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.
It has a decidedly American influence and differs sharply from its twin city of Guaymas only a 10 minute drive south down the highway. San Carlos is only a four hour – 250 mile drive from the border towns on Highway 15- a four lane divided highway. There are four toll stations along the way. You will immediately notice Tetakawi hill with its brilliant gold color – the informal symbol of the city.
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 center and opened up in the early 1800’s as a duty free port.
During the 1847 war with the United States, the area was captured and held by the US navy Eagle and Reliant for two years. These were uneasy times. Pirates, including French Captain Rousset and his band of over 400 men secretly anchored and then attacked the harbor. The ensuring battle took over 4 days. Roussett was hung, shot and beheaded in the town square. The surviving pirates immediately fled to the seas.
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 center.
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.
The weather is excellent, it is an arid climate with no rainy season and little humidity. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are generally south.
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