Nature reserve 5 km east of San Carlos
A protected mangrove estuary between San Carlos and Guaymas, great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching.
El Soldado is a small coastal lagoon on the eastern edge of San Carlos, on the way to Guaymas, ringed by mangroves and separated from the sea by a sandbar. Small as it is, about 350 hectares, it is one of the best-preserved estuaries on this stretch of the Gulf of California. It was declared a protected natural area in 2006 and a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 2011.
All three local mangroves grow here, red, black, and white, and their roots shelter young fish, crabs, and shellfish. Researchers have recorded more than 400 species in and around the estuary, including over 120 kinds of birds, many of them migrants that stop to feed and rest in winter. Herons and other waterbirds are easy to spot along the edges.
The estuary is set up for low-impact visits, with trails and environmental education programs. The calm water is perfect for a slow paddle through the mangrove channels, and the surrounding desert scrub has paths for walking and biking.
What to see and do
Paddle a kayak or paddleboard through the mangrove channels.
Bring binoculars for herons and the winter migrant birds.
Walk or bike the trails around the estuary.
Go early in the morning, when the water is calm and birds are most active.
Getting there
El Soldado is a few minutes' drive east of central San Carlos, just off the main road to Guaymas, about 20 kilometers from Guaymas itself. If you don't have your own kayak, ask the outfitters in San Carlos about rentals or a guided paddle. Stay on marked paths and do not disturb nesting birds.
5 km east of San Carlos
Directions from San Carlos on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather warm
Estero El Soldado shares the climate of San Carlos, 5 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Apr, May, Nov.
Make San Carlos your base
Estero El Soldado is an easy trip from San Carlos, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.