San Carlos is about the water. The Sea of Cortez here is warm from summer into autumn and clear, and the dive shops run boats out to San Pedro Nolasco, the island offshore where young sea lions come up to tug at fins. Snorkellers and non-divers have the coves around the bay by kayak, and boat trips that go looking for dolphins and, in winter, whales.
On land, the twin peaks of the Tetakawi and the palm canyon of Nacapule are both short, hot hikes — go early.