Guaymas, Mexico. In the Mexican state of Sonora on a small bay in the Gulf of California lies the Guaymas port of call. This relatively new port is the second largest on Mexico's Pacific Coast (with Manzanillo being the first). In 2008 a new port was built, with the aim of boosting tourism. Although the weather in Guaymas is fairly mild temperature-wise rainfall is quite high in July and August as compared to other months. If you are planning some outdoor activities then make sure to keep that in mind.

Guaymas is port on the Gulf of California, and the outlet for Hermosillo. Situated on a scenic inlet and surrounded by desert mountains, it’s fine beaches, excellent deep-sea fishing, and transportation facilities have made it a popular tourist resort.

Guaymas hosts one of Mexico’s major Carnival celebrations, and is one of the oldest in Mexico. The annual event begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday and ends at the stroke midnight of the beginning of Lent.

Guaymas is a commercial center for the region, and has a substantial fishing industry. The area was explored as early as 1539, with the city established in the early 18th century by Jesuit missionaries. U.S. forces occupied Guaymas in 1846, during the Mexican War, and it was held by the French in 1865-1866

Restaurants and Bars

El Pargo Rojo, which means red snapper in English, is decked out with fishnets and replicas of the fish you can chose to dine on while there. While the catch of the day varies, the quality of seafood served is top notch. The restaurant also delivers.

La Roca is a classy restaurant that has long been a local favorite. The stone house set against the cliff has separate dining rooms and a balcony that overlooks a fountain and several large trees. Look for excellent seafood dishes and their specialty Queso La Roca (zesty potato slices covered with cheese).

For the finest cuts of Sonoran beef you’ve got to try the Sonora Steak Restaurant. Their specialty Rib-eye is aged for 28 days and will melt in your mouth. They do have some vegetarian dishes as well, such as their Fettuccine with pasillo chilies and garlic.

The hottest new gathering for younger people is the cocktail lounge in the El Bronco Restaurant. There is a well stocked bar at the center of the room and the service is superb.

Guaymas, Mexico Weather
Temperature (Fahrenheit)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 74 77 79 85 90 96 97 96 96 91 81 74
Low 53 55 57 64 69 78 82 82 80 71 60 55
Average 64 66 68 75 79 87 90 90 88 81 71 65
Temperature (Celsius)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 23 25 26 29 32 36 36 36 36 33 27 23
Low 12 13 14 18 21 26 28 28 27 22 16 13
Average 18 19 20 24 26 31 32 32 31 27 22 18
Humidity

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Percent 74 71 68 63 68 73 78 81 81 74 72 72


 Come join this walking visit of downtown Guaymas. Founded in 1703, Guaymas is a natural port connecting Sonora to the rest of the world. On your adventure today you will see many highlights. San Fernando Church was dedicated to San Fernando III, King of Castilla and Leon, a great soldier who fought the Moors in Spain. You will also see Plaza 13 de Julio, named in honor of the 1854 battle against the French by General Jose Maria Yanez. Tres Presidentes Plaza, right in front of City Hall, is dedicated to the three Mexican presidents that once called Guaymas home, and the City Hall itself was constructed in 1889 and still houses all the municipal government offices as well as a collection of historic photographs of the area. Next you’ll come to Fisherman’s Plaza and Gun Plaza, and your tour will end here. 

Notes: Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk about 3 - 4 city blocks.       $36.00

8:30 AM
Approximately 2 Hours
 Experience the thrill of viewing natural ocean habitat found in the Sea of Cortez from a comfortable day boat. On this fully narrated, guided excursion around the Sea of Cortez, your tour guide will point out geological formations and fault lines, and explain how the Sea of Cortez was formed and how it got its name. Your guide will also point out the rich biodiversity of sea birds, ocean mammals, plankton, seaweeds, fish and desert cacti. Enjoy fantastic coastal views of caves, bays and sanctuaries that can that can only be seen by boat. You will find binoculars and species identification charts on board. For your refreshment, purified drinking water, ice, coffee, soft drinks and fresh fruit will be served.
8:45 AM
Approximately 3½ Hours       $99.pp
 Explore the beautiful Sonoran desert on this horseback ride. Your ride will take you out into the desert to see part of the movie set of the motion picture Catch 22 which still stands amid the desert cacti. Your guide will tell you about the flora and fauna of the region as you stroll effortlessly back toward the beaches of the Sea of Cortez. Riding along the beach you’ll head into another world where your concerns will be lifted away with the cool sea breeze.

Notes:
The horses will only walk during your ride. This tour is suitable for all experience levels, including beginners. Maximum weight is 220 lbs. Waiver release form must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Minimum age is 8 years. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

8:30 AM
Approximately 3½ Hours    $95.pp
 Expert trainers supervise your in-the-water encounter with dolphins and offer detailed information about the behavior and biology of these animals. The dolphins also seem to enjoy this experience and will willingly interact with you. At the “touching table” you can learn about the bone structure of whales, dolphins and sea lions. Learn about the anatomy of sea lions and how they differ from seals. These delightful animals will entertain you with fun tricks that they have learned and have been practicing just for you. You will have time to relax and enjoy this first-class facility before returning to your ship.

Notes: Do not wear sunscreen or jewelry as these can injure the animals’ skin. Pregnant women are not allowed to participate. Minimum height is 4 feet. Waiver release form must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, sunscreen and a hat.

8:15 AM
Approximately 5 Hours  $199.pp

 
 Visit Guaymas, founded in 1703. Guaymas is a natural port connecting Sonora to the rest of the world. You’ll start with a visit to the Sea of Cortez Pearl Farm— the first of its kind on the American continent and the only one in the world growing loose cultured pearls using the unique rainbow-lipped pearl oyster. These pearls are some of the finest and most rare due to their unusual color and limited annual production. A detailed explanation of this process and walkthrough of the facility is included in the visit. The finished pearl products are also on display at the on-site gift shop. You will also step inside San Fernando Church, dedicated to San Fernando III, King of Castilla and Leon—a great soldier who fought against the Moors in Spain. You’ll stop in Plaza 13 de Julio, named for Mexico’s triumph in the battle against the French in 1854. Tres Presidentes Plaza, in front of City Hall, is dedicated to the three Mexican presidents that once called Guaymas home and nearby City Hall (1889) houses all of the municipal government offices as well as a collection of historic photographs of the area. Finally, you will stop at Fisherman’s Plaza, Gun Plaza and Calle 15 Prison—important landmarks to the people of Guaymas.

Notes: Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk about 3 - 4 city blocks. You can choose to stay on board the bus if the walking is too strenuous.

8:30 AM
Approximately 4 Hours     $43.pp

 
 Come and enjoy a peaceful trip on the Sea of Cortez aboard a comfortable sit-on-top kayak. Listen to brief instructions before being assigned to a kayak and setting out on the water. Your naturalist guide will tell you about the marine life of the sea beneath you as well as the desert above. Weather permitting you will paddle through two arch rock formations along the shores of the San Carlos. Back at the beach you will have some free time for swimming or relaxing on the beach before returning to your waiting ship in downtown Guaymas.

Notes: Two guests per kayak. Maximum individual weight is 220 lbs or combined weight is 400 lbs. Waiver release form must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Minimum age is 10 years. Children must be accompanied by participating adult.

8:45 AM
Approximately 3½ Hours      $89.pp

 
Experience the incredible world of dolphins. There is really nothing that comes close to experiencing this magical animal up-close, as you will with this dolphin swim and relaxation therapy. Expert trainers supervise this interaction with dolphins and offer detailed information about the behavior and biology of these animals. Dolphins also enjoy this experience and they show it in their interaction with humans. More than three decades of research and experience shows that dolphins use their advanced echolocation sonar to sense the physical and emotional state of humans. The most intelligent mammals in the water have been shown to be beneficial in animal-assisted relaxation therapy. Also you will find a “touching table” where you can discover all about the bone structure of marine mammals—whales, dolphins and sea lions. You will learn about marine invertebrates and the anatomy of sea lions. These delightful animals will entertain you with fun tricks that they have learned and have been practicing just for you.

Notes: Do not wear sunscreen or jewelry as these can injure the dolphins’ skin. Pregnant women are not allowed to participate. Minimum height is 4 feet. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Waiver release form must be signed and medical conditions disclosed.

8:15 AM
Approximately 5 Hours     $285.pp