San Carlos & Guaymas Sonora Mexico Newsletter with special events, weekly calendar, local news and weather, photos, videos, fishing report, dive report, Cinemex (movie) listings and more.
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This week’s San Carlos newsletter: April 14, 2021
San Carlos and Guaymas Photos
Clouds create such dramatic skies at sunset in San Carlos, by Leonel Garza Sánchez
Hummingbird taking a rest, by Ady Zazueta
Several Castaway Kids students received donated laptops so that they could continue their studies. Mexican schools have been closed since this pandemic started. Having to take online classes was difficult for many as they didn’t have computers or internet at home. Thank you to their sponsors for helping to make a difference in these kids’ lives. Read “Other News Around Town” for information on how you can support Castaway Kids.
Life on the water, by Zahinn Gonzalez
San Carlos Weather, News & Marketplace
News & Marketplace
- Join us on Facebook for photos, event updates and more (more than 11,000 people already do).
- Join the conversation on the Facebook group San Carlos Forum: What’s Up San Carlos?
- April 2021 Tide Chart.
- Franco Ciapara from Colibri Restaurant & Bar is offering to shop for you at COSTCO in Hermosillo on Saturday, April 17. Besides the cost of your items purchased, a tip for this service is appreciated. Only cash payment for your purchase please. For more details or to place your order, please contact Franco at 622-112-9311, or Alex at 622-115-3466 or email: francociapara@gmail.com with your order.
- Check out our San Carlos & Guaymas Business Directory with local businesses, such as International Health Insurance, Emergency numbers, dentists, Mexican car insurance, realtors, restaurants, vacation rentals, hotels, etc. Businesses and organizations, feel free to add your information.
- There is sports equipment, vehicles, boats, houses for sale and rent, and more, listed in the Classifieds. There are also people looking for items, so if you have any to sell, list them now — it’s free.
San Carlos Weather Forecast
We’ll have partly cloudy skies through Friday, and a sunny weekend. The daytime highs will be 27 – 29 C (81 – 85 F). The night time temperatures will be 15 – 16 C (58 – 61 F). Wednesday morning humidity will be over 80% with less than a 10% chance of rain overnight. The forecast is for strong winds on Sunday afternoon.
Keep an eye on the weather at our San Carlos Weather page with satellite images and live weather feeds.
This Week’s Special Events
Mark Mulligan & Rudy B at La Palapa Griega, April 16
Make sure you bring your appetite because La Palapa Griega will be celebrating with its famous All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Ribs and Chicken served with baked potatoes and Greek salad for only 240 pesos. The regular menu will also be available. The show is from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Make your reservations today by calling 622-227-3751, or stop by the restaurant. |
Bag of Books Sale, April 17
At the SBPA Used Bag of Books Sale, there are thousands of books available for your reading pleasure. Help reduce our inventory. There are cheap books by the bag — buy a bag for only 70 pesos. The Book Shoppe is located on the malecon of Marina San Carlos. The Book Shoppe validates parking. For more information, please contact Phyllis Levine at 622-124-1769 or 480-684-2738 (MagicJack). The SBPA continues to make a difference in our community by providing Spay and Neuter Certificates and holding free spay and neuter Clinics. Please support your local spay/neuter organization. |
Meet & Greet with Artist David Curiel at Colibrí, April 18
He will be there from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Check out David’s beautiful oil paintings and find out the inspiration behind his paintings — many of which will be on sale. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an original work of art. Live entertainment by Lorena Robles from 10:00am – 1:00pm. |
The Silent Comedy Show with Omar, April 19
Entrance is 100 pesos ($5 USD) and children are half-price. You owe it to yourself to experience these great classic comedies the way they used to be shown. Reservations are required. Call Alex at 622-115-3466. |
Entertainment Calendar
Thursdays
Fridays
Saturdays
Sundays
Mondays
Tuesdays
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On Friday, April 16, join Mark Mulligan as he returns to San Carlos for one night only for an entertaining evening of great music at La Palapa Griega. Special guest, Rudy B, will also be performing with Mark.
On Sunday, April 18, come on over to Colibrí Restaurant & Bar to meet artist, David Enrique Curiel Rosas (DECR).
Enjoy the entertaining and lively Silent Comedy Show with live piano music by Omar on Monday, April 19 at 6:30pm at Colibrí Restaurant & Bar.
WednesdaysCOVID-19 updates for Guaymas, Sonora & Mexico
In Guaymas / San Carlos, as of yesterday, there were 3,349 cases (49 new cases last week), and 358 deaths (3 last week). Of the 71,020 confirmed cases in Sonora, 6,109 died and 135 are hospitalized (up from 116 last week. 111 serious and 34 on ventilators).
Sonora remains in Yellow in the national epidemiological traffic light, and Guaymas / San Carlos are Yellow at the state level.
Today, Mexico had 4,293 new cases and 592 deaths for a total of 2,286,133 confirmed cases (1,815,237 have recovered and 260,602 are active) and 210,294 deceased.
Vaccines: There is not yet word on when more vaccines will come to Guaymas, including the second dose for those who have already received their first vaccine. Keep an eye on Bienestar Guaymas for updates.
The use of face masks is mandatory in public and “common use” spaces, including at the ATMs at CIBanco.
Border travel restrictions continue through April 21, 2021. The travel restrictions have been in place since March 21, 2020 and apply to non-essential land traffic to and from the US and Mexico and the US and Canada. Mexico does not seem to be enforcing the restrictions, and US citizens have been able to drive across the border.
Note that flights between the US and Mexico are not affected by this restriction. As of January 26, 2021, international passengers flying to the US need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (see the bottom of the newsletter for more details and info on where you can get tested).
Flights between Mexico and Canada have been suspended until at least April 30. Click here for info on the new requirements for travel to Canada.
Clean Up San Carlos, April 17
Clean Up this Saturday, April 17 at 8:00am.
We will meet at JJ’s restaurant on the main street Beltrones. We will focus on cleaning our main street.
Everyone is welcome. Let’s keep San Carlos beautiful.
** Bags, gloves and orange safety vests will be provided. Don’t forget to bring your drinking water.
** We have Grabbers on hand.
Please join our Clean Up San Carlos! Facebook group for announcements, schedule changes and progress reports.
Thank you, Anne Lewis, cleanupsancarlos@gmail.com
66 Days – Fundraiser for Castaway Kids
A new magazine entitled “66 Days” is now available in San Carlos, with 60 pages of photos and interesting stories about San Carlos and local surroundings, written by Cathy Henkel.
Learn about the history of some of our most popular landmarks and tourist attractions, as well as the stories behind many of the painted murals and shrines around town.
Cathy has been a part-time San Carlos resident for the past 12 years, and was previously a newspaper reporter and editor in the US.
All proceeds from the magazine sales will go to Castaway Kids to support their student sponsorship program.
The cost of the magazine is $20 USD or 400 pesos. You can pick up a copy at the Vive Real Estate office in Plaza Arrecifes behind the ARCO gas station, Monday to Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm, or on Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm. You may also purchase a copy at the Castaway Kids building on Wednesday or Thursday from 9:00am – 3:00pm or on Saturday from 9:00am – noon.
A HUGE “Thank You” to Cathy for dedicating her time and money towards this project.
Mexican Navy and Rescue Center in Guaymas
The Mexican Navy and Rescue Center in Guaymas hosted 26 members of the San Carlos Yacht club last week for a rescue demonstration and a tour of one of their Naval ships.
The attendees appreciated the hospitality of the crew and officers who were proud to explain their commitment to rescue of vessels at sea.
The ship we toured was in immaculate condition and made in Veracruz, Mexico. It had state of the art navigational equipment, beds for 70+ sailors (including one female officer), three mess halls, a helicopter landing pad, a smaller boat housed aboard and even a cannon at the ready.
It is reassuring to know such competent sailors are available next door and securing our waters.
Over the Semana Santa weekend, a few kayakers were in trouble as the winds shifted and they lost the strength to get back to shore safely. Thankfully, their struggle was witnessed by Susan Maxwell, who happened to be looking out to sea from her upper deck in the Caracol Turistico. She posted this on the What’s Up San Carlos Facebook Forum and Feliza Rios from El Mar Diving responded and immediately called the Navy. They came out to rescue the struggling kayakers, which made for a happy ending to their adventure. If you are in need of marine rescue, call 622-109-4741.
by Michele Monlux
Fishing & Birding Reports
Fishing Report
The ballyhoo are in thick along the coast. I had a few yellowtail take a 20″ sardine Rapala, which slightly mimics a ballyhoo. They are tough to get to bite. They were even tougher at the Island where it almost seems like they went into an early spawn. There were some big schools, with fish twisting and turning and making googly-eyes at each other. The bait everywhere was thicker than I can ever recall. The water was black at the Island with a couple hundred seals working together one day. The dolphin were fairly sparse with the bounty, and only saw a couple single whales during the week. There were tons of less common birds around at times. It goes from life everywhere to dead, it seems. Ripping currents made bottomfishing tough, but there are a lot of decent Golden Spotted Sea Bass biting. I was on the point by my house Tuesday evening saying that when the small sardine bait shows, that the corvina will come. Within minutes I saw the bait and started hooking fish. Almost thought about swimming after my lure that got stuck. We’ll see, there is cold water down below, but summer could be here soon! by Bryan Replogle, Team Margarita Sportfishing, repsilon@aol.com |
Birding Report
I chose this week’s Bird of the Week, the Wilson’s Warbler, because I was able to capture a decent photo this past week out at the Ojo de Agua Watering hole. Warblers are little flitters as opposed to being sitters like flycatchers. This makes them harder to identify and especially hard to capture good photos. They jump from branch to branch gleaning insects (eating) and blend into the foliage of the trees perfectly. We see a few Wilson’s Warblers during the winter as we are at the northern limit of their wintering areas. Most of our sightings, however, are during the fall and spring migrations and especially during the spring. Right now spring migration is in full swing and near areas of water, we can see mixed flocks of warblers almost every day. The Wilson’s migrate at night and then rest and forage during the day. The Wilson’s is what is called a “habitat generalist.” Here is how birdsoftheworld.org describes the migration habitat: “Occurs in most deciduous shrub habitats, but primarily riparian shrub understory. Also found in most other woodlands, suburban habitats, agricultural areas, desert scrub, and montane forests.” In other words, almost anyplace. When I have seen it here in San Carlos, it was in brushy shrubs and trees near wastewater treatment ponds or at the Ojo de Agua watering hole out past La Manga. It migrates across nearly all of the United States on its way to Northern Canada to breed. The Wilson’s is one of the brightest of the many yellow warblers. The brilliant yellow body is topped off with a patent leather looking black cap. Even the female has the cap but it is not as brilliantly shiny. The black eye stands out on the yellow face. I wish you all happy birding wherever you are and, as always, feel free to contact me with sightings, comments or questions at maryltannehill@yahoo.com. by Mary Tannehill |
Hola Birding Enthusiasts,Happy Hours and Food Specials
Explore San Carlos: Tours and ExcursionsEl Mar Diving Center
We are San Carlos’ Premier Scuba Diving Center, providing Adventure since 1988. We offer certification courses (Open Water; Advanced; Diver Specialties such as navigation, underwater digi-photo, night, deep, and wreck diving) representing SSI and PADI Training. Already certified? Then come to El Mar to rent or fill your tanks or service your equipment. We also offer a snorkeling course. For a memorable day on the water, join us for one of our diving, snorkeling, kayaking or fishing trips. We also rent kayaks, snorkeling and scuba gear. Click here for more details. Phone: 622-226-0404 (San Carlos Office); 1-877-365-0251 (Toll Free from U.S. & CAD) Jack Wilde Kayak Adventures
Looking for something fun to do while still keeping a safe distance from people? Try a guided kayak tour. From now until Christmas, Jack Wilde Adventures is offering a two hour tour off the beach down by the Sunset Grill and the Soggy Peso. Quarantine discount price is 450 pesos, all equipment and instruction included. Call for information and reservations. Stay safe. Out on the water we can truly enjoy the gorgeous scenery, the interesting wildlife, and the feel of the Sea of Cortez beneath us. Combine it with a swim or snorkel and a little beach time; what better way to show off this incredible location? A three-hour tour, including kayak, costs only $40 USD per person. Trips are in stable and dry double kayaks and include basic instruction, all required equipment, a light snack and a biologist as your guide. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You can also take Kayak Paddling lessons. Click here or call Jack for more information. Team Margarita Sport Fishing
Check out our weekly Fishing Report on whatsupsancarlos.com. We can also host sunset cruises, eco-cruises (whale watching, dolphins, birds, etc), and snorkeling trips. We specialize in sailing trips, kayak excursions, and windsurfing. Boat, kayak, and equipment rentals available. Click here for more details. Phone: 622-855-5926 or 622-227-0219 (San Carlos Office); 1-520-232-2103 (U.S. & CAD) Horseback trail rides through our beautiful desert up to Nacapule
Have a horse-themed Birthday Party! All ages, minimum group of 4 and max 10. Includes 30 minute horse ride, petting zoo, hot dogs or beef burgers, bring your own birthday cake (2 hours total), 4 people cost 3000 pesos, each additional person costs 500 pesos. Overnight stay in mobile home at the ranch, sleeps 2 people: 800 pesos, 1 night stay only. All tours are private party only. Minimum 2 riders, maximum 6 riders. All bookings must be made 24 hours in advance. 1 hour ride 600 pesos. 2 hour ride 1,000 peso. Sunset ride 1,200 peso. Call for directions to the ranch. April Special sunset tour at 5:00pm: $10 off per person. Contact for (English) Natalie, 622-101-2208 Thrift Stores & Book Shoppes for Charity, Church Services, SportsRescate Treasures Thrift Store: Open Wednesday through Saturday at 9:00am – 1:30pm. No appointments needed. Safety protocols are in place with required mask and social distancing. 622-240-8285. SBPA’s Altered Tails Book Shoppe: Open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Masks are mandatory. SBPA‘s Altered Tails Book Shoppe is located in Marina San Carlos. The Book Shoppe validates parking. Donate to SBPA. The Tecalai Library: Open Fridays from 9:00am – noon. Masks are required and social distancing must be maintained. This library is open to the public and is a book exchange. Castaway Kids Thrift Store: We are happy to accept your donations. Kristian is upstairs in the office on Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and on Saturday from 9:00am – noon. She can help you to drop off your donations. If there is something specific that you are looking for, email castawaykidsweb@gmail.com to make special arrangements. In addition, we continue to expand the items that we are featuring on the shopping page on our website. Club Deportivo: Ceramics and crafts Tuesdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. There are new pieces available for ceramics, mosaics, painting rocks, sewing or bring your favorite craft to work on and share with the group. COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing and masks will be complied with. Church: San Carlos Community Church: Public worship services on Sundays at 9:00am. San Carlos Borromeo Mass schedule: daily at 5:00pm in Spanish; Sunday at 8:00am in English and 9:00am, 11:30am and 5:00pm in Spanish and a Spanish Catholic mass at 9am, at our Lady Lourdes in the desert. Also, there is bilingual rosary at 9:30am on Mondays in the main church. Sports: Cherie Althauser’s yoga for healthy aging classes. 8:30am – 9:45am, oceanfront patio at 91 Loma Bonita, Villa Hermosa. For more information, email cheriealthauser@yahoo.com. Ready, Set, Dance Studio classes for adults and kids (dancing, yoga, gymnastics for kids and more). For more information, contact Michelle Pietroforte Duvall on WhatsApp 622-123-4939 or email mexiconeil@gmail.com. For more information and the class schedule, click here. San Carlos Adventurers Group meets on Sundays to do outdoors activities like hiking, kayaking, diving, boating, etc. Everyone is welcome. Check out the Facebook page for announcements on the week’s activity. Pickleball: There’s open play at Mirador Courts from Monday – Saturday mornings. For more information, including membership, click here. AA has the following meetings: in person at La Palapa Griega at 10:00am Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday and 9:00am Sunday. Distancing and masks are observed. Zoom meeting at 5:30pm on Wednesday and Saturday. Call 307-254-4100 or 541-521-8041 for more information. Please Help Support Local Charities
Support Rescate: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions on gatherings have necessitated the cancellation of all Rescate fundraisers for almost a year. As a result, our resources are severely depleted and we need your help! Click here to read the appeal from the President of the Rescate Board of Directors, and please consider helping us out any way you can. We hope that you can take a moment to donate or purchase a Gold Card Membership. Contributions can also be made in person at the Rescate infirmary or the RE/MAX First Choice Realty office. US checks, payable to Rescate Services, Inc. (and tax deductible in the US) can be mailed to: Rescate Services, Inc., c/o Debbie Storm, 3661 N Campbell #715, Tucson AZ 85719 Thank you, Glenn Lippman, President, Rescate de San Carlos AC El Cobijo: Phase One progress is really shaping up at El Cobijo. The entry-way gate has been painted and installed, the bathroom floor is poured along with the basic plumbing and tile placement. Roofs are completed and the garden in between is taking shape. Your contributions will benefit many people for years to come. You, the community, make all these urgent updates a reality. Thank you to all who have donated. All the work is overseen by a team of local San Carlos Rotarians, an accountant, as well as a second contractor inspecting the repairs. Watch an UPDATED informative video on El Cobijo and Rotary’s plans to repair it: Bring your donation in Pesos (preferred) to Coldwell Banker. Julia Acuña or Beverly Langille will issue you a Rotary receipt. In US or Canada, Mail check to: San Carlos Rotary Club, c/o Beverly Langille, 1200 N. Mariposa Rd. F975, Nogales, AZ 85621 Questions? Contact Rotarian Steve Riedel at 622-124-5073 or US Cell: (612) 910-5797. Emergency Numbers
Negative COVID-19 Test Required to fly into US or Canada
Travelers also have the option of providing documentation of having had recovered from COVID-19 by showing proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from their healthcare provider or a public health official stating that they were cleared to travel. Travelers must also complete a travel attestation form. Read the full order here and FAQs here. Flights between Mexico and Canada have been suspended until at least April 30. Click here for info on the new requirements for travel to Canada. Travelers to Canada must submit COVID-related information electronically. Use ArriveCAN to comply with the mandatory requirements. See the Government of Canada’s Flying to Canada Checklist including the need for a PCR test. If you’re entering Canada by land, there are new rules effective February 21, 2021. You will need to provide COVID-19 tests, multiple documents and a quarantine plan. See the Government of Canada’s Driving to Canada Checklist. Please satisfy yourself regarding the rules and what your airline and your destination require and accept as proof. In San Carlos and Guaymas, where can you get tested?
After you read the San Carlos Newsletter, Keep Exploring … San Carlos |
Delfines Bar and Grill has been recognized with a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, based on the consistently great reviews we’ve earned! San Carlos’s finest international dining experience with a full service bar and bilingual staff.
Just a short 7 minute drive from town, on the old Club Med beach, you’ll discover this one-of-a-kind handcrafted restaurant.
It’s Hammer-Time! Check out the best sports bar in town. Located at the San Carlos Marina, HammerHead’s Dockside Bar & Grille is your best choice for great meals, cold drinks and great atmosphere. Come watch the sun set behind Tetakawi and the boats come and go from the marina.
We welcome you to the Colibrí Restaurant & Bar, a garden oasis like no other in San Carlos. Located in the north-west corner of Plaza Las Palmas (where the CEA water company is located) in the center of town, Colibrí (which means “hummingbird” in English) is your best choice for an intimate, romantic dinner or for a fun outing with a bunch of friends.
Los Arbolitos de Cajeme in San Carlos welcomes You!
You haven’t experienced San Carlos, Mexico until you’ve been to Tequila’s. Named after Mexico’s national drink, Tequila’s Restaurant & Bar is the quintessential Mexican experience. We also specialize in Seafood!
Welcome to Hair of the Dog! Our restaurant and bar has a laid-back, casual setting, where guests are free to have as much fun as possible as they are entertained by their surroundings — dancing to a live band, singing karaoke, playing some pool, watching all the Games & Sports on our 3 big screen TVs, and more. Our servers work hard to ensure you have a great experience at Hair of the Dog.
Savor the tastes of Italy at San Carlos’ premier Italian restaurant, Piccolo.
Taqueria Chip-Chip now open in San Carlos!
Covid Safe, Covid Sale.
San Carlos offers outstanding sport fishing year-round and our Team Margarita charter boats can adapt to whatever fishing style you prefer. We practice “catch and release” on all billfish, but other varieties can be excellent food for the table. Light tackle or fly-fishing enthusiast? We can set you up!
You can enjoy our Sonoran desert with our amazing trail rides. We offer 1, 2 and 3 hour trail rides for all ages and abilities, on top quality trained horses and guided tour. Morning afternoon, sunset rides.
Support SBPA: we hope you will consider making a generous donation to help us continue our vital work to help end pet overpopulation and animal homelessness – and the pain and suffering experienced by innocent animals who have no one to care for them. Your donation is tax deductible in the US. Please help save hundreds of dogs and cats from a life of suffering. 
