San Carlos, Nuevo Guaymas in Sonora - Mexico December 27 - January 04, 2009

Big Thanks to my friend John M. for details info of San Carlos and this xpedition sponsor:The Paradiso Resort

Paradiso Resort:
Day 1 - December 27, 2008: We arrived to Guaymas on time. Omar Osoto Tapia picked us up at the airport and we checked in Paradiso Resort around 6 p.m.. Omar said that it had been windy the last few days and he had been kiting on his 7m kite.
Los Algodones beach:

Day 2 - December 28, 2008: We woked up and walked the Los Algodones beach (Playa Los Algodones) where everyone kites. The beach is about 2 miles long but everyone kites right in front of Haxhai (which means wind & water), the Paradiso Xtreme Sport shop, and the Soggy Peso bar as the water is smooth there and the wind is better. We met Stewart Tenny and David Smith from New Mexico. The wind came up around 11 a.m. today and it was about 18 to 25 kts today. We MADE a huge mistake that we brought only our 3/2 Mystic shorty suit.

At 9 a.m., We went snorkling at the point anyway and saw lots of fish. The visibility was excellent but unfortunately our Olympus waterproof camera failed as soon as we attempted to do some free diving. Jamie was having a blast chasing the Christmas Tree Anenome. Although the water is about 65F but the air/wind is COLD!!! We were powered up on our 10m HP Nemesis all day long until sunset and the wind still blowing. There were about 10 kites out today. We met Don Gray, Glen and Sue, Christian and Brit, Allen, Jeff, Vince, Fernando, Lucas. They were all super nice people.
From left to right: Lucas, Fernando, Omar, Kinsley, Fernando, Helmut, Don, Jamie, Christian, Brit, Roberto?:
Don has been in San Carlos for about 14 years. Click to read Don's Kite Blog.
La Manga Beach:

Day 3 - December 29, 2008: We walked the north side beach: La Manga up to the fishing village. Sometimes the local kiters like to do a big down winder from the top of La Manga down to Los Algodones beach. Along the beach we found dead a Giant Humbold Squid.
Kinsley with a Giant Squid:
We met a super nice kiter: Helmut Windsor and he told us of a great place for lunch: El Mirado restaurant in the fishing village. Wind was about 18 to 25 kts today. We were powered up all day long. 7m HP would have been a great kite for early session today. Our friends: George Henry and Carl Thomsen drove down from Ventura, California and showed up around 5 p.m. today! From Ventura to San Carlos they estimate it is between 14 and 22 hours of driving depending on whether you are in a car vs motor home. The main highway down is a superhighway and very well maintained making the drive through mainland easy and quick.

Day 4 - December 30, 2008: Wind was about 14 kts today: perfect for Jamie to practice her unhooked tricks.

The air temp was much warmer today. George and Carl drove into the town of San Carlos and had breakfast and checked out the downtown. There are quite a few restaurants (Blackie's, Toro's, Taquila, Captains Club are all recommended by the locals), clubs/bars with live music (Froggy's & Generals) and stores/shops. Kinsley was kiting on George's loaned 4/3 full suit today so he was a very happy camper. Carl kited all day long on his surfboard. We watched the sunset and chilled out at the Soggy Peso bar with some strong tasty Margarita and had dinner at Rosa Cantina in San Carlos downtown. Rosa's Cantina is great for breakfast or dinner. They have some of the best chimichanga's and tamales.

Day 5 - December 31, 2008: Wind was nice 15kts all afternoon. Carl was on 15m Waroo, George was on 9.5m,
George H.:
and most of everyone else was on 9m to 13m kite. Jamie worked all day to perfect her surfboard jibes. Carl was the last kiter riding into the sunset of 2008.

Carl, George, Kinsley and Jamie:

Day 6 - January 01, 2009: There was no wind today. We walked up the La Manga beach to El Mirador restaurant and found it was closed today. So we had some nice fish and shrimp tacos at Las Gaviotas shack which is a block down from El Mirador. We then hung out at the Soggy Peso bar with our buddies: George, Carl, and new friends: Topher and Valerie from Colorado. We finished the day with dinner at Torros restaurant in downtown San Carlos.

Happy New Year from us:

Day 7 - January 02, 2009: The weather forecast did not call for any wind today, but by 11 a.m. this morning whitecaps started showing up. Wind was from the West today so it was super smooth. Carl was the first kiter in the water with his 15m Waroo and surfboard. Kinsley and Jamie kited in the La Manga Bay with Helmut and Glen. La Manga Bay could hold easily 100 of kiters or more. There is also a second Manga Bay (smaller bay in the north) where some local riders like to kite and do a big downwinder down to Playa Algodones. We went out to Blackie restaurant and their Shrimp Au Chef was super delicious.
La Manga Bay:

Day 8 - January 03, 2009: No wind today. We went hiking in the "Canon de Nacapule" which is an oasis in the middle of the Sonora desert. It is about 20 minutes from San Carlos downtown. It was amazing to see big palm trees growing on a cliff edge about a thousand feet above. The hiking is endless and beautiful.
We headed over to La Manga and had luck eating at El Mirador which was very good as promised. We hung out at The Soggy Peso until sunset and headed into town for dinner. Carl and George danced the night away with a great local band at Froggy's closing the place down at 2am.

Day 9 - January 04, 2009: As usual, the wind came up around 1 p.m. today. We already had all of our gear packed up ready to check out at 2:30 p.m. for our flights home so we were kiting on Carl's 11m and 9m Waroo and surfboards. San Carlos is a wonderful kiting place that we would love to go back. The local kiters such as Omar, Fernando, Don Gray, Glen and Sue, Stewart and David made us feel really welcome there. BIG THANKS to our friends George H. and Carl T. for being part of this xpedition and let us borrowed their wetsuit, kites, and surfboards.

Thank You Very Much to our friend, Omar, for helping set up our trip and show us the lay of the land. He has a great shop on the beach, Paradiso Haxhai, with both kiting and diving equipment. He knows the best kiting spots in the state of Sonora and would be of great help to any kiter who is looking for a great time kiting in the area.
Our buddy John M. from Arizona has been kiting at San Carlos since 1999. He was probably the first kiter there! Manu Bertin even taught there when it was called Club Med Sonora Bay. The most reliable time is December through March, as it does take the same wind as the Ventana/Barriles spots with "el norte" winds. February is best month. Shorty wetsuit and good chance of wind are expected for early march.
The wind season is from October to May, when the north wind kicks in with average of 20 knots of wind for 5 to 6 days, during the fall and the winter season. There is flat water on one side of bay where it is protected by 3 islands, or You can have some fun on the waves on the ocean side of the bay.
This is a place for all the level of kiterskiters, where you can find wind from Side on, Side off, and On Shore directions of wind at the Paradiso Resort exclusive 1.5 km of beach. The north side beach is La Manga Beach: Choppy but is normally stronger than the south side beach: Algodones beach where most of the kiters ride. Just look for the Soggy Peso Bar and you will find the Algodones beach and local kiters.
San Carlos is a real easy place for Americans. Almost everyone speaks some English. Half of the town is American.

Nestled between the mountains of the Sonoran desert and the deep blue waters of the Sea of Cortez - labeled by Jacques Cousteau as "The Aquarium of the World" , due to its enormous biodiversity - Paradiso Resort boasts a unique landscape of cacti and red desert rock mountains towering over an azure lagoon.
Paradiso Resort Mexico, located in the outskirts of San Carlos Sonora, Mexico - approximately 6 miles from the town of San Carlos. It lies amidst natural beauty and over 2 miles of sandy beaches. San Carlos, Sonora, is a pristine, unspoiled destination on the Sea of Cortez that offers total relaxation in a safe environment and in close contact with nature framed by a beach, desert and mountain setting, that have become the favored beach town destination for an ever-growing population of well-immersed foreign nationals. A wide array of nature-oriented activities await you! Situated in northern Mexico's Sonoran Desert, San Carlos is comprised of approximately 67 acres located on a natural lagoon, surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and the cobalt waters of the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California). The Tetakawi Hill and Bacochibampo Mountains in the horizon overlook Paradiso Resort and lend to the uniqueness of the scenery.
This San Carlos Resort offers the appearance of being remote, yet it is only 10 minutes drive from downtown San Carlos, 25 minutes from the airport in Guaymas and only 30 minutes to downtown Guaymas. The Sonoran Capital, Hermosillo and its international airport are about an hour and a half drive from San Carlos. San Carlos is a four hour drive from the U.S. border.
The resort offers 232 guestrooms in multiple buildings that range from 2-4 floors. Rooms offer either a lagoon view or an ocean view. Decor is a comfortable Mexican style with red tile floors and wood furnishings.

This Xpedition trip is featuring in the KiteBoarder Magazine:

San Carlos - Sonora Mexico - San Carlos - Kiteboarding essential information:

  • Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced. There are 3 main beaches for kiting: La Manga, Algodones, and San Francisco
  • Surface Conditions: Super flat water in the bay, Wind Chop and Shore break. There is no surf here. Don't bother with the surfboards. Paradiso Resort situated right on the point. At Algodones beach where the Soggy Peso Bar is, the water is really smooth even in strong north winds. The other side (La Manga beach) will have a little more rolling wind swell.
  • Wind Conditions: Good for 7m to 12m on normal day, light wind day: 13m to 16m kites. Normal wind direction is NW - Starboard (blows from right to left)
  • Season: All Year around but the best months for kiteboarding are October through March. November: the water is still warm and the wind is 3 out of 7 days. February is colder but the wind blows everyday.
  • Water Temp: Shorties are recommended and 4/3 full suit during the winter months: December through March.
  • Air Temp: 17 - 30 C.
  • Nearest Town: San Carlos, Guaymas
  • Wind & Weather: Latest Wind Report

The left/upper west facing beach is La Manga, and from some of the Paradiso rooms you can hop out the door and kite right there. Just past that little Paradiso Resort lagoon mouth to the south is the beach called Los Algodones, otherwise known as Catch 22 beach. A great place, flat water, nice little kite/scuba diving shop: HaxHai Xtreme Sports Shop. The Soggy Peso bar is a few steps right on the beach where your friends can hang out and watch you boosting big. If the wind doesn't have any west in it you would prefer La Manga. Further in San Carlos downtown is San Francisco beach which is a better place to kite when the South Wind kicks in.

Mention you got the info from XtremeBigAir.com to get discount and Rent a house on the Los Algodones beach here: http://www.sancarlosproperty.com/costadelmar.htm

Transportation: If you are flying down to San Carlos, try to use the Guaymas Airport (GYM). It is a real easy place to deal with, so close, tiny, and you are minutes from San Carlos rather than having to drive through Hermosillo which might be intimidating, confusing or a hassle.
Air Service: San Carlos is served by the commercial airport at Guaymas (GYM), approximately 15 miles away. Guaymas is served by AeroMexico. America West, AeroMexico, Mexicana, and Aero California fly to Hermosillo (HMO) . From Hermosillo, you may rent a car or take a bus(a 1-1/2 hour drive).
By Bus: TBC Bus Lines has a new service to Guaymas, departing from Phoenix, Tucson, or Nogales, Sonora. If you need to get a tourist card, be sure to tell the driver and they will stop at the 21 Km checkpoint. If you forget, this card can also be obtained at the Immigration office in Guaymas. Terminal locations and phone numbers are as follows: Phoenix: 1360 E. Van Buren St, 602-258-5852 Tucson: 1428 S. 6th Ave, 520-903-2801 Nogales: Carr. International Km 4.5, 011-52-631-32880
By Car: San Carlos is approximately 4 hours south of the border at Nogales, AZ. The route is Mexico Federal Highway 15, which is a four-lane road. This route will take you through Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Anna and Hermosillo.
San Carlos is strategically located within the free transit, unrestricted driving zone for vehicles coming from the US. If you are driving within the state of Sonora for 7 days or less, you dont need a permit for your personal vehicle, provided you can produce a valid drivers license or ID upon request.

CITY DISTANCE TIME
GUAYMAS 30KM 20 MINUTE
SHERMOSILLO 127KM 1.5 HRS
NOGALES AZ 437KM 4.5 HRS
TUCSON AZ 526KM 5.5 HRS
PHOENIX AZ 750KM 7 HRS

With the high cost of fuel in the USA, you might be tempted to forego that family vacation this summer.  Did you know that fuel is considerably cheaper in Mexico than it is in the US? Pemex regular unleaded is about $2.60/gallon in Mexico and diesel is less than half the US price at $2.35/gallon. And while the dollar has been down against many currencies, it is relatively strong against the Mexican Peso.   Find current exchange rates here.

Passport Requirements:

In an effort to enhance security and efficiency at U.S. borders, the U.S. government will soon enforce new passport requirements for all travelers entering or re-entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, and other locations.  These new rules include US Citizens.
By Air:  All travelers will need to have a passport, including US citizens returning to the US by air on Jan 23, 2007.

By Land & Sea: A passport or other qualified travel document will be required at all land border ports-of-entry prior to June 1, 2009.  The final exact date has not been set.  Effective January 31, 2008, all travelers are required to have documented proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate and photo ID and be prepared to show these documents when entering the USA.

If you do not have a passport, visit Get a Passport Now.  It has information on obtaining passports for citizens of the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

Passport Card Information Update-July 14, 2008 

Current Highway Conditions:  For the latest information on Arizona & Sonora Highway conditions, including construction, border crossing times and current events, see the AZ DOT 511 system web site.

The Sonora "Free Zone": The Sonora Free Zone program for vehicles has expanded!!  This means that those who plan to travel with vehicles in the state of Sonora north of Empalme/Guaymas no longer have to register and obtain a vehicle permit.  If you plan to travel to the San Carlos-Guaymas area and no further into Mexico, this option applies. This also applies to trailers, boats, etc. Tourist cards are still required but for stays of 7 days or less you can get a no-fee tourist card.

Where is the Free Zone?  The Free Zone includes the area west of Mexico Highway 15 to the coast or the border with Baja. It also includes the area from Douglas-Agua Prieta via Mexico Highway 2 west though Cananea to Imuris and everything north of that highway to the US-Mexico border. The southern end of the free zone is at KM 98 on Mexico 15, just south of Empalme. Communities in the free zone include Agua Prieta, Naco, Cananea, Nogales, Puerto Penasco, Sonoyta, San Luis Colorado, Caborca, Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Ana, Hermosillo, Kino Bay, San Carlos, Guaymas and Empalme.

If you want to travel to the eastern part of Sonora, which includes the Route of the Rio Sonora, the lakes at Angostura and Novillo, and Moctezuma or to the southern part of Sonora including Obregon, Novojoa or Tobalabampo, you must have an Only Sonora (free) or the All Mexico (fee) vehicle permit. The catch is you can only get an Only Sonora permit at KM 21 south of Nogales or at KM 98, south of Empalme. There are no other issue points for the Only Sonora permit at this time.

If you plan to travel beyond the state of Sonora, you must obtain an All Mexico permit for the vehicle which is good for 6 months and is valid for travel in all other areas of Mexico. You will need a credit card to post a bond of about $20 to guarantee you will not sell the car in Mexico. Note: If you use cash, the bond is over $200. Moral is use a credit card!

The new vehicle permit station is south of Empalme, at KM 98. All Mexico and Only Sonora permits are available at this station.

Air Service: San Carlos is served by the commercial airport at Guaymas (GYM), approximately 15 miles away. Guaymas is served by  America West (now US Air). An alternate routing may be made through the airport in Hermosillo (HMO), which is 75 miles away and then complete your journey by bus to Guaymas/San Carlos. 

Bus Service:  

TUFESA Bus Lines has a new International Service to Hermosillo and Guaymas. Departing from Phoenix ($41) and from Tucson ($27) to Hermosillo and also to Guaymas departing from Phoenix ($50) and from Tucson ($34). Terminal locations and phone numbers are as follows:

Phoenix: 1614 N. 27th Ave & McDowell Rd.
Phone: (602) 415-9900/9902
We have a taxi service 24 hrs. With special fares.

Tucson: 5550 S. 12th Ave
Phone: (520) 670-1534
We are 5 mins from the airport.
www.tufesa.com.mx

TBC Bus Lines has service to Guaymas, departing from Phoenix ($40), Tucson ($30) or Nogales, Sonora ($20).  If you need to get a tourist card, be sure to tell the driver and they will stop at the 21 Km checkpoint.  If you forget, this card can also be obtained at the Immigration office in Guaymas. Terminal locations and phone numbers are as follows:
Phoenix: 1225 S. 7th St, 602-258-2445
Tucson:   1428 S. 6th Ave, 520-903-2801
Nogales:  Carr. International Km 4.5, 011-52-631-32880

Private Auto: San Carlos is approximately 4 hours (250 miles) south of the border at Nogales, AZ. The route is Mexico Federal Highway 15, which is a four-lane road. This route will take you through Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Anna and Hermosillo. There are three toll booths enroute at Nogales, Magdalena and Hermosillo. The toll for an automobile is from $2-$6 at each booth, depending on currency rates. Current tolls are:
Nogales via Mariposa crossing: 37 pesos
Magadalena: 19 pesos
Hermosillo: 59 pesos
Note that trailers and towed vehicles incur an additional charge per axle. Toll booths will accept payment in US currency with change given in pesos.

There are two border crossing points in Nogales. The original point is downtown and can be reached by following 1-19 from Tucson to it's end or by going south on Business 19 if coming from the east on AZ Hwy 82. This crossing is open 24 hours per day. It is usually very busy and is not suitable if you are towing a boat. There is no toll charge using this entry port.

We prefer and recommend the newer Mariposa crossing on Hwy 189. If coming from Tucson, exit I-19 at Hwy 189 and go west. If coming from the east on Hwy 82, take North Business 19 and turn left at the second traffic light. The crossing is open daily from 6AM to 10PM, but is much less constricted. It is the way to go if towing anything bigger than a jet-ski or ATV.  

For detailed information on crossing the border at Naco or Agua Prieta, visit the Route of the Rio Sonora web site.

Current road conditions in Sonora are available online at the Arizona Department of Transportation web site at: www.az511.gov/Sonora/

Travel Advisory: A vehicle height restriction has been imposed on the Mariposa crossing. Vehicles over 2.49 meters or 8.5 feet high may only cross the border going into Mexico between 8 AM and 10PM, Monday through Saturday.  Vehicles over 8.5 feet high cannot use this crossing on Sunday. Plan accordingly if you are driving an RV or towing a large boat or trailer.

Border Crossing Times: During the months of December and January, traffic returning to the US from Mexico can be very heavy and result in long waiting times to cross the border in Nogales. Weekends and holidays can be very congested.  If your travel plans permit, try and avoid these periods.  If they cannot be avoided we do suggest you get an early start leaving San Carlos. Border crossing times are available on line at http://nemo.customs.gov/process/bordertimes/bordertimes.asp.

An alternate route to consider is to turn east on Mexico Highway 2 in Imuris and take that route east through Cananea to the Naco turn off. Follow that road north to the Naco border crossing, just south of Bisbee, AZ on the border.  This 2 lane road includes sections of narrow winding mountain roads and is subject to heavy Mexican bus and truck traffic.
Do not take this route at night or in an RV or towing a trailer or in inclement weather!  It is 85 miles from Imuris to Naco via this route.  Take your time and enjoy the scenery.  This route is appropriate if traveling east towards New Mexico.  For those going to Tucson and points north and west, it may actually save travel time by avoiding the border congestion in Nogales.  Take this route with caution, however.

Paperwork: To bring your automobile into Mexico, you must have the title and/or registration, a tourist visa and a valid US drivers license. You should have Mexican Insurance on your automobile as your US insurance is NOT VALID in Mexico. You can obtain insurance online here and can buy it for a specified time or on an annual basis if you expect to travel into Mexico frequently. See the insurance page for online Mexican insurance. See our detailed paperwork section below on this page for more on vehicle registration and tourist cards (visas).

Traveling with pets.  If your pet is going on the trip with you, visit your veterinarian and get the animal a checkup and health certificate before you go.  Take the rabies certificate for the animal with you as well.  Be very conscious of temperature conditions and insure your animal has sufficient water and protection from heat, especially during the summer months.  If you are flying, be aware that America West Airlines does not transport animals in the baggage compartment on their aircraft.

Services: Fuel including unleaded or diesel is available at numerous service stations along the route. You can buy any brand you like as long as it's PEMEX, the Mexican National Oil Company. These are full service so don't pump your own. They take pesos or dollars. There is usually a youngster around to clean your windshield and a small gratuity of 25-50 cents is in order. Restrooms (banos) are normally available and can also be found at the toll booths.

Another neat feature about this route are the Green Angel trucks. These are mobile motorist aid units who will stop and assist if you do have a breakdown. Their mission is to perform minor repairs to get you back on the road. The best way not to meet them is to have the vehicle serviced before you cross the border. But it's nice to know they are there.

Speed Limits: Observe the speed limit signs, which are in kilometers per hour. Pay particular attention in built up areas as it is not uncommon to have pedestrians or animals along the right of way. Driving at night is generally not recommended as domestic animals may wander off the open range and onto the highway. El Toro (the bull) is neat, until you wrap a ton of steer around your front end. Stick to the daylight hours for highway travel. And as in the US, please don't drink and drive. And please don't litter.

Some common signs and their meanings:

  • Peligrosa: Danger (They really mean it too)
  • Curva: Curve
  • Poblado Proxima: Population ahead
  • Llanteros: Tire Repair Shop
  • Izquierdo: Left
  • Derecho: Right
  • Alto: Stop
  • Cuotas: Toll
  • Caseta:  Toll Booth
  • Topes:  Speed Bumps (big ones!!)

Month Temp Month Temp
January 17 C February 18 C
March 20 C April 22 C
May 25 C June 30 C
July 31 C August 31 C
September 30 C October 21 C
November 21 C December 18 C

National language: Spanish but English is understood in larger hotels and airline companies.
Currency: Mexican Peso. Money can be exchanged at at the airport, bank. Best way to get Peso is using ATM machines which is widely available.
Credit cards are accepted in all places: good hotels, shops and restaurants.
Vaccinations: For the entry in Mexico, there are no vaccinations required. Generally, there are no special vaccinations necessary.
Doctor: There really aren't hospitals in San Carlos. There are some clinics and a Rescate (paramedic clinic) in town and a number of hospitals in Guaymas and a really excellent hospital in Hermosillo.
Medications: Of course you should always have medicine and a first aid kit with you. However you will find plenty pharmacies with a good choice of medicine in San Carlos.
Climate- Year round: during the summer days, the air temperature is between 25C and 30C. We visited San Carlos in early late February and the air temp was about 18C, a light jacket is needed at night and in the afternoon. Water temp: you need a 3mm full suit during the winter month.
TIP: is 15%
Internet: You will find internet access in internet cafe in San Carlos, in tourist villages, in hotels.

Fun things to do:

Kayaking: Explore the wonder of the Sea of Cortez on a kayak! The San Carlos coast is dotted with breathtaking sea caves, cliffs, and small offshore islands that make this area a kayakers dream come true. Never kayaked before? Our experienced team is happy to provide instruction for beginners.
Mountain Biking and Hiking: Surrounding Paradiso Resort are the Algodones Mountains offering wonderful hiking or biking opportunities for adventure-seekers yearning to get off the beaten track. The porous rocks that form these rugged mountains collect rain during the wet months of summer, and the water leaches out in the form of freshwater springs year round. There are several freshwater springs in the many canyons of the mountains; because fresh water is available year round, the ecology of these canyons differs greatly from the surrounding desert.
Whale Watching: Join us as we search San Carlos for the second largest cetacean (whale) on the planet! Many species of whale can be observed throughout the year in the greater San Carlos area, including orcas, pilot whales, and sperm whales. Last winter we spotted a very rare group of pygmy sperm whales, and fin backs whales come through San Carlos on a fairly regular basis.
Margarita Sunset Cruise: (6 person min.) This is our favorite and most highly recommended excursion. Push out on the azul waters of the Sea of Cortez as you and your loved ones enjoy a peaceful cruise. The highlight of this trip is watching the sunset on the ocean; a truly spectacular sight that has been unchanged since the days of Cortez, himself. Enjoy unlimited margaritas and some delicious chips and salsa. You have the choice of cruising on an intimate sailboat or getting the party started with friends on a motorboat.
Horseback Riding: Come explore the oasis of San Carlos like explorers did hundreds of years ago. Hop on one of our well-mannered horses and join us as we venture to where the mountains meet the sea. This expedition starts with some quick horseback riding basics at Paradiso. After saddling up your horse, you will ride just meters from the ocean on our own beach; then you will journey through the Sonoran desert, learning about the different flora and fauna; finally, ride up to the abandoned movie set of Catch-22!
Wreck Scuba Diving: For those of you looking to explore the depths of the Sea of Cortez, this excursion is a must. Explore the remains of a shipwreck below the surface. There are several wrecks in the immediate area.
San Pedro Island Tour: San Pedro Island is a magnificent journey just 16 miles off the mainland. The island has a large sea lion population that eagerly welcomes visitors with a barrage of barking! These friendly little creatures will even swim alongside you as you voyage beneath the surface to explore nearby reefs.
Kite Boarding & Wind Surfing: Featuring fine, soft sand and a side shore breeze during most of the year, the beach at Los Algodones is a world-class location for kite boarding. The northwesterly wind begins in early October and continues through May, with the best month traditionally being February. Two bays are available just north of town: La Manga, known for its wave sailing and great starboard ramps, and Catch-22, also known as Los Algodones, ideal for the intermediate flat-water sailor. Los Algodones is also the perfect spot for learning beach and water starts.
Sailing: With a steady breeze throughout most of the year, Paradiso Resort is the perfect place for a sailing escape. Being a world-class location for sailing, we offer a wide range of sailing optionsfrom Hobie Cats to 40' with instruction available. And don't forget to pull into one of the many secluded coves for your own private Paradise! Don't forget the camera.
Fishing Excursions: The Sea of Cortez is a great location to fish. Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna or Dorado, you are sure to find a challenge. Several boats are available to take you out to the best spots in the area. Kick back with a Margarita or Beer and enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
Scuba & Snorkeling: The Sea of Cortez is home to more than 800 species of fish, and this is the perfect opportunity to discover them!
Hiking: Hundreds of miles of trails into the desert & mountains for hiking, mountain biking or a 4X4 drive. Careful, dont get lost!
Stables and Horseback Riding Enjoy a journey horseback riding through hundreds of miles of trails into the Sonora desert, through the Algodones mountains or along the beach.

For more information contact Paradiso Resort:

Get Mexico Auto Insurance at EXIT 4th before Nogales: