Guaymas–San Carlos, formed by two bays located about 10 minutes apart, is the main tourist destination in the state of Sonora. Located 73 miles south of the state capital Hermosillo, the nature of the landscape — where the desert meets the sea — creates a stunning backdrop. 

Beautiful beaches, colorful carnivals, and a striking panorama combine to create a thriving tourist industry. Many Americans and Canadians live in San Carlos during the winter. San Carlos hotels, like the Paradise Resort San Carlos, and restaurants are first class, and the San Carlos Marina serves as a port of call for national and international cruise ships.

Their beaches, filled with history and boasting a surprising ecosystem, are ideal for water and extreme sports. Scuba diving and fishing are two of the most popular activities. San Carlos rentals include scuba gear and boats for exploring the crystal clear waters that are home to more than 800 species.

Adding to this diversity are the culture and traditions of Guaymas and San Carlos. Guaymas is one of the main shrimp-producing cities in Northern Mexico, while San Carlos is a tourist center par excellence located on the Sea of Cortez. This combination promises visitors an enjoyable stay enhanced by the arrival of the gray whales, which guarantee a phenomenal marine spectacle November through March.

San Carlos, also known as Nuevo Guaymas, is home to the twin-peaked Cerro Tetakawi, a formation that holds traces of the region’s past. Formerly inhabited by the Yaqui and Seri indigenous groups, it is an important historic attraction.

Guaymas-San Carlos is distinguished by its extensive cuisine, which boasts the traditional carne machaca (shredded beef); refried beans; tortillas de agua, also known as sobaqueras (large paper-thin flour tortillas); and a variety of seafood. This cuisine, added to the generous hospitality of the townspeople, is a big tourist attraction.