by Dorothy and Bill Bell
San Carlos or Nuevo Guaymas is a seaside haven with a population about 3,000 swelling to 7,000 residents in high season. 70% are American and Canadian. This graceful resort and residential area is known for its beautiful beaches and vistas of the San Carlos Bay.
While considered a new settlement by many, a two thousand year history shows otherwise. The history of San Carlos is of course tied to Guaymas and the other towns in the area. The area was fist inhabited by the Guaymenas tribe who lived in the area for a thousand years.
There were many small settlements with well over 200 lived in the area. The Tetakawi hill was considered a magical source of power of the spirits of valiant warriors who defended these shores from the enemy. Rumors exist of contact with Chinese who had visited the Sea of Cortez.
In 1769, Captain Antonio Soto and a military garrison of 85 with was dispatched from Mexico City with orders to secure the harbors and establish a settlement. After substantial growth, the town established itself as a major supply centre and opened up in the early 1800’s as a duty free port.
San Carlos was an important port for supply vessels in the American Civil War. In 1863 ships from San Francisco unloaded supplies and reloaded on horse drawn wagons for select military destinations North of the border; New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada. During the Mexican Revolution of the early 1900’s, Poncho Villas Army used San Carlos Port as a supply centre.
Today San Carlos survives primarily as a small resort community and tourist destination. It is known for great fishing, large marinas, and scuba diving in the clear blue and green waters. The waters are perfect for spectacular diving and snorkeling and kayaking. Two world class marinas with paved launch ramps, dry storage facilities, and complete marine repairs make this a must stop location for boaters. It is considered one of the finest sailing venues in the Sea of Cortez with secluded coves and bays. Offshore fishing is particularly good in the abundant sea of Cortez with big game fish including sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna in abundance.
San Carlos also offers an 18 hole championship golf course and tennis courts. Restaurants catering to tourists and the primarily English speaking residents are abundant and feature seafood and Sonoran Beef.
The weather is excellent, it is an arid climate with no rainy season and little humidity. Mosquitoes and nosee-ums are generally south.
Accommodations suit a variety of tastes and budgets. San Carlos offers modest motel and hotel room to five star resorts. RV Parks are in a goodly supply too. El Mirador and Playa de Cortez are both first class places to park; and the Tonaka and Hacienda de Tetakawi are clean and decent places to stay.
Accommodation:
Hotels – San Carlos / Guaymas
Playa de Cortez
RV Parks – San Carlos / Guaymas
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