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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Booking.com
This week’s San Carlos newsletter: November 18, 2020
San Carlos and Guaymas Photos
Snorkeling at Window Rock, by David Contreras Gonzalez
Crystal clear water at Bahia Encantada, by Rada SC
The pelicans get an early sunrise start at Playa Algodones, by Cathy Henkel
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?
- November 2020 Tide Chart.
A new 100-peso banknote, the third in a new family of bills, was placed in circulation on Thursday by the Bank of Mexico. The new bill features the likeness of 17th century feminist poet and nun Sister Juana Inés de la Cruz on one side and an image of monarch butterflies in a pine, oak and fir forest on the other. The new red-colored note is made of polymer, has a vertical format and unique security elements. It replaces a paper bill that will remain legal tender but will be gradually withdrawn from circulation.
- Captains Club is now open with indoor and outdoor seating from 3:00pm to 11:00pm Wednesdays through Mondays. A facemask is required for entry. All safety protocols are being followed. Sensa Nova will be entertaining live every Wednesday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. See the restaurant listing below for more details.
- The Tecalai Library is now open Fridays from 9:00am to 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.
- Franco Ciapara from Colibri Restaurant & Bar is offering to shop for you at COSTCO in Hermosillo on Saturday, November 21. Besides the cost of your items purchased, a tip for this service is appreciated. 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
This week, we’ll have mostly sunny skies. The daytime temps will be 31 – 36 C (90 – 97 F) until Sunday, reaching a high of 36 C (97 F) on Thursday, then it will be 27 – 29 C (82 – 84 F) the rest of the week. Night time temperatures will be 19 C (66 F) through Friday, then 13 – 14 C (56 – 58 F) the rest of the week. There is no rain in the forecast.
Keep an eye on the weather at our San Carlos Weather page with satellite images and live weather feeds.
Together Against Cancer
Research shows that 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, and it is the most common cancer among women.
Early detection is the key to increasing survival rates. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer should consult with their physician about when to begin mammography screening.
To bring focus to this important health issue, MDS Lab & Imaging is offering deeply discounted prices on Mammograms, Breast and Pelvic Ultrasounds and Pap Smears at its Integrative Health Care Facility right here in San Carlos.
For the rest of the year 2020, all of the following tests are being offered for only 700 pesos each:
1) Mammogram
2) Breast ultrasound
3) Pelvic ultrasound
4) Liquid based PAP Smear
5) Women’s hormone panel
MDS will also offer traditional Pap Smears at a discounted price of 350 pesos.
Tell your sister, mom, friend, or neighbor, and come in to take advantage of these special time-limited deals.
MDS is working for the community! For every 10 patients that take advantage of these specials, MDS will donate 1 free mammogram to someone who could otherwise not afford it. Also, for every 50 new followers on Facebook, MDS will also donate a mammogram. Click here to “Like” MDS Lab & Imaging.
With regards to COVID-19 concerns, we strive to keep healthy individuals away from anyone who is symptomatic. To achieve this, we have set forth certain protocols, but we do need your help for these protocols to work. Please call in advance and advise us if you are not feeling well or if you have any questionable signs or symptoms such as: fever, shortness of breath, cough, or other upper respiratory symptoms. MDS Lab & Imaging and Dr. Michael K. Laux are NOT currently seeing patients on a walk-in basis.
With state-of-the-art medical equipment and the clinic’s expertise, your experience at MDS will be professional and worry-free.
To take advantage of these time-limited offers, book your appointment today. Call now to make your appointment at 622-226-2060.
Events & Entertainment this Week
El Buen Fin, November 9 – 20
What is El Buen Fin? Basically, it’s Mexico’s answer to Thanksgiving weekend’s Black Friday. This year, it takes place from Monday, November 9 to Friday, November 20, 2020.
El Buen Fin is a national effort that strives to use the power of consumption to revive the economy.
El Buen Fin has the most anticipated sales of the year. During these days, you can buy goods and services as diverse as food, shoes, clothes, cars and more. This is one of the best times to begin your holiday shopping. Look for signs around Guaymas and San Carlos in store windows of the stores supporting Buen Fin.
Click here for a list of participating stores in Mexico who will have Buen Fin discounts. Remember that you can now order items to San Carlos and Guaymas through Amazon in Mexico at amazon.com.mx. They too are promoting El Buen Fin. Sams, Costco and Walmart are also participating.
Happy Shopping!
Bag of Books Sale, November 21
SBPA Altered Tails Book Shoppe will have a (gently) used bag of books sale on Saturday, November 21 from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Mask wearing is required.
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.
Open by appointment only on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm. For an appointment, please contact Carole Bonhorst at 622-226-0683 or 520-326-6580 (Vonage).
The Book Shoppe is located on the malecon of Marina San Carlos. The Book Shoppe validates parking.
Please support your local spay/neuter organization. Every peso supports the SBPA spay / neuter mission.
The SBPA continues to make a difference in our community by providing Spay and Neuter Certificates and holding free spay and neuter Clinics.
Entertainment Calendar
Wednesdays
- Los Bad Rumors. 4:00pm – 7:00pm, HammerHead’s Dockside Bar & Grille.
- Mark Mulligan. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
- Sensa Nova. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Captains Club. NEW
- Vitage and violin, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Tortuga’s Restaurant & Bar.
Thursdays
- Sensa Nova. 5:15pm – 8:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
- The Mike and Heidi Duo. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Colibrí Restaurant & Bar.
- Karaoke. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Hair of the Dog.
- Omar’s Instrumental Piano Night. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Tortuga’s Restaurant & Bar.
- Luna Band. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, HammerHead’s Dockside Bar & Grille.
Fridays
- DJ Alex Meza. 3:00pm – midnight, La Bartina 64.
- Assterisko. 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Soggy Peso.
- Sensa Nova. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Marvida Taproom & Kitchen.
- Mario. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
- Nova Band. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Delfines Bar and Grill.
- Mare Caraibe Band. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Tortuga’s Restaurant & Bar.
- Los Bad Rumors. 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Sunset Bar & Grill.
- Duoval. 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Colibrí Restaurant & Bar.
- Malibu. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, HammerHead’s Dockside Bar & Grille.
- DJ Hex, live DJ set. 8:30pm – midnight, Marvida Taproom & Kitchen.
- Assterisko. 8:30pm – midnight, Hair of the Dog.
Saturdays
- Assterisko. 2:00pm – 5:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
- The Dudes. 2:00pm – 5:00pm, HammerHead’s Dockside Bar & Grille.
- DJ Alex Meza. 3:00pm – midnight, La Bartina 64.
- Cadenza. 4:00pm – 6:30pm, Soggy Peso.
- Country Boys. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Delfines Bar and Grill.
- Son Desierto. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Sunset Bar & Grill.
- Laura y Cadenza Band. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Tortuga’s Restaurant & Bar.
- Diana Cambuston. 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Colibrí Restaurant & Bar.
- Gigi and The Glow. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, HammerHead’s Dockside Bar & Grille.
- Hector & Karlo, live DJ set. 8:00pm – midnight, Marvida Taproom & Kitchen.
Sundays
- Sector 7. 2:00pm – 5:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
- Son Desierto. 3:00pm – 6:00pm, Soggy Peso.
- Cadenza Acoustic. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Delfines Bar and Grill.
- Malibu Lite. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, HammerHead’s Dockside Bar & Grille.
- Sonora Jazz Trío. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Sunset Bar & Grill.
- Grupo Sabor a Mi. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Colibrí Restaurant & Bar.
- Gravity y Beto. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Tortuga’s Restaurant & Bar.
- Moonset. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Marvida Taproom & Kitchen.
- Reggae Night Sayonara. 9:30pm – midnight, Marvida Taproom & Kitchen.
Mondays
- Mark Mulligan, live stream. 5:00pm (4pm PT, 5pm MT, 6pm CT and 7pm ET).
- Gembe Jazz. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Tortuga’s Restaurant & Bar.
Tuesdays
- Mario Sand y Javy. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Delfines Bar and Grill.
- Sensa Nova. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Colibrí Restaurant & Bar.
- Gravity y Beto. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Tortuga’s Restaurant & Bar.
- La Sula Blues Band. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Hair of the Dog.
Future Events
Thanksgiving at Embarcadero Cocina + Bar, November 26
Marinaterra Hotel will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving Buffet at Embarcadero Cocina + Bar on Thursday, November 26, starting at 1:30pm.
The cost is only 349 pesos per person (children are half price).
Reserve your table by calling 622-225-2020 ext 4.
And don’t miss the Thanksgiving day NFL games playing in the bar starting at 12:30pm.
Thanksgiving at La Bartina 64, November 26
On Thursday, November 26, La Bartina 64 will be serving a mouth-watering Thanksgiving dinner, starting at 5:00pm.
For 340 pesos, you will enjoy a delicious 3-course meal:
* Starter: Choice of creamy pumpkin soup soup or a mixed salad
* Entrée: Traditional roasted turkey with rosemary crust, marinated with honey, orange and mustard, accompanied by creamy artisanal mashed potatoes, spinach and glazed carrots
* Dessert: Choice of cheesecake with strawberries or red-wine poached pears with goat cheese.
Call for your reservation now at 622-164-6278.
Thanksgiving at Tortuga’s
Join us at Tortuga’s Restaurant & Bar for a very special Thanksgiving menu of: mixed citrus salad followed by Thanksgiving turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans and cranberry sauce. And for dessert, apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
There will be live music with Omar on the piano.
The cost is 735 pesos per person.
Call us at 622-226-2051 to book your reservation
RE/MAX Open House, November 28
RE/MAX First Choice Realty will be hosting an Open House Event in San Carlos on Saturday, November 28 from 11:00am – 3:00pm.
Locations: Bahia Delfin.
Maps are available at RE/MAX’s office in Plaza Arrecifes (behind the ARCO gas station).
Call 622-226-1800 for more information
Other News Around Town
COVID-19 updates for Guaymas, Sonora & Mexico
In Guaymas / San Carlos, as of yesterday, there were 1,926 cases (106 new cases last week), and 215 deaths (0 last week). There were 161 new cases in Sonora yesterday. Of the 39,973 confirmed cases in Sonora, 24,399 have recovered, 3,254 died and 282 are hospitalized (up from 220 last week. 181 in serious condition, up from 141 last week).
Today, Mexico had 1,757 new cases and 165 deaths for a total of 1,011,153 confirmed cases (757,951 have recovered and 154,176 are active) and 99,026 deceased.
For the 2 weeks beginning November 9, Sonora is in “orange” according to Mexico’s four-color semáforo, or traffic light, Coronavirus rating system. According to local restaurant owners, they now must limit occupancy to 50%.
The Sonora Congress has approved a law that makes the use of face masks 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 November 21, 2020. The travel restrictions have been in place since March 21 and apply to non-essential land traffic to and from the U.S. 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.
Clean Up San Carlos, November 21
It’s a new season, and Clean Up San Carlos will continue its weekly community cleaning this Saturday, November 21.
We will meet at the entrance to San Carlos Plaza Hotel. We will continue to clean the large amount of trash along the roadsides and median.
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 & Allison Poutiatine, cleanupsancarlos@gmail.com
Birding, Fishing& Diving Reports
Fishing Report
There were lots of fish caught around the new moon. We couldn’t go fifty yards without a bonita bite. The whales and dolphin seemed to push the yellowtail away, but often I think it is more the water temperature. It slowed up a bit after the full moon, but there were plenty of yellowtail biting on Tuesday. It should be a good week leading up to the quarter moon.
Many boats caught the early yellowtail bite over the weekend for some fish to 15 pounds. There are some in close, but many are chasing bait a mile off the coast. Some are falling to the jig, but they are biting lures well. It sounded a little slow up the coast and at the Island. It is warm enough offshore, but I never heard of anyone trying. There are lots of nice calm mornings in close with plenty of fish to eat!
by Bryan Replogle, Team Margarita Sportfishing, repsilon@aol.com
Birding Report
Hola Birding Enthusiasts,
There are numerous reports of increased hummingbird activity at feeders this season. One theory is that the very dry summer has reduced the number of nectar bearing plants in the desert. It’s a very good time to consider a hummingbird feeder if you do not already have one. You can find an assortment at Home Depot and it is very easy to make your own sugar solution: 4 parts water to 1 part sugar is the most common recommendation. No red dye is necessary nor a good idea. The color of the feeder will attract the birds.
San Carlos is lucky to have several different breeds of hummingbirds in the winter with even more varieties in the spring and early autumn during migration. The Broad-billed and Costa’s hummingbirds live here year round. Right now there are still a large number of my favorites, the Violet-crowned. Don’t be surprised if your hummingbird feeder also attracts the striking yellow and black Hooded Oriole or the Gila Woodpecker. If your syrup disappears during the night, you may have nectar feeding bats helping themselves. You can either make more food or do as some do and bring the feeder inside at nighttime.
My Bird of the Week is the Yellow-rumped Warbler. I often think of this little bird as the one with an identity crisis. Warblers are gleaners meaning they pick insects from the leaves and branches of bushes and trees. But the Yellow-rumped often behaves as if it is a flycatcher. It will dart out to grab an insect mid-air or pick them from just above a pond’s surface. Many of our warblers, the Orange-crowned is a good example, forage alone or in very small flocks. Not so with our very social Yellow-rumped. If you spot one you will probably spot lots because they prefer to hang in largish groups.
This distinctive little bird may be seen in your backyard or around town right now. Its name is a very accurate description of its most prominent identifying feature. It has a bright yellow patch on its rump that looks like a little pat of butter you might receive in a restaurant. For that reason, some people affectionately refer to it as the “Butter Butt.” iBird Pro says our friend feeds mainly on insects in the summer and on berries and fruits in the winter. It is known as one of the most versatile foragers among warblers.
With its little butter butt, it is easy to identify from the back but identification can be harder from the front or side. Susan Orlikowski captured a good shot of the side. Notice those patches of yellow on the side and throat. Those are two strong clues that you are viewing a Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Have a great birding week and if you have questions or sightings you would like to report, you may contact me at maryltannehill@yahoo.com
Happy Birding! by Mary Tannehill, photo by Susan Orlikowski
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
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
Specials: 500 pesos or $25 USD per hour. 750 pesos or $40 USD for 2 hour ride. BBQ after your trail ride for $10 USD or 200 pesos per person. Music with band $50 USD for 2 hours. 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. SBPA’s Altered Tails Book Shoppe: Open by appointment only on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00am to 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 9am to 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. San Carlos Community Church: Public worship services on Sundays at 9:00am. 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 |
Now Open!
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.
At Turquesa Restaurant, admire the beautiful Sea of Cortez and watch the sunset from our outdoor patio or air-conditioned restaurant.
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!
Hair of the Dog is now Open!
Family and friends coming to visit? Do you want them to experience the beauty and wonder of San Carlos, to really understand why you love it here so much? Why don’t we take them kayaking?
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.
