San Carlos, just 20 minutes from Guaymas, is close to everything. This wonderful bayside village offers super luxury to economical hotels, restaurants, night spots, beaches, an 18-hole golf course and the largest natural marina in all of Latin America. It is linked by air service to Tucson and Phoenix, and to several other cities in Mexico. It is roughly a five hour drive from Tucson and seven hour drive from Phoenix.
Diving is one of the most popular passions of visitors to San Carlos, whether you're a first-timer or a veteran. Crystal clear and constantly calm waters provide an incredible showcase for more than 800 species of maritime life. Two artificial reefs, a sunken ferry and several smaller wrecks make the San Carlos and nearby Guaymas areas an ideal place to learn and visit repeatedly.
San Carlos is without doubt the best place in the state to fish, with calm waters, comfortable temperatures, modern facilities, 700 slips for boats divided in two marinas and rental facilities. With more than 800 varieties of maritime species San Carlos ranks second in the world for sport fishing. During the summer sailfish, dolphin, marlin skyjack and sierra are the most common catches. In the Winter months cabrilla, pinto bass, snapper, whitefish and yellow tail are the favorites.
The Sonora Free Zone program for vehicles ONLY! In order to increase tourism and facilitate investment in Sonora the Vehicle free Zone program was launched; a unique program to Mexico. Called the Sonora Only Program. Visitors from the United States and Canada can enter and leave the State of Sonora and enjoy the tourist attractions without needing a vehicle permit, within the zone that covers the northeast part of the state, including San Carlos and Rocky Point.
Free Zone Map
If you plan on staying in Mexico any length of time you will need a tourist visa. Tourist visas are still required but for stays of 7 days or less you can get a no-fee tourist card. 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.