Puerto San Carlos

Puerto San Carlos is the principle starting point for trips to the enormous Bahia Magdalena off the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur.  The bay is some 50 km long and formed by two barrier islands themselves perfect for hiking and sometimes, for whale watching. In San Carlos, a number of touring organizations will be happy to take you out onto bay.

The two islands of Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita keep waters much calmer than out on the open Pacific. Gray whales congregate here every December through April. But they are joined by dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions. Even in off months, the variety of marine wild life can seem staggering. And just exploring the bay is adventure enough for many travelers. 

The first deep sea port in the state, San Carlos is also wildly popular as a fishing destination. Sport fishers go in for Marlin, sailfish, dorado, and tuna, and a number of boating companies will be happy to get you out onto the open ocean. For casual whale watchers, the town is a nice place to stroll, and offers a surprising selection of lodgings. These can include truly upscale hotels, as well as some more affordable hostel-style rooms and lots of vacation rentals. 

Being, first and foremost, an industrial fishing area, San Carlos is somewhat surprisingly open and welcoming to the crowds who come each winter for the whales. Between April and the next November, visitor numbers usually go down. But wildlife is still prolific. Sea lions, dolphins, and a whole variety of fish are still calling the Bahia Magdalena home. And visitors can still get an eyeful just by asking around town. 

People generally arrive to the Puerto San Carlos from Ciudad Constitucion. It takes just a little over an hour and Autobuses Aguila makes the trip at least once a day. The trip from Cabo San Lucas is a little further, at just over five hours.