Beach 7 km west of San Carlos
San Carlos's long white-sand beach, backed by dunes you can sandboard, with calm water for swimming and water sports.
Los Algodones is the best-known beach in San Carlos, a long stretch of fine white sand at the western end of the bay, about 15 minutes from the center. Its name, "the cotton balls", comes from the soft white sand dunes that run along the back of the beach and give it a dreamy, almost snowy look against the blue of the Sea of Cortez and the dark volcanic hills.
The water is usually calm, with gentle waves, so it is a good beach for swimming and a base for almost every water sport: snorkeling and diving along the rocks, kayaking, windsurfing, and jet skis. On the dunes themselves, people go sandboarding down the slopes. Boat trips leave to explore the coast, and sport-fishing charters go out after dorado, tuna, and marlin.
Several hotels and condos stand near the beach, and there is space for camping for those who prefer to sleep closer to nature. It gets busy on weekends and holidays, but the beach is long enough to find room.
What to see and do
Swim in the calm water off the white sand.
Climb the dunes and try sandboarding down them.
Snorkel or kayak along the rocky ends of the beach.
Book a boat tour or a sport-fishing trip.
Stay for sunset over the sea.
Getting there
Los Algodones is about 15 minutes west of central San Carlos by car, following the main road and the signs to the beach. Parts of the beach sit in front of private hotels and condos, so use the public access points.
7 km west of San Carlos
Directions from San Carlos on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Playa Los Algodones
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Playa Los Algodones.
Tours & activities
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Photos
Weather warm
Playa Los Algodones shares the climate of San Carlos, 7 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Apr, May, Nov.
Make San Carlos your base
Playa Los Algodones is an easy trip from San Carlos, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around San Carlos
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Estero El Soldado
· Nature reserve · 5 km away
A protected mangrove estuary between San Carlos and Guaymas, great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching. -
Cañón del Nacapule
· Nature reserve · 6 km away
A palm-filled oasis canyon in the desert mountains just north of San Carlos, with spring-fed pools and a scrambly trail. -
Piedras Pintas
· Beach · 6 km away
A sheltered rocky cove west of San Carlos, popular for shore diving, snorkeling, and exploring tide pools. -
Mirador Escénico
· Viewpoint · 7 km away
A clifftop lookout west of San Carlos with sweeping views of Tetakawi, the bays, and the islands; the place to watch sunset. -
Isla San Pedro Nolasco
· Nature reserve · 34 km away
A rocky island west of San Carlos where you snorkel and dive with playful sea lions; a classic boat day trip.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.