Let’s go to San Carlos, Mexico: beaches, sea lions, snorkeling, kayaking, diving
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 6:00 AM to
We are going to San Carlos, Sonora Mexico once again! This time, it’ll be mid October when the water is still nice and the heat of the summer is waning. Daytime temps should be perfect. AND the trip will now be 5 days…so there will be extra time to explore and relax at the beach or around town.
It’s about 6 hours of driving time directly south of Tucson. The patrolled toll highway we take is in great condition, Mexico is safe here, and we have never had any problems. We will be in San Carlos for 5 days and 4 nights and staying on our private gated beach in 3 bedroom, 2 bath condos at Condos Pilar.
These condos have a very authentic Mexican feel and will each have their own charm. They are individually owned so the decor and amenities will vary. The ocean will be nice, clear, and inviting for our water sports. We will carpool and caravan together to/from Tucson and San Carlos. Our trip last October was a blast so we must go back. The sea lions were so playful, we saw whales, jumping manta rays, and dolphins, and the ocean should be around 80 degrees for us!!!
PASSPORT CARD OR PASSPORT BOOK IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP!!!
Please keep Tuesday October 9 at 6pm free on your schedule. That will be our trip mixer so we can get together early to meet, go over details, organize the carpool and caravan, and discuss any last minute questions. Location will be announced to all confirmed participants.
We will spend 4 nights in the condos and 2 days on the boat: 7am-3pm one day and 8am-1pm the other. Note: weather may change our departure and arrival times.
The boat will include fish or chicken tacos, quesadillas, bean burritos, salsas, fruit, sodas, and water for our lunch. There will be 2 double kayaks onboard and included for no extra charge. The boat has 2 large decks for plenty of relaxation in the shade or sun, a marine head (toilet), and outdoor rinse area. It’s a relaxing 1 and 1/2 hour boat ride out to San Pedro Island where we will see colonies of sea lions, colorful corals, and all the pretty fish. We may see dolphins, whales, or jumping mantas on the boat ride out or back again. The shorter day will take us to some local favorite spots and give us a little extra time ashore to explore the town.
Snorkelers have mask, snorkel, and fin rental included on the boat trip, or you can bring your own. There is snorkeling off the beach at the condos if you don’t go on the boat, but you will have to provide your own snorkel gear (or rent). Scuba divers will have 2 tanks/day and weights included. Anticipate beautiful sunsets!!!
We will have group dinner reservations each night, you can make your breakfast in the condos in our equipped kitchens, and have lunch on the boat. There is a restaurant at the condos for breakfast or lunch. The condos have plenty of space for group gatherings, such as happy hour before dinner or a nice relaxing breakfast on Saturday. Sunday brunch at the condos will be included this year.
COST: (prices include condo, taxes, cleaning, and fees for 4 nights). Rates based on double occupancy per room. I can help you find a roommate, but I can’t guarantee success.
CONDO ONLY: 4 Nights (no boat) $275/person.
CONDO AND BOAT: Snorkeler, kayaker, and napper. Note: the price includes a mandatory 15% gratuity imposed by the boat, all taxes, lunch, use of the kayaks, and your snorkeling gear. $475/person
SCUBA DIVER: includes all the above plus 2 tanks/day and weights on the boat. $575/person. Travel/scuba insurance is available for purchase if you don’t already have it. I can get you 1/2 price gear rental discounts so please check with me before the trip.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: $275/person additional
DISCOUNT: If you are traveling on a tighter budget and/or don’t want a roommate (or single occupancy charge), consider the couch in the living room. It is a couch, not a sleeper sofa. You can take $50 off the trip cost, and you’ll be the only person sleeping out there (unless you have a friend you want to share it with). The view through the large windows is usually very nice too, especially in the morning. You will need to bring your own sheets, blanket and pillow.
OPEN WATER SCUBA CERTIFICATION: $450.00 (Note: we have our own instructor for your classroom and pool instruction in Tucson, which is 5 dives, and your class will be private or a very small group).
Also included: All 4 ocean dives in San Carlos with our instructor on the boat with the group, rental bcd, regulator, and wetsuit in Tucson and San Carlos, study materials, and certification card. Does not include snorkel gear. It is recommended that you buy your own snorkel gear so everything fits perfectly. Our instructor will help answer any gear questions. Make sure you let me know right away if you are going to take the class, and I will help get you signed up.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Scuba divers are highly recommended to have this, especially for the medical coverage, in case of nitrogen related sickness or any other possible hazards.
Our policy covers international medical insurance/evacuation, trip cancellation/delay/interruption protection, and baggage coverage. About $50/person for the entire weekend if you’re 55 and under. If you’re over 55, call for a quote. Must be paid in full with deposit to cover any pre-existing conditions. U.S. medical insurance does not work in Mexico and most insurance companies won’t reimburse you if you have a claim out of the country.
Not included:
Roundtrip transportation to/from Tucson and San Carlos, tolls, gas, Mexican car insurance, non-boat gratuities, and meals when not on the boat. I have space in the van I will be renting, which holds 6 people comfortably. $125/person covers all gas, van rental, Mexican car insurance, and tolls. Volunteer drivers will be needed for personal vehicles, and the passengers will share in all expenses.
DEPOSIT: 50% due within 1 week of RSVP to guarantee your space and get first choice of rooms.
FINAL PAYMENT: Aug 31 or earlier.
LET’S GO!!!!
All monies are non-refundable. Signed waiver required from each participant. Condos may be co-ed.