Snorkeling San Carlos with a Marine Biologist

Join our educational snorkeling tour in San Carlos and explore the only reef with extensive coral growth in the central Gulf of California. Discover the diverse marine species with the help of a marine biologist and enjoy a delicious ceviche feast!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Playa Piedras Pintas - NOTE: You have to be able to swim and feel comfortable doing so in the sea. \n\n9:30-10:00am : We will meet at Hammer Heads restaurant, located in the Marina San Carlos, where we will start with a brief PowerPoint presentation on the natural history and ecology of the region. We will also review the most common species we will likely encounter during our snorkel. If needed, I will provide snorkel gear which we will try on to ensure a comfortable fit and that everyone is well equipped for the days activity.\n\n10:00-10:15am : We will drive in our vehicles to the snorkel destination.\n\n10:15-10:30am : After parking our vehicles, we will review the snorkel site and discuss our general course to be followed while snorkeling. The route will be based on the current conditions (e.g. currents, wind, visibility etc.), and the ability and snorkeling experience of the group as a whole.\n\n10:30-12:00am: We will snorkel the area and observe the spectacular marine life the Sea of Cortez harbors. \n\n12:00- 12:30pm: We will reconvene as a group and discus our observations from the snorkeling experience while we enjoy a freshly prepared ceviche.
What's Included
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Lunch
Additional Information

While typical snorkel tours involve merely equipping visitors and sending them off, this is an instructional snorkel excursion suitable for all ages.

This outing initiates with a brief visual demonstration detailing the ecology and natural history of the given area, and covering the commonly observed species on the reef. This demonstation is designed to give a clear overview of the reef and aid in identifying the proteins of fish and invertebrates you may encounter.

Coral development is relatively minimalistic in the core area of the Gulf of California, but this trip takes place on the sole reef in the same region that flaunts abundant coral development. As part of the snorkel tour, you will be joined by a oceanic biologist who will guide you in spotting and naming the numerous species of fish and invertebrates populating the reef.

Following the snorkel tour, the group gathers to discuss their findings using an array of field guides provided—a perfect community activity over delectable fresh ceviche complemented by an array of thirst-quenching beverages.

Location
Hammerhead's
Boulevard Manlio Fabio Beltrones
Head west along the main road of San Carlos (Blvd. Beltrones) towards the iconic mountain known as Tetakawi. Head straight towards the Marina San Carlos. Continue going straight, past the boat ramp where you will park your car by the Hammer Heads restaurant.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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O592hpeduardom
Aug 26, 2024
Excellent experience - This tour was excellent, first we saw a presentation of the species of the area and topics of general interest of the Cortez Sea, then we moved to the dive point and everything was very good. Michael always with excellent availability to show us the species in the snorkeling area, it was a very pleasant experience. In the end the very rich Cochito ceviche. Highly recommended for the whole family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ana
Aug 14, 2024
Awesome!!! - We not only enjoying as a family but learning a lot about marine life in the snorkeling zone I really recommend this activity with Michael the biologist such a knowledgeable person about it !! Loved it!
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Jorgefv7318kr
Aug 12, 2024
It was a guided tour with excellent knowledge of the subject.... Highly recommended for children and adults - Excellent Service....and Best Person the Biologist Carlos....very knowledgeable and simple person....very prepared....very grateful for the Family experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T1447knalbertov
Jul 19, 2024
You won’t be disappointed it was super fun! - We recently went on a snorkeling trip guided by Michael, a knowledgeable marine biologist, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. Michael was a great guide, sharing fascinating insights about the local marine species before we headed out to see them in their natural habitat. Seeing the fish and other marine life up close, after learning about them, was truly impressive. Michael's expertise and friendly demeanor made the experience even more enjoyable. My 10-year-old particularly loved it, being able to connect what we learned to what we saw in the water. This trip exceeded our expectations, blending education and adventure perfectly. We left with a deeper appreciation for the marine environment and memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommended for families and anyone interested in marine life!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M4921zamarcos
Jul 19, 2024
Unique experience! - A very special experience! It makes a lot of difference to snorkel with someone who is an expert and has knowledge about wildlife. I'd definitely come back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleen_t
Jun 1, 2024
Totally Worth It! - Starting with the presentation and knowing what to look for and what the names of things were was such a great start to the adventure. It was just the right length, just as my kids (8 and 11) were getting antsy the presentation was over. The snorkeling was fantastic! We saw all the fish from the presentation, including star fish we’d never seen before and a 4 foot eel! The whole family had a blast.
Review provided by Viator
Melissacm5853wx
Oct 22, 2023
Fun for the whole family! - Michael was such a cool guy! The powerpoint presentation and snorkeling was quite the experience!! He answered all of our questions and the ceviche lunch/refreshments were excellent!! Thank you! I highly recommend! :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I6728nrmonicaw
Sep 20, 2023
So much beautiful life!! - I absolutely will do this again! Micheal knows the ocean and its beautiful inhabitants! The PowerPoint presentation was informative and was great to get a heads up on what we might encounter. Next time it will be the full on boat tour. With my family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Connector01529704662
Jul 5, 2023
Awesome experience - Mike is absolutely fantastic!!! He took the time before we even got to the water to explain the geographic diversity of the reef we were going to explore. We saw an abundance of super cool fish species and got to handle some starfish and other cool marine life!! After the water time we spent some time talking about the things we saw and snacking on some fresh ceviche. I would highly recommend this tour with Mike!! You get way more than just a snorkeling tour!! 👍👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bobhuff4
Jun 20, 2023
Snorkeling Painted Rocks Bay, San Carlos, MX with Michael - Number one, Michael is highly knowledgeable and knows the reefs and marine life very well and personally guided our snorkeling experience, pointing out special corals, different fish, and other marine invertebrates. Number two, we met beforehand for his presentation and overview of the ecology, the waters, and geology of the area and he provided copies of the information to take away with us. Number three, Michael set up a beach canopy and canvas chairs for us to relax with cold drinks and fresh cerviche after our snorkel trip. A very enjoyable experience with a friendly, qualified marine biologist with attention to detail. Highly recommend this adventure!
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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