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: January 20, 2021
San Carlos and Guaymas Photos
The fog rolled in yesterday, by Rada SC
Bahia Delfin and San Francisco Beach, by Zahin Glez
Taking a trail ride through the desert and mountains with Natalie was a great way to easily social distance while doing something fun in the San Carlos sun. Check out her January Specials in the “Explore San Carlos” section below.
Crescent moon over the desert, by Leonel Garza Sánchez
The telenovela “Fuego Ardiente” began filming at locations in San Carlos, photos courtesy of Televisa.
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?
- January 2021 Tide Chart.
- Rescate Treasures Thrift Store is having a storewide sale January 21, 22 and 23 with 50% savings. There’s lots of inventory. Come in and check out the new items. Safety protocols are in place with required mask, temperature check, shoe wash and hand sanitization. Appointments are necessary so do not hesitate to call today to make yours. To make an appointment, please call Pat Adams, 622-227-0502 or 622-165-3560.
- Effective Sunday, January 24, San Carlos Borromeo Mass schedule is as follows: daily at 5:00pm in Spanish; Sunday at 8:00am in English and 9:00am, 11:30am & 5:00pm in Spanish. Also, there is bilingual rosary at 9:00am on Mondays in the main church. Go to sancarlosborromeo.mx for church location and more.
- Franco Ciapara from Colibri Restaurant & Bar is offering to shop for you at COSTCO in Hermosillo on Saturday, January 23. 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. Frank will be shopping at COSTCO every Saturday.
- 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
This week, we’ll have cloudy skies through Thursday, then partly cloudy to mostly sunny for the rest of the week. Rain is forecast Tuesday through Thursday afternoon. Tuesday evening, winds could occasionally gust over 65 km/h (40 mph).
Daytime temperatures will be between 18 – 22 C (65 – 71 F). The night time temperature will be 16 C (60 F) on Wednesday, dropping nightly until it’s 8 C (46 F) on Monday.
Keep an eye on the weather at our San Carlos Weather page with satellite images and live weather feeds.
COVID-19 updates for Guaymas, Sonora & Mexico
In Guaymas / San Carlos, as of yesterday, there were 2,341 cases (59 new cases last week), and 258 deaths (11 last week). There were 284 new cases in Sonora yesterday and 40 deaths. Of the 56,674 confirmed cases in Sonora, 41,497 have recovered, 4,534 died and 548 are hospitalized (up from 537 last week. 338 serious and 100 on ventilators).
This week, the epidemiological traffic light for Guaymas / San Carlos is red. Arturo Lomelí, Secretary of Guaymas’ City Council announced further restrictions on movements and business openings in Guaymas / San Carlos. The new restrictions will be in place until Monday, January 25.
San Carlos Comisario, Enrique Gamez, said that the following new restrictions apply (in compliance with Sonora’s Secretaría de Salud):
* Curfew from 8:00pm to 6:00am
* No parties
* No live music (consequently, we have removed the live Entertainment listings from this week’s newsletter)
* No large gatherings
* Restaurants can continue to operate at 25% capacity, and will close at 8:00pm.
* Businesses can continue to be open until 8:00pm with all the precautions, like reduced capacity, mandatory masks, temperature checks and use of anti-bacterial gel.
* The Malecon in Guaymas and the Mirador look-out in San Carlos are closed.
Today, Mexico had 18,894 new cases and 1,584 deaths for a total of 1,668,396 confirmed cases (1,251,782 have recovered and 273,782 are active) and 142,832 deceased.
All of the Pfizer vaccines that Sonora received (36,075) have now been given to people in the health sector. President Obrador announced that Mexico will initially receive only half of the vaccines originally planned, after Pfizer announced that it will stop its production and shipments to Mexico for three weeks.
The use of face masks is mandatory in public and “common use” spaces. For example, in restaurants, it is mandatory to wear a mask upon entry and when moving inside the establishment, only removing the mask to drink and eat.
Border travel restrictions continue through February 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.
Negative COVID-19 Test Required to fly into US or Canada
Effective Tuesday, January 26, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all international travelers 2 years of age or older, including US citizens and legal permanent residents, arriving in or connecting through the US by air from international countries, to have a negative viral test result (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days prior to their flight. The result must be presented to the airline before boarding in paper or electronic copy.
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.
Canada has already implemented similar requirements. Are you returning to Canada? Travelers to Canada must submit COVID-related information electronically. Use ArriveCAN to comply with the new mandatory requirements.
In San Carlos and Guaymas, where can you get tested?
- Dr. Glenn Lippman, President of Rescate, told me that Rescate uses Laboratorio Ramos in Guaymas for Rescate employees (across from Burger King / Ley Mall in Guaymas). This lab can do PCR, rapid antigen and antibody tests. When I asked if they can do the PCR test in less than 72 hours, they replied that they can provide results in 24 – 48 hours. Antigen test results are given the same day and antibody results within a day. The costs are: PCR test, 3,500 pesos; Antigen test, 1,500 pesos and Antibody test, 1,800 pesos.
- Laboratorio Acuña in Plaza las Palmas, San Carlos. PCR test, 3,500 pesos, results in 48 – 72 hours (can take longer); Antígen test, 1,500 pesos, results same day; Antibody test, 1,300 pesos, results same day. You don’t need an appointment. 622-113-5225.
- Diazlab Clinica (across from the Ley Mall in Guaymas) says that they can also provide PCR tests in less than 72 hours.
Please satisfy yourself regarding the rules and what your airline and your destination require and accept as proof.
This Week’s Special Events
Mar Cortez Music Fest, January 25 – 31
Because 1 night a week with Mar Cortez just isn’t enough!
Join musician & entertainer, Mar Cortez, online nightly from Monday, January 25 to Sunday, January 31 at 6:00pm.
During the Mar Cortez Music Fest, enjoy the Silent Comedy Show, Mar Cortez Jazz, guitar, piano and more.
Click on the poster for the online music schedule.
Watch the shows on Facebook or YouTube and connect with Mar Cortez online marcortez.com.
Other News Around Town
Current Happenings from San Carlos Foundation
“Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign”. The Five Man Electrical Band from this 70’s hit is not coming to San Carlos anytime soon, but RIGHT NOW you can see a huge focus on old signage removal throughout San Carlos. Great projects are happening!
In conjunction with Enrique Gamez, our Comisario, old billboard signs continue to be removed. Enrique has been getting permission for removal of old rusted sign frames. He and his crew of Gabriel Moreno, Edgar Garcia, SCF President Dick Garmon, along with mechanics Alfredo and Jesus removed 14 signs along with 3 large ones from the Cyberco area. This is a lead project that many in the community have said they would like to see tackled. The Foundation helped to answer the call by providing the fundraising, and finding volunteers and equipment for this project.
Another creative sign project in conjunction with Enrique is underway now. There are many old traffic signs that need to be replaced. Instead of throwing the old ones away, they will be refurbished. Local artists from our local studio and gift shop, Creaciones, will then repaint the signage. These signs will be used on many of the side streets throughout our town. More info will be shared as this project progresses!
Along with these two projects, a third sign project is gaining speed! Be on the lookout as we highlight the “before and after” photos, coming in the near future.
The Foundation is involved in a number of other projects as well. Many have shared their concern for more lighting in the downtown area. We are hoping to support the replacement of about 70 lights between the old Fiesta hotel and Tortuga’s restaurant. The cost is 1000 pesos per light and ballast.
We thank many of our recent donors and ask that you please visit our Facebook page and website for more information and on how to DONATE (tax deductible for US citizens). The Foundation strives to use 95% of all donations directly on the projects. Let us help you enhance the beauty of San Carlos!
Clean Up San Carlos, January 23
The next CUSC clean up will be Saturday, January 23.
We will once again meet at the roadside close to Playa San Francisco 2 parking lot. Last week we put a big dent into cleaning and trimming this area by the walking/biking path, and will continue to do the same this week.
Let’s continue to keep San Carlos beautiful. Everybody is welcome.
** 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
Fishing & Birding Reports
Fishing Report
The bite picked up again at the Island. Very few boats are trying in close. I didn’t hear of anyone fishing up the coast in the last few days. The water is the coldest that I’ve ever seen, so that could be part of the problem.
The yellowtail caught at the Island were of good size! It looked like small bait fish were back on the menu. A number of boats caught them trolling, but my friends had a couple double digit catches jigging. It should be a good bite right now, but we have strong south winds and rain for the next couple of days.
I would expect a good bite up onto the full moon, so get out to San Pedro Island when you can.
by Bryan Replogle, Team Margarita Sportfishing, repsilon@aol.com
photo by PQ Almada of Catch 22 Sportfishing
Birding Report
Hola Birding Enthusiasts,
My Bird of the Week is the adorable Least Grebe. This is the smallest of the grebes found in North America and in the US is only to be encountered in southern Texas.
While it lives in our area year round, you won’t find it in the Sea of Cortez. Those cute grebes we see in the Sea by the hundreds in winter are Eared. Our little Least prefers shallow freshwater or brackish ponds. In San Carlos we find them in the settlement ponds and often in the little estuary behind the Esterito Cafe. Unlike the Eared Grebes who migrate here in winter in large flocks, the Least prefers small groupings.
If you are here in late spring you can observe the mating, nest building and hatching of the eggs. The Least couple builds the nest together and shares nest-sitting duties. For the first 3 – 4 days after hatching, the parents carry the babies on their back. There is nothing so adorable as a Least Grebe baby peeking out from under the wing of the parent.
The Least Grebe is metallic gray with a bright yellow eye. The similar (in winter) Eared Grebe has a red eye. The Least often has its rump feathers raised up looking rather like a Can Can dancer flipping up her skirts. Allaboutbirds.org says this feather raising behavior helps in the absorption of the sun’s rays to provide warmth and vitamin D. Our photo, taken by Joe Huntsman at the Marina Seca settlement ponds, provides a perfect example of the sun bathing behavior as well as that bright yellow eye.
We have no scheduled outings but I hope you are observing the many wonderful birds right around you. If you have any comments or want to tell me about birds you are seeing, you may contact me at maryltannehill@yahoo.com.
Happy Birding! by Mary Tannehill, photo by Joe Huntsman
Happy Hours and Food Specials – some restaurant closing hours may be changed and live entertainment is canceled until January 25
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
January Specials: Monday to Friday, 2 hour ride starting at 10am or 2pm. 1st rider pays full price (800 pesos) and 2nd rider is half price. 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, max 6 riders. All bookings must be made 24 hours in advance. Call for directions to the ranch. Contact for (English) Natalie, 622-101-2208 Thrift Stores & Book Shoppes for Charity, Church Services, SportsRescate Treasures Thrift Store: Safety protocols are in place with required mask, temperature check, shoe wash and hand sanitization. Appointments are necessary so do not hesitate to call today to make yours. To make an appointment, please call Pat Adams, 622-227-0502 or 622-165-3560. Thank you for your patronage. 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. Thank you! Glenn Lippman, President, Rescate de San Carlos AC SBPA’s Altered Tails Book Shoppe: Open by appointment only on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Masks are mandatory. For an appointment, please contact Carole Bonhorst at 622-226-0683 or 520-326-6580 (Vonage). SBPA‘s Altered Tails Book Shoppe is located in Marina San Carlos. The Book Shoppe validates parking. The Tecalai Library is open Fridays from 9:00am – noon. Masks are required and social distancing must be maintained. Please don’t return more than five books per person. You may take out as many as you like. 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. Club Deportivo. Ceramics and crafts starts at Club Deportivo on Tuesday, January 12 from 9:00am to 1:00pm and continues weekly on Tuesdays. 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 protocols such as social distancing and masks will be complied with. 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. Also, there is bilingual rosary at 9:00am on Mondays in the main church. The Men’s Golf League will play every Thursday at 9:00am in November and December. If you’d like to play, just show up. For more information, contact Dave Boyle (boyleda@yahoo.com) or Jim McAdie (jimmcadie@gmail.com). On Tuesdays, women golfers can meet and make up foursomes at the course if they wish to play. Pickleball: There’s open play at Mirador Courts from Monday – Saturday mornings. For more information, including membership, click here. Emergency Numbers
After you read the San Carlos Newsletter, Keep Exploring … San Carlos |
Captains Club is the best “harbor hangout” in town. Our restaurant/bar, located just south of the Marinaterra Hotel, is open to everyone. We serve the coldest beer in town and the freshest food available. Try our BBQ grilled burgers, beer battered fish and shrimp tacos, and our famous Cahuamanta soup in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Savor one of our delicious pizzas made in our wood fired pizza every day starting at 5:00pm. Guaranteed you’ll love it or we’ll buy you a beer!
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.
