Construction is underway on the long-awaited San Carlos Malecón at Playa San Francisco, where heavy equipment and crews are working on the first phase of the waterfront development. Guaymas Mayor Karla Córdova González visited the construction site in October to review progress, as reported by the municipal infrastructure department on October 23.
The project, being developed by the Sonora state government, is intended to create a new recreational destination for residents and visitors while supporting tourism and local businesses.
Photo by Agustin Rodríguez
What is planned for the new San Carlos Malecón?
According to the Sonora government’s original project announcement, the complete development will extend approximately 2.4 kilometres along the waterfront, together with a 1.66-kilometre eastern access boulevard near Bahía Delfín.
Plans include pedestrian and bicycle paths, scenic viewpoints, an amphitheatre, children’s play areas, green spaces, parking, public restrooms and commercial areas.
These amenities are part of the overall development plans and will not necessarily be included in the initial construction phase.
Construction phases and investment
The first phase represents an investment of approximately 103 million pesos, divided between 52.8 million pesos for the initial malecón construction and 50 million pesos for the eastern access boulevard. These amounts are documented in the Sonora government’s public works transparency portal.
An additional 200 million pesos was identified for the second phase of the malecón and access boulevard in the state’s 2026 budget planning documents. This allocation does not mean that second-phase construction has begun.
When the project was announced in September 2025, the state government estimated its total cost at approximately 550 million pesos. In August 2026, infrastructure officials described the estimated cost as approximately 500 million pesos, with construction planned in three stages.
Environmental concerns
The development has also raised concerns among local conservation organizations about its potential impact on sea-turtle nesting areas and coastal habitat at Playa San Francisco.
The Centro de Rescate, Rehabilitación e Investigación de Fauna Silvestre (CRRIFS) has warned that construction, increased activity, artificial lighting and changes to the beachfront could disturb nesting olive ridley sea turtles.
Environmental groups have also questioned aspects of the project’s environmental impact assessment, as detailed in a September 2026 investigation by Primera Plana.
In August 2026, Sonora infrastructure officials stated that the necessary environmental permits had been obtained. However, What’s Up San Carlos has not independently verified the specific authorization conditions or the measures required to protect turtle-nesting areas.
When will the San Carlos Malecón open?
Although construction is underway, no confirmed date has been announced for completion of the entire project or its public opening.
What’s Up San Carlos will continue following construction progress, future development phases and environmental considerations, updating this article as significant new information becomes available.
Information reviewed November 4, 2026.
