Kayaking Estero Soldado

Bryan from San Carlos Aquatic Adventuresour favorite fishing captain sent this yesterday.
The snowbirds are arriving and I don't mean you! You may have seen some of these creatures flying around town, prancing around the estuaries, paddling in the water, or combing the beaches. They may stand on two legs and squak a bit, but they flew here with their own arms (or wings). Some of them have flown from as far North as yourselves. Many right now are still on their way farther south, but some will stay and rest their wings for the season, and more reserves are on their way. Like you, they agree that it is cold up there and that it's time to be someplace sunny and warm! So what is one of their top destinations? Why the Estero Soldado. If you haven't been down to the estuary then you are missing out on one of San Carlos' most beautiful spots. I had the pleasure last week of meeting Mauricio Cervantes who is working on turning the estuary into a national park. He is working on funding to complete the Visitor Center. The Visitor's Center is located on the east side of the estuary on the road to the Delfinario. This is another great scenic drive on maybe one of the best roads in Mexico. The gate may be closed to the visitor's center but you can always access the other nature trail to the estuary from the parking lot on the east side of Condominiums Pilar (the white condos next to Condominiums Delfin on the east side of the bay). The trail is a little grown over from the rains so help make it a trail again! You can easily loop around and follow the beach back for one of the best beach walks around. Still, the best way to see the estuary is to get on the water.Usually we depart from the beach with the hopes of catching the local pod of dolphin that routinely patrol the beach there. The bay is usually very calm, warm, and full of life. The majestic Bocachibampo mountain looms in the distance and draws you into the beauty of the estuary. Hopefully you can time theflooding tide and drift into the estuary. You can travel either way around the island just inside the mouth that creates a scenic loop. You will find many of the 123 bird species that visit and live in the estuary in either direction. To truly appreciate the beauty, bring a pair of binoculars (and a bag to protect them). Take your time and approach the birds slowly and from a distance. Look closely as there are many species that are easy to miss. My father taught me many of the species, so he by far is the expert, but if he's not around to take you then I'll spout out as many bird names as you could care to know! I don't think the birds really care if you know them by name though. We can help you identify their unique behaviors and why they do the things they do. Though some are just passing through, many stop and nest or feed on the rich marine life in the estuary for most of the winter. It is a great way to get out and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife in the San Carlos area and even get a little exercise. I've had every shape and level of athlete (or more commonly non-athlete) complete the trip. Don't let this activity slip by you this winter! It can also be a great Christmas present!!!Check out pictures of the birds in the photo gallery if reading this is as adventurous as you are going to get!