Major city · Mexico
San Carlos
Give San Carlos 2–3 nights if you dive or fish, 1 night if you only want the beach; a car is near-mandatory outside the marina strip.
San Carlos is a small Sea of Cortez town in Sonora, about 3 h south of the US border at Nogales and 1.5 h from Hermosillo. It is a diving, fishing and winter-sun stop rather than a sightseeing city: two marinas, a handful of beaches, a 200 m peak over the bay, and a large seasonal Canadian and US retiree population. Most travellers stay 2–3 nights, or use it as a beach break on the MEX-15 drive.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, 24–29 °C (75–84 °F) days); diving peaks Mar–JunNov–Apr (dry, 75–84 °F (24–29 °C) days); diving peaks Mar–Jun
- avoid Jul–Sep (38 °C (100 °F), humid, hurricane season)avoid Jul–Sep (100 °F (38 °C), humid, hurricane season)
- Airports
- HMO · GYM
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for San Carlos911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Carlos, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetySan Carlos is a small, low-crime resort town and the main risks are heat, sea conditions and cash-only tolls.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police and emergency (national) · 078 Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes, highway help)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHMO Hermosillo (General Ignacio Pesqueira García International) (About 1 h 30 min–2 h by car to San Carlos; the commercial airport for the area).
- Getting aroundThe marina area is walkable, but the town is spread along Blvd.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeMXN 40–70 (≈ US$3–4)
- Beerbottle at a beach bar / six-pack at a shopMXN 50–80 (≈ US$3–5)MXN 120–180 (≈ US$7–10)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi Guaymas – San CarlosMXN 100–150 (≈ US$6–9)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus rideMXN 50–100 (≈ US$3–6)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekMXN 300–500 (≈ US$17–30)
- Budget bedHostel or budget room, a night, per personMX$450 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$2,000 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$3,600 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$900 (≈ US$50) · Mid MX$1,800 (≈ US$100) · High MX$3,500 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HMO Hermosillo (General Ignacio Pesqueira García International) (About 1 h 30 min–2 h by car to San Carlos; the commercial airport for the area) · GYM Guaymas airport (Closest field, about 20 min away, but private aircraft only — check before booking)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Best
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Jul
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Aug
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Sep
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Oct
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Best: Nov–Jun. Avoid: Jul–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Aug (6 rain days), driest Mar (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Carlos: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Jun
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Jul
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
5 rd
Aug
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
6 rd
Sep
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
4 rd
Oct
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Dec
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The marina area is walkable, but the town is spread along Blvd. Manlio Fabio Beltrones and you will want a car for beaches, dive boats and restaurants. Local buses run the boulevard to Guaymas every 20 min from 06:15 to 19:00, then hourly to 23:00; fares are MXN 50–100. Taxis wait at sitios near Plaza Los Jitos and Marina Terra, usually 08:00–20:00, and hotels can call a radio taxi. Rental cars are picked up at Hermosillo airport. The Baja Ferries service across the Sea of Cortez no longer runs from San Carlos — check before planning a crossing.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Guaymas
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Local bus or taxi down Blvd. Beltrones, about 20–30 min
Working port town with the old centre, market and a different, less resort feel; half a day is enough.
Door to door: 1 h 30 min–2 h
Car north on MEX-15, or Tufesa first-class bus
Big-city food, museums and the airport run; a full day or an overnight if you fly out early.
Bahía de Kino
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Car north-west via Hermosillo, about 2 h 30 min
Long beach and calm water; too far for a comfortable return day.
San Pedro Nolasco Island
goDoor to door: Half to full day
Dive or charter boat from Marina San Carlos
Protected island with sea lions and the area's best-known dive sites; sea state decides the day.
Álamos
overnightDoor to door: About 4 h
Car east via Ciudad Obregón, about 4 h
Colonial town in the hills; plan a night, not a day return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Marina San Carlos / La Herradura
Walkable to dive shops, bars and the marina; best for a short stay without a car.
El Crestón and Blvd. Beltrones strip
Hotels, restaurants and dive shops along the main road; you need a car or taxi for the beach.
Country Club / Tetakawi side
Quieter streets under Mount Tetakawi; villas and mid-range hotels, 5–10 min drive to the marina.
Playa Algodones and the western beaches
Beachfront resorts and condos; furthest from town, so plan on driving for dinner.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MXN 900–1,500 (≈ US$50–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- MXN 1,500–2,800 (≈ US$85–160) excl. bed
- High
- MXN 2,800 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 3 nights × MX$2,000 | MX$6,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × MX$1,800 | MX$10,800 |
| Two-tank dive trip with gear2 × MX$2,200 · check | MX$4,400 |
| Half-day fishing charter, shared2 × MX$1,800 · check | MX$3,600 |
| Local bus San Carlos – Guaymas, one way2 × MX$70 | MX$140 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$350 | MX$700 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$2,564 |
| Trip total≈ MX$4,701 per person per day, bed included | MX$28,204≈ US$1,600 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | MXN 40–70 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Seafood plate (shrimp, fish) | MXN 250–400 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: bottle at a beach bar / six-pack at a shop | MXN 50–80 (≈ US$3–5) / MXN 120–180 (≈ US$7–10) |
| Taxi Guaymas – San Carlos | MXN 100–150 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Local bus ride | MXN 50–100 (≈ US$3–6) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | MXN 300–500 (≈ US$17–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat: Jul–Sep days reach 38–40 °C (100–104 °F) and humidity rises; do hikes and dives early.Summer heat: Jul–Sep days reach 100–104 °F (38–40 °C) and humidity rises; do hikes and dives early.
- Hurricane season runs roughly Jun–Nov on this coast; check forecasts before a boat day.
- Toll booths on MEX-15 take cash in pesos only, not dollars or cards.
- Dive and fishing trips go out with small operators: confirm certification, insurance and the sea-state policy before paying.
- Some beach and marina parking is charged (about MXN 50 (≈ US$3)) and cash-only.
Emergency numbers
- Police and emergency (national)
- 911
- Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes, highway help)
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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San CarlosSan Carlos
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police and emergency (national)911
- Ángeles Verdes (highway help)078
Embassy
No embassy in San Carlos; the US consulate is in Hermosillo and most other countries keep embassies in Mexico City — check addresses before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi Guaymas – San Carlos: about MXN 100–150 (≈ US$6–9), 10–15 min
- Local bus San Carlos – Guaymas: about MXN 50–100 (≈ US$3–6), every 20 min 06:15–19:00about MXN 50–100 (≈ US$3–6), every 20 min 6:15 AM–7:00 PM
- Tufesa bus Hermosillo – Guaymas: about MXN 200 (≈ US$11), about 2 h
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dees-KOOL-peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyoh)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Carlos. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, 24–29 °C days); diving peaks Mar–Jun · avoid Jul–Sep (38 °C, humid, hurricane season) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HMO: last Tufesa departure from Hermosillo, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Marina San Carlos, El Crestón strip, Country Club and Playa Algodones.
- Dive and boat pages with verified departure times, certification rules and sea-state cutoffs.
- Summer and hurricane fixtures so gates A–D can go green.