"San Carlos" San Carlos by tlwright1414

Driving from Tucson, the trip to San Carlos takes about 6+ hours (340 miles approx.) You cross the border at Nogales and pass through towns such as Magdalena, Santa Ana and Hermasillo. You're on the same Highway 15 the entire time in Mexico. Don't forget to stop and get your imigration form either at the border or at the 20km (12mi) mark. You won't need a vehicle permit as the "free zone" has expanded to just south of Guaymas, Emplame, and San Carlos. If you're staying less than 7 days the immigration fee is waived, otherwise it's about 20 bucks. When you get to each town, green signs direct you to where you need to go. It's very easy.

We're told the whales return in March and leave in October. The picture is terrible, because it's hard to time when they're going to roll over. You really just need to watch and forget about taking pictures.