Welcome To Scuba Sciences
Taking Arizona Diving Since 1971
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Welcome To Scuba Sciences Taking Arizona Diving Since 1971
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San
Carlos, Mexico July 8-12, August 5-9 or September 16-20
*Basic Student package includes the above plus scuba gear rental (bc, regulator, wetsuit), certification card (when completed), instructor fees and DAN diving insurance during the certifications! Please call us if you have any questions! The History of San Carlos, Mexico The Sea of Cortez (also called the Gulf of California) is a unique ocean environment formed millions of years ago when Baja California slid westward due to geological activity in the San Andreas Fault. The clear, mild waters of the sea are influenced by the warm tropical eastern Pacific, and attract many tropical marine species. It has over 800 species of fish, and over 400 species of shell, as well as several species of animals found in this unique area that occur nowhere else in the world. The Sea of Cortez is a dynamic body of water whose beaches are continually washed by the gentle waves. When you combine the extensive marine life with the superior diving conditions in the summer and their wreck dives as well as the sea lion colony and fish life on San Pedro Island (more commonly called Seal Island), we’re sure you'll agree that San Carlos is one of the top diving destinations in the world in the summer, and offers a pleasant alternative to the Caribbean.
There are dozens of dive sites within 10 miles of San Carlos, both along the coast and at the half-dozen offshore islands nearby. Prime attractions include Isla San Pedro, a seamount rising from an 800-foot bottom that's home to a big sea lion rookery. Look for an underwater cave here with whalebones in it. Kevin's Rock has a 40-foot wreck, a 120-foot wreck and piles of shells hiding hundreds of octopuses. Sharks can often be found under a ledge at Isla San Nicolas, and not far away is Window Rock, a 20-foot underwater arch where manta rays are common. Water temperatures average in the mid-80s. In fact, the surface temps can go into the 90's in July with the average maximum visibility around 50 feet with some days approaching 100 feet. The water in the area doesn't have Caribbean clarity, nor does it have hard reef-forming corals or the colorful splendor of a coral reef. What it does have is a good variety of fish and other sea life, beautiful black coral gardens and warm tropical water. Pelagics are possible on the San Pedro dives where mantas, hammerheads and whale sharks are sometimes encountered. Many times on your trip to San Pedro, pods of dolphins will greet your boat on the 17-mile offshore journey. Upon arrival to the island, the large sea lion colony will welcome you with their distinctive yelps, as they know “playtime” is about to begin. The pups are usually the first in the water, but beware of their protective parents! The large bulls are impressive when they cruise overhead like silly whiskered dirigibles, but can be dangerous. Sightings of large sea turtles are not uncommon and above water, spectacular and peculiar things such as flying fish and large breaching rays and sailfish can often be seen. Prolific underwater life also exists on local mainland dives. One of the best is a local site called Eagles, where you’ll dive amongst a very cool black coral garden at 80-feet. Keep on lookout for large sea horses hanging out among the branches of the yellow-polyp black coral. If you have questions on our trip policies, please visit our policies page! |
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A
San Carlos, Mexico Trip Flyer
Round-trip
Transportation from Phoenix, AZ
San
Carlos is a small, but busy tourist town located just 4 hours by bus from the
border town of Nogales Arizona. It has been a longtime favorite with retired
gringos and weekend warriors from the nearby cities of Guaymas and
Hermosillo. San Carlos has sandy beaches, comfortable hotels, delicious
restaurants, a variety of shops, and is SCUBA diving central for the northern
gulf. The best underwater conditions in the Gulf of California are in the summer
when temps and visibility peak.