Video
  • Perfect buoyancy
San Carlos Sea Lions
San Carlos Sea Life

San Carlos Dive Boats

San Carlos Dive Boats offers an exceptional diving adventure, where explorers can immerse themselves in the aquatic wonders of San Carlos, enjoying unparalleled access to vibrant marine life and stunning underwater vistas.

 

Aboard the Piesquita

Marinaterra Hotel & Spa

Marinaterra Hotel & Spa, located in San Carlos, offers a luxurious experience with its 121 rooms and amenities like a spa and beach club. The resort is a favorite for scuba diving enthusiasts, providing easy access to underwater adventures. Overlooking the marina and Tetakawi Mountain, it promises a memorable stay.

Marinaterra Hotel & Spa

Sawari Hotel

Sawari Hotel in San Carlos, Sonora, provides a comfortable stay with amenities including a restaurant, bar, and a dedicated children’s area. Its rooms cater to both vacationers and business travelers, emphasizing comfort and relaxation. The hotel is a testament to local culture, as reflected in its name ‘Sawari,’ meaning “Sahuaro” in the Yaqui language.

Sawari Hotel

Piesquita

The “Piesquita” is a 36′ Newton Dive Special boat located in San Carlos, Mexico, ready to take adventurers on SCUBA diving, freediving, spearfishing, and fishing trips in the Sea of Cortez.

Aboard the Piesquita

Sea Of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. Renowned for its biological diversity, the sea supports a vast array of marine life, including several species of whales, dolphins, and fish, making it a critical habitat for conservation and a popular destination for eco-tourism. 

San Carlos Sea Lions

San Pedro Nolasco

San Pedro Nolasco is a small, uninhabited island located in the Sea of Cortez, off the coast of Sonora, Mexico. Known for its rich marine biodiversity, the island is a popular site for diving and snorkeling, offering visitors the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter diverse marine species, and enjoy its serene natural beauty.

San Carlos Sunset

Culture

The San Carlos culture refers to the indigenous peoples and the associated cultural practices found in the San Carlos region, typically associated with areas in North or South America where groups are identified as San Carlos. This culture is often characterized by its unique traditions, languages, crafts, and social structures that have evolved over centuries. The specific characteristics of San Carlos culture can vary significantly depending on the exact location, as different groups have their distinct heritage and practices. These can include specific forms of pottery, textile arts, rituals, agricultural practices, and social organization, reflecting a deep connection with their environment and history. The culture’s resilience and adaptability are evident in how it has preserved its traditions while navigating the challenges of modernity and external influences. 
Playa Los Algodones

Playa Los Algodones

Often referred to as “Cotton Beach,” Playa Los Algodones is renowned for its soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports. The beach is surrounded by scenic mountains, adding to its natural allure.

San Carlos

Nacapule Canyon

Nacapule Canyon is an essential destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. It provides stunning views, distinctive plants and animals, and paths for hiking and climbing. The canyon’s rich ecosystem offers excellent chances for exploration and photography.

Nacapule Canyon

San Pedro Nolasco Island

San Pedro Nolasco Island, celebrated for its abundant marine life, attracts divers and snorkelers. This uninhabited island, part of a marine reserve, serves as a haven for various marine creatures and birds. Visitors can discover a lively underwater realm, home to sea lions, diverse fish, and corals.

What prior travelers say
!
“I absolutely loved my time in San Carlos. The diving was spectacular, with colder water species that I’d not had the opportunity to see either ever or in such numbers (nudibranchs galore, sea hares, sea lions, etc.). The local scene was also great: good food, service, and prices for visitors from the U.S. I can’t wait to get back to discover more of what San Carlos has to offer!” 
– Alma R.

Traveler Photos

Know Before You Go

Dive Insurance

Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.

Currency

The PESO is the basic monetary unit of Mexico. Also accepts the U.S. Dollar.  

Language

Spanish and English. 

Passport Validity

You need a passport that is valid for 6 months after your arrival. 

Water/Food

It is recommended to bring bottled water. Please carry a reusable bottle while on board to minimize trash.

Grocery stores are available, and we will serve a small lunch aboard. Feel free to bring any additional food or non-alcoholic drinks you would like.

Need help packing?

We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.