San Carlos Scuba Diving - News & Views

Hurricane Jimena - San Carlos Relief Effort

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:15:00 +0000

After the massive flooding in San Carlos following Hurricane Jimena, San Carlos is pulling together to rebuild. Our favorite town needs help from all of our friends and a relief effort is underway. Donations are being taken at many locations and the Tucson Rotary and San Carlos Rotary are working diligently to coordinate efforts to bring San Carlos back better than ever!

What is Needed:
Non-Perishable Food: Rice, Beans, and Canned foods
Sleeping Bags, tents, mattresses, bedding, pillows, comforters, blankets
Clothes of all kinds and sizes, shoes (new only)
Home cleaning supplies: Lysol, Bleach, soap, detergent
First Aid: Antiseptics, ointments
Household Items: Tooth Paste, Toiletries, Soap, Shampoo, Hair Brushes, etc
Money (see below)

Where to Send Money:
Make Checks Payable to: The Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation – San Carlos Relief
• This is a 501c3 fund and is tax deductible. This money will be going directly to our sister club; The Rotary Club of San Carlos, Mexico.
Send Checks to: Desert Divers
4837 N. 1st Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85718
Drop Off Locations
Tucson:

Desert Divers, 4837 N. 1st Ave. (Near River)
• Phone: 88-SCUBA
• Email: desertdivers@hotmail.com
• Contact: Mike Huhn, Owner
The Dive Shop, 1702 E. Prince
• Phone: 326-DIVE
• Contact: Don George
Risky Business – All Locations: Contact Tom Kruzewski
• 6866 E. Sunrise Dr., Suite 130, 577-0021
• 250 S. Craycroft Road, #140, 548-1610
• 8848 E. Tanque Verde Road, 749-8555
• 10515 N. Oracle Road, 531-0202
Tucson Tractor, 1701 W. Grant
• Phone: 623-5848
• Contact: Chip Delay
Arizona Tile, 756 E. Ft. Lowell
• Phone: 622-4671 Ext. 210 & 310
• Branch Manager: Lorelei Hough

Phoenix:
Home of Stephanie Holdbrook, 623-910-1711
9451 W. Mary Ann Dr.
Peoria, AZ
Flagstaff:
Tom & Jonette Boggess, 928-779-5066
1425 W. Forest Meadows St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Is travel to San Carlos Mexico safe?

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:39:00 +0000

As most regular travelers to San Carlos know, despite the increase in border violence in Mexico, the path to San Carlos is a friendly and well-protected conduit to enjoy the splendors of the Sea of Cortez.

The State Department recently released an updated travel advisory that clarified some of the concerns expressed in previous versions. It includes good common-sense advice on how to travel safely in Mexico. What follows are some of the most pertinent excerpts, as well as an editorial perspective based on our experiences traveling into the region recently.

The full advisory can be read here

State Dept:
While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Editor:
Absolutely. Just as there are parts of the U.S. one would generally want to avoid, so to in Mexico. If you go looking for trouble, or act irresponsibly in either country, bad things will happen.

State:
The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times… U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure.

Ed:
The road to San Carlos is heavily traveled and patrolled. There are also special courtesy patrols called the Green Angels. Their sole purpose is to assist foreign travelers that might be experiencing mechanical troubles with their cars. They will perform most minor repairs on-site free of charge and transport you to repair centers for more complex needs.
One of the best additions to this road is the toll bypass around Nogales. For only a few dollars, travelers can bypass this border city entirely, moving directly onto Highway 15, which will take you all the way to San Carlos. To access this bypass, do not follow Interstate 19 to the main border crossing, instead, use exit 4 (mariposa). When you come to the stoplight, take a right (west), and follow the road for a few miles till it hits the border.

State:
In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Ed:
Checkpoints along Highway 15 have noticeably increased, both in frequency and level of firepower. While we may not be used to such things in the U.S., and their appearance can be startling, they are there for the safety of travelers. You may be asked a few questions, such as where you have been, where you live, etc. You will then be waved on. If you are not a drug smuggler, you have nothing to fear.

Remember, if you pass through a checkpoint and you get a buzzer and a red Alto sign flashes, you must pull over for an inspection. Headed south, they are mainly looking for guns and ammunition. Do not attempt to bring any firearms or ammunition in Mexico. This is taken very seriously, and even a single round of ammunition in your car can land you in jail.

State:
U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Ed:
These are more common-sense precautions that any traveler should follow, regardless of destination. Exercising caution and common sense, and being aware of your surroundings will help to ensure that you will have a safe and pleasant journey to San Carlos.

A recent statement from the Department of Homeland attache to Mexico summed up the situation well in a story reported by the associated press:
"Further, the Homeland Security Department's attache to Mexico said the violence in Mexico is not as dangerous to U.S. tourists as has been portrayed.
Alonzo Pena said the violence is in isolated areas of the country and only affects the people involved in criminal activity. He said the violence is not affecting U.S. citizens visiting Mexico and Americans should not cancel their vacations in the country."

Bad News Blues Band - Blues on the Beach!

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:10:00 +0000

We wanted to pass along some fun happenings that are coming to San Carlos - The Bad News Blues Band is coming to San Carlos for three nights of Blues on the Beach!

Besides their Saturday night (March 21) show at The Soggy Peso Bar on Catch-22 beach, The Bad News Blues Band is also going to be performing Thursday, March 19 and Friday March 20 at La Palapa. Should be a blast and a great time to catch some fantastic music on some beautiful beaches. Hope to see you there!

Need more info? Contact Desert Divers in Tucson at 520-887-2822 or email travel@desertdivers.com

Creature Feature Cortez Barrel Shrimp

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:03:00 +0000

It is unlikely that a scuba diver in the Sea of Cortez will encounter a more alien and ornate decapod than the Cortez Barrel Shrimp, Gnathophyllum panamense. Also known as the Spotted Bumblebee Shrimp, this organism is difficult to confuse with any other Gulf of California shrimp species. A downright beefy and glossy carapace is punctuated with large red or orange spots and smaller white polka dots. Accentuated by purple walking legs and white or yellow chelipeds and tail, the Cortez Barrel Shrimp appears to be an amalgam of highly disjointed parts indeed.

Despite a wide range throughout the Sea of Cortez, from the tide pools of Puerto Penasco to the dive sites of Cabo San Lucas, scuba divers rarely sight the Cortez Barrel Shrimp. The ornate coloration of this shrimp is an excellent example of disruptive coloration and the bright splotches of color actually make the shrimp difficult for predators to visualize.

During the day, the Cortez Barrel Shrimp is reclusive and hangs on the undersides of rocky caves and caverns, or more commonly, underneath small rocks in rubble fields. Scuba divers most often catch glimpses of this beautiful creature during night dives when it emerges to feed. Little is known about the natural history of this shrimp. It has been reported to be a generalized omnivore, although it has also been reported to clean parasites off of fishes, as well as to consume the tube feet of echinoderms. While it is possible that this shrimp is more generalized than other members of the family Gnathophyllidae, it seems unlikely that this shrimp would be substantially different in diet than its kin, which are all starfish specialists.

Seahorses in San Carlos Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:34:00 +0000

Fall diving in San Carlos has been nothing short of spectacular this year. One of the most interesting of the sightings this year has been of one of the most secretive denizens - the Pacific seahorse, Hippocampus ingens. This is the only seahorse found in the western Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California. It is also one of the world’s largest seahorses reaching a length of 30cm (1 foot!)
Pairs of these beauties have been found at several dive sites throughout the summer. One particular pair of seahorses has inhabited the same spot at San Antonio Point all summer long and scuba divers have witnessed dramatic courtship displays and even frequent pregnancies of the male.
Although the Pacific seahorse is primarily a nocturnal species, scuba divers who patiently observe from a distance can also see and even hear the seahorses “snicking” at the passing clouds of mysid or possum shrimp that form the basis of their diet.

A pair of Hippocampus ingens at San Antonio Point, San Carlos, Sonora, Mexic0

Even when you know right where they are, seahorses can be hard to spot while scuba diving. Seahorses are masters of camouflage.

A few pics from Labor Day

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:15:00 +0000

Fall is without a doubt one of the best times to scuba dive in San Carlos. The weather is mild and water conditions are superb. Warm water and great visibility!

Longnose Hawkfish - A Deep Diver’s Delight

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 04:36:00 +0000

With San Carlos water temperatures reaching into the 80’s and the clear blue water of summer arriving, more people will be considering deep dives. While most of the marine life will be found on shallower dives, there are a few organisms that are more prevalent at deeper depths. One in particular is the spectacular longnose hawkfish, Oxycirrhites typus.

Related Species
Familiar to most scuba divers in the Sea of Cortez are the Giant Hawkfish, Cirrhitus rivulatus, and the Coral hawkfish, Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus. The giant hawkfish is a large (to 20 inches, 520mm), green and brown mottled fish that is usually found in water that is shallower than 20 feet. The coral hawkfish is a smaller hawkfish that is usually less than 3 inches, 76mm, in length and white with red or pink polka dots.

The Longnose Hawkfish, Oxycirrhites typus
Unlike it’s more common relatives, the longnose hawkfish is rarely observed, partly due to the depths at which it is found, and partly due to exceptional abilities of camouflage. But for a careful observer, the difficulty in spotting one is worth the effort. Underwater photographers travel around the world to get a shot of one, but we have these beautiful fish in our own backyard.

Coloration
With a striking red plaid coloration this fish has an immediate wow factor. What really sets it apart is the extended snout that it uses to pick small crustaceans off of the corals that it lives amongst. Found among the branches of black coral and gorgonians, the red coloration of longnose hawkfish fades at deep depths where reds are filtered and only blues remain. But bring a flashlight along and scuba divers will be able to see the brilliant colors of this fish in all their glory.

Hawkfish Habitat
Longnose hawkfish are rarely observed at depths shallower than 90 feet and become increasingly abundant as depths approach 150-175 feet. Even in these deeper depths they are not considered common. With persistence and bit of luck, they are spotted from time to time at Isla San Pedro Nolasco at depths ranging from 85-130+ feet. They are most often seen over small patch reefs that are surrounded by sand flats, or among the branches of the black coral colonies that are common at deeper depths. Both Northpoint and Southpoint have a smattering of these fish. Longnose hawkfish are even more plentiful along the Baja coast beginning at Isla Tortuga and south to La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.

Finding Longnose Hawkfish
To spot longnose hawkfish approach deep patch reefs and black coral colonies slowly. Move quickly, and the fish will startle and dive for cover, but if a scuba diver moves with care the fish will usually allow a close approach, relying on their camouflage for protection. Bring a flashlight to help you spot these beautiful little fish. The blue light at depth makes them blend into the background, but when illuminated by a flashlight, their reds will pop out of obscurity. Pay close attention to your gauges while hawkfish hunting. Both air and no-decompression time run out quickly at these depths.

San Carlos water temperatures are on the rise!

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:09:00 +0000

The months of April and May are traditionally the transition period for water temperatures in San Carlos, Mexico. As the Sea of Cortez moves from its winter circulation patterns to summer currents, dramatic changes occur beneath the waves. The nutrient rich water of winter mixes with the warm equatorial water that invades the Gulf of California each spring. Combined with longer sunny days, this cocktail creates a veritable explosion of photosynthesis that fuels the Sea of Cortez.

Scuba divers will find that water conditions are very hit-or-miss with regard to visibility and temperature, but top-notch with regard to marine life. As the nutrient cycle ebbs and flows, scuba divers may experience pea-soup conditions one day as a plankton bloom occurs, and 50+ feet of visibility the next as the nutrients are locally exhausted, and as plankton is consumed by filter and suspension feeders.

Current water temperatures in San Carlos, Mexico are teetering at the edge of 70 degrees. Scuba divers in San Carlos may still find pockets of water in the mid 60’s, especially inshore, but there is a solid wall of water in the mid 70’s that is steadily edging its way north.

While clear blue water of summer is still over a month away, this is a great time to dust off a mid-weight wetsuit and experience scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez during a remarkable transition. Every dive will be packed with life, and this time of year is a macro photographers dream. Tons of oddball invertebrates are out and the plankton induces spawning and mating behaviors in many of these unusual creatures.

San Carlos Fishing Tournament Schedule 2008

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:52:00 +0000

2008 San Carlos Fishing Tournament Schedule

San Carlos Yacht Club & Rescate Yellowtail Tournament
February 15th – February 17th 2008
Entry Fee: $50.00 Per Angler
Registration at the San Carlos Yacht Club on Friday February 15th between 3:00pm - 5:30pm. Late Entries 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Marina Cantina.
For More Information Contact Dick Newlon at dnewlon@prodigy.net.mx

Yellowtail Open Free Dive Spear fishing Tournament
March 17th 2008
Entry Fee: $45.00 per Spearfisherman
Registration at specified sponsors visit www.yellowtailopen.com for complete registration information and tournament details.
Desert Diver and Ocean Sports are participating sponsors

L.I.F.T. 2008 Ladies International Fishing Tournament
May 23rd – May 25th 2008
Entry Fee: $50.00 Per Angler
Registration at Club Deportivo De San Carlos On Friday May 23rd between 5:00pm-7:00pm.
For More Information Contact Dolores Ruppel at quepasa@prodigy.net.mx

San Carlos Yacht Club Tournament
June 6th – June 9th 2008
Entry Fee: $50.00 Per Angler
Registration at the San Carlos Yacht Club on Friday June 6th between 3:00pm - 5:30pm. Late Entries 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Marina Cantina.
For More Information Contact Dick Newlon at dnewlon@prodigy.net.mx

60th International Billfish Tournament
July 20th – July 22nd 2008
Entry Fee: $100.00 Per Angler
Registration at Marina San Carlos On Friday July 20th between 5:00pm-9:00pm.
For More Information Contact Claudia Ciare at claudiaciare@hotmail.com

Labor Day Tournament
August 30th – September 1st 2008
Entry Fee: $50.00 Per Angler
Registration at Marina Cantina On Friday August 30th between 5:00pm-8:00pm.
For More Information Contact Bill Hammer at bhammer@prodigy.net.mx

Cantina Cup International Tournament
October 10th – 12th 2008
Entry Fee: $80.00 Per Angler & $1,000.00 Jackpot Entry Per Team
Registration at Marina San Carlos On Friday October 10th 5:00pm-8:00pm.
For More Information Contact Matt Blair at matthew@cirrusvisual.com

Venomous Scorpionfish and Predatory Snails - Masters of Camouflage

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:58:00 +0000

I am always impressed at the remarkable level of camouflage that can be exhibited by marine organisms. These photos show a few of the masters. These were photographed during a recent dive at Isla San Pedro Nolasco, near San Carlos.

This first image is of a snail that proved incredibly elusive for me. I looked for this beautiful parasite on and off for over a year! It wasn't until I brought along a flashlight that I was able to see it against the backdrop of its coral home/prey.

The snail is Epitonium billeeanum, a relative of whelks. It spends its entire life living among colonies of the sun coral, Tubastraea coccinea, where it passes its days slowly consuming the colonies and laying copious masses of eggs (the yellow clump over the snail). These in turn will hatch on a ready-made feast for these tiny snails.

Relying on exquisite camouflage and a nice array of venomous dorsal spines, the stone scorpionfish, Scorpaena mystes is reluctant to move when divers approach.

I've been stung three times by these fish - once during an underwater rescue when I placed my hand on a fish to get some leverage - thinking it was a rock. The other 2 envenomations occurred while handling these fish in my lab. Their toxin is very good at lowering blood pressure. In my case they were a little too good. The third sting required a long series of injections to keep my heart rate up.

Silhouetted against the water, scorpionfish are easy to see, but against the backdrop of the seafloor, it's easy to see how they might be mistaken for a rock.

Cold Water & Killer Whales

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 04:17:00 +0000

The winter water has begun to find its way into the San Carlos region. So with water temperatures dropping below 70 degrees, the question for warm water sissies like myself becomes “is it worth it”? Sure, California divers may scoff at such a question. 65-68 is downright balmy along the Pacific coast, but you need to realize, I wear a 5 mil just to teach scuba in the pool… a pool that is heated to 82 degrees all year long. While I may shudder at the thought of that first dip under, when the water creeps down the spine of my wetsuit, there is no doubt as to whether it is worth it. Despite my reluctance to even look at cold water, much less submerge; the winter diving in San Carlos is simply amazing. In this case, my inner marine biologist manages to beat up my inner water wimp. Of course wearing a dry suit has helped sway that battle a tad.

There are many reasons to go diving in the Sea of Cortez during the winter; increased species diversity, no packed boats, and pleasant air temperatures. But one of the big reasons to go has already shown up…Orcas! The Sea of Cortez is home to several resident pods of these beautiful creatures, and during the winter months they may be sighted cruising the shores of the central and northern Gulf. Divers in San Carlos have already been able too witness pods of these cetaceans at the surface, exhibiting their characteristic playful behaviors.

Orcas aren’t the only cetaceans whose abundance goes up in winter. These cooler months are prime season for viewing fin whales, grey whales, sperm whales, and even humpbacks and the largest mammals in the world arrive, blue whales. That is to say nothing of the superpods of dolphins that may aggregate in the wintertime.

The cool water brings with it the nutrients necessary to fuel the Sea of Cortez for another year. As the nutrients feed planktonic organisms, these in turn are devoured by larger species that follow this microscopic smorgasbord. Crustaceans are tasty staples for everything from migrating whales to diminutive Catalina goodies, a spectacularly colored fish seen only in cool water. Everywhere the reefs come alive with life as the winter bounty is consumed to make for a successful spring breeding season. Winter is truly the time to see the Sea of Cortez at its most vibrant.

Sperm Whales in the Sea of Cortez

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:44:00 +0000

During a recent excursion west of Isla San Pedro Nolasco, we encountered several pods of sperm whales, Physeter macrocephalus, resting at the surface between dives. Being a prime breeding ground for Humbolt "jumbo" squid, Dosidicus gigas,the Sea of Cortez is also a top site for finding their toothy predators, sperm whales. A recent study of predator-prey relationships between sperm whales and jumbo squid, researchers found the whales were making regular dives to depths of 600-1300 feet during the day, and 600 feet during the night. We were able to get photos of over 15 of these whales in 4 pods during a one-hour period

Scuba Diving at La Ventana

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:44:00 +0000

Finishing grad school and launching a business hasn't left too much time for writing, but I'll try to get caught up with my recent travels at least by sharing some pics! More to come as I resize...

Our first dives were on the west side of Isla San Pedro Nolasco at a site called la ventana

Numerous lizard triplefins were perched in the sargassum

A happy family of newly certified divers!

Hurricane Henriette takes aim at San Carlos after clobbering Baja

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 18:35:00 +0000

Hurricane Henriette is due to reach mainland Mexico later today. Having weathered a few hurricanes and tropical storms in the Guaymas and San Carlos area, I do not envy what residents of the region may expect. The channeling effect of the Gulf basin can have far-reaching effects with storm surge being experienced as far north as Puerto Penasco and El Golfo de Santa Clara. This storm surge is already being reported in the San Carlos area with surge slapping into the doors in several condominium developments. Further south, reports are coming in that the surge has breached the seawalls and flooding is occurring.

Hurricane Henriette was expected to weaken significantly after it crossed into the Sea of Cortez, but it appears this was a short disturbance without lasting effect. Originally anticipated to be downgraded to tropical storm status, Henriette has retained enough strength to make landfall again as a hurricane.

Although only a category 1 hurricane, has already left 7 dead and thousands homeless after it made landfall along Los Cabos at the Southern tip of Baja, Mexico. The primarily desert regions of Baja are not as prepared to withstand hurricane forces as well as the tropical regions of the Caribbean. Caribbean hurricanes are a normal though potentially devastating part of each fall, and the flora and fauna recover quickly from such poundings. In Baja, the sandy soils saturate with water rapidly and begin to slide. Lacking dense vegetation, flash floods and mudslides can be catastrophic.

Hentiettes strength is expected to be felt for the next several days as it crosses over Sonora to the southwestern United States where flooding is expected in New Mexico and possibly Arizona. These desert regions will likely experience tremendous rainfall and flooding. Several years ago after a near-miss by a tropical storm, I remember putting my truck into 4-wheel-drive to drive through downtown Hermosillo! In several points, water was seeping around the doors and even smacking the windows.

Henriette, is expected to reach the mainland later today between Topolobampo and Bahia Kino. The specific track shows a likely landfall 25 -35 miles south of San Carlos.

Although the hurricane was disrupted as it crossed land from the Pacific to the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific system still produced winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour. The hurricane is now heading north at 12 mph and is about 70 miles from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Henriette may bring storm-surge flooding to Mexico as high as 5 feet (1.5 meters) above normal levels, “dangerous battering waves,'' and 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in mountainous areas, with the potential to cause “life-threatening flash floods and mudslides''. In response, Mexico has issued a hurricane warning from Topolobampo north to Bahia Kino and a tropical storm warning along the east coast of the Baja Peninsula from La Paz north to Loreto.

Hurricane Henriette Warning from National Hurricane Center

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 18:09:00 +0000

HENRIETTE MOVING NORTHWARD TOWARD MAINLAND MEXICO...

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT ALONG THE COAST OF MAINLAND
MEXICO FROM TOPOLOBAMPO NORTHWARD TO BAHIA KINO. A HURRICANE
WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE
WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE
AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHERN BAJA
PENINSULA FROM LORETO SOUTHWARD ON THE EAST COAST...AND FROM BAHIA
MAGDALENA SOUTHWARD ON THE WEST COAST...INCLUDING CABO SAN LUCAS.

A HURRICANE WATCH AND A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAIN IN EFFECT
ALONG THE EAST COAST OF THE BAJA PENINSULA FROM NORTH OF LORETO TO
MULEGE.

A HURRICANE WATCH AND A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR
THE COAST OF MAINLAND MEXICO FROM SOUTH OF TOPOLOBAMPO TO ALTATA.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED
BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 1100 PM PDT...0600Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE HENRIETTE WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 24.5 NORTH...LONGITUDE 109.8 WEST OR ABOUT 45
MILES...70 KM...EAST-NORTHEAST OF LA PAZ MEXICO AND ABOUT 105
MILES...165 KM...SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF LOS MOCHIS MEXICO.

HENRIETTE IS MOVING ON A GENERAL NORTHWARD TRACK NEAR 12 MPH...19
KM/HR...AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE DURING THE NEXT 24
HOURS. ON THIS TRACK THE CENTER OF HENRIETTE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE
LANDFALL ALONG THE COAST OF MAINLAND MEXICO WITHIN THE HURRICANE
WARNING AREA WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON OR EVENING.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 75 MPH...120 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. HENRIETTE IS A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON
SCALE. LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS FORECAST PRIOR TO LANDFALL IN
MAINLAND MEXICO.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 15 MILES...30 KM...FROM
THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 125
MILES...205 KM.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 980 MB...28.94 INCHES.

COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 3 TO 5 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE
LEVELS...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE
EXPECTED IN AREAS OF ONSHORE FLOW NEAR THE PATH OF THE HURRICANE.

HENRIETTE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5
TO 10 INCHES OVER THE WEST COAST OF MAINLAND MEXICO AND OVER
SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF BAJA CALIFORNIA...WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM
AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES POSSIBLE IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS. THESE RAINS
COULD PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUDSLIDES.

San Carlos Scuba - Eagle Rock June 15

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:05:00 +0000

As I mentioned in the first post about this trip, this was my first visit to the Sea of Cortez in six-months. On our first dive of the trip (Friday afternoon), we went to San Antonio Point, but moved the boat to Eagle Rock for the second dive when jellyfish arrived.

Eagle Rock gets its name from a small rocky outcropping that (slightly) resembles, an eagle crouching. The site itself is dramatically set along a steep rock cliff facing the sea to the west. The bottom is littered with small to medium sized boulders and provides excellent cover for a wide assortment of critters.

Although one of the students was unable to get down due to equalization troubles, she gave it a good shot and we were able to get her caught up and certified the next day. The rest of the students did well and we had a nice dive.

We were able to find a fish-eating purple cone snail, Conus purpurascens, (See Creature Feature). We also saw a variety of heart and flower urchins, scorpionfish, Scorpaena mystes, and beautiful yellow juvenile Pacific Creolefish, Paranthias colonus. This was a relatively short dive, as evening was approaching and people had dinner on their minds and an early departure the next morning for Isla San Pedro Nolasco to play with the sea lions.

San Carlos Scuba Trip Report - San Antonio Point and Catalina Island

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 21:35:00 +0000

Day 1

This past weekend was my first trip to the Sea of Cortez in nearly six months. The last semester of grad school, combined with the launching of three companies has kept me severely landlocked. I had great expectations for this trip, and as usual, the Sea of Cortez delivered in fine fashion. This was still a working weekend for me, teaching scuba diving to new openwater students, but I had a couple of days of pleasure diving scheduled after the traditional 3-day trip. I was staying longer so I could dive at Isla Tortuga on the Baja side of the Gulf. Of course, working is a relative term. It’s hard to call the experience of sharing the sights of one of my favorite locations on Earth with a pack of new divers “work”.

Our first dive on Friday afternoon was at San Antonio Point. This is one of the best all-around sites along the coast. It is generally protected from both surge and currents, but also offers great scenery and the opportunities for more advanced dives if one desires.

We anchored just north of the small channel that runs between the mainland and a small offshore rocky outcropping. Our students did extremely well and we were able to have a very relaxing dive here. One student had a bit of trouble equalizing, so I stayed with her as well as her dive buddy till they were able to get down, while the other instructor took the rest of the group. Despite the difficulties, both were gushing with excitement about what we had seen on the dive.

The water at San Antonio was toasty, about 81 at the surface, and visibility was in the 40-foot range. This is one of the best sites to see large aggregations of nesting Sergeant Majors, Abudefduf troschelii, and this was no exception. Many males were tending clutches of thousands of purple eggs. These damselfish eggs were deposited along rock faces, giving the rocks a velvet appearance. The males themselves were turned a deep indigo, rather than their typical light blue and yellow. This coloration has been associated both as a territorial display as well as an attractant to passing females.

By the time we surfaced, the wind had begun to collect a number of jellyfish, the Pacific Man-o-War, Physalia pacifica in the area, so we moved for the next dive to Eagle Rock. This site will be covered in the next post.

Reflections on the Sea of Cortez

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 04:06:00 +0000

This will be a short post - Just an invitation to check out my new blog; Reflections on the Sea of Cortez. Unlike my primarily informational blogs about Baja and San Carlos, this blog promises to be more introspective. It will look back at the last fifteen years of my travels and studies in the Sea of Cortez, and hopefully it may inspire others with the same wonders I have seen in this desert sea.
Enjoy!

Creature Feature: Conus dalli - Beautiful and Rare, but Handle with Care!

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 21:47:00 +0000

There are over 700 extant species within the genus Conus, also known as the cone snails. These include some of the most beautiful shells in the seas, but the snails that secrete these shells have also developed an amazing and sometimes deadly hunting strategy. The radula in most snails is a scraping tongue, used to harvest algae or other organic matter. In cone snails however, the radula is folded and rolled into a harpoon, which is connected to a venom gland. The venoms produced by cone snails (conotoxins) can be among the most potent venoms produced in the animal kingdom. It has been estimated that a single sting from the Australian Geography Cone, Conus geographus, can deliver sufficient toxin to kill 70 adult humans.

So why would a lowly snail need such potent toxins? Well, in most cases they don’t, but it depends on their diet. Cone snails can be broadly classified by their prey preferences. There are cones that eat fish (piscivorous cones), worms (vermivorous cones), and there are cone snails that eat other molluscs (molluscivorous cones). Among these, the vermivorous and molluscivorous cones are not particularly harmful to humans (with a few exceptions to be discussed below). Their toxins are highly specialized only to the worm or snail anatomy, and do not necessitate the incredibly fast incapacitation required for subduing vertebrates.

The piscivorous cones are a different lot. Imagine a slow-moving snail trying to capture a fish. Without being hit by some substantial weaponry, a fish would quickly dart away after being stung. Even if it only made it a few yards before succumbing to toxin, this is still an incredible distance for a snail to track its dinner. To counter this, these cones have developed an amazing array of peptides, delivered in a toxic cocktail designed to rapidly paralyze and kill the fish. A single snail may have as many as 100 different toxins delivered in a single sting, each targeted to a specific part of the vertebrate physiology. Some toxins paralyze peripheral muscles, while others shut down the central nervous system or stop the transmission of pain signals. The end result is a sting that will have a nearly immediate paralytic effect on vertebrates.

Conus dalli, is an interesting case. It is a molluscivorous cone, yet it may in fact be one of the most deadly members of the genus Conus. It is in the same group (the tented cones, so named for the attractive triangular markings on their shells) as Conus textile. Conus textile has been implicated in a number of human deaths. A near look-alike for this deadly cone from the Pacific, Conus dalli is only found in the Panamic region, from Panama through the Sea of Cortez. Dall’s cones been found to share a large number of toxin motifs in common with Conus textile, but also possess 3 conotoxins that had not been previously identified.
What then does the presence of these potentially deadly animals have on scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez? If you aren’t the type to pick up everything you see, there is no threat from these at all. They certainly aren’t about to stalk a scuba diver in order to get the feast of a lifetime. No, all of the reported stings have been to humans handling these snails, most often putting the attractive shells in their pockets. Eventually, the snails decide that they have had enough, and well, that’s that.
Mainly nocturnal, Dall’s cones will emerge from under rocks to hunt and are occasionally observed by scuba divers out for a night dive. They can be differentiated from all other snails in the Sea of Cortez by their glossy cone-shaped shell covered with black or brown “tents” on a white or tan background, and by the bright red tip on their siphon. They are found more often at offshore islands, and in the San Carlos and Guaymas areas, nearly all encounters by scuba divers occur at Isla San Pedro Nolasco. So if you are one of the lucky few to see these deadly beauties on the prowl, enjoy knowing that you may observe these remarkable creatures without fear, so long as you respect their wishes to be left alone.

Spring Break Departs, Jellyfish Arrive, Winter Water Won't Budge

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:06:00 +0000

San Carlos saw a very quiet spring break this year with families far outnumbering college students. The weather was beautiful, often in the 80’s, but it seems our winter water is clinging on for a last hurrah. Temperatures this last weekend ranged from 62-65 F. There is 70 degree water attempting to push its way north right now, and is currently about 20 miles south of San Carlos. Now it’s a waiting game, requiring sustained northerly winds to pull the warm equatorial waters into the Gulf and change the water circulation to a summer downwelling pattern.
While a tad chilly, the diving has remained excellent with visibility often exceeding 50 feet. The arrival of large jellyfish in the last few weeks has stirred some apprehension among divers, but have no fear, these are not a variety that tends to sting humans. This particular species combines plankton harvesting with photosynthesis to acquire energy, and this is an ideal time to get in the water and witness the transient bloom of these graceful cnidarians.
When warmer water arrives, they will disappear till next winter, being replaced by Physalia pacifica, the not-so-friendly Pacific Man O’ War. This is a small surface-restricted species that packs a wallop of a sting. Easily identified by its small deep blue bell that extends above the water, they are only a hazard in the top 1-1.5 feet of the water column. Scuba divers can avoid them by simply submerging, but snorkelers should be constantly vigilant if it is jelly season.
Most people crave the arrival of the warmer waters, but for those wishing to see how “the other half “lives, the next few weeks should be exciting. As the Sea of Cortez transitions to summer, the influx of deep-water nutrients slows, and photosynthesis consumes what is left. This creates a massive base for the food chain and during the next month or so, the Gulf of California will explode with organisms intent on either breeding with one another, or eating each other. Either way, it will be quite a show.

A General Introduction to San Carlos Mexico Diving Conditions

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 21:22:00 +0000

Located roughly midway down the Sea of Cortez on the western coast of Sonora, Mexico, the town of San Carlos is a top weekend destination for scuba divers from the Western U.S. A rich and varied ecosystem, the area is subject to tremendous swings in temperature, nutrient levels, and fauna between the winter and summer months.

Divers accustomed to the bright colors and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean may at first be put off by the more subdued bottom topography and variable visibility, but will soon appreciate the diversity of this region, and the sheer density of life that inhabit these waters.

When planning for a trip during the fall or spring, it is advisable to get recent information on water temperatures, as they may change substantially over a matter of a week or two. Changes in water temperatures typically lag behind changes in air temperatures by several months.

Spring, for instance will generally have settled over San Carlos quite solidly by March, with air temperatures reaching 85-95 degrees Farenheit/29.5-35C, but water temperatures will often be 62-68F/16.7-20C. During March and April, as the days grow longer and the water temperature creeps up, visibility can be highly variable, from 40-50 feet some days, to a near “pea soup” the next, as phytoplankton blooms move swell and ebb. April diving is substantially warmer than March, with waters ranging from 72-77F/22-25C, but a good 5-7mil wetsuit is still a must for most people at these temperatures

The end of May is the traditional start to the summer dive season in San Carlos.
Summer diving is outstanding. The warmer water and increased sunlight have consumed much of the dissolved nutrients, leaving crystal clear waters. A substantial base of the food chain is converted during the spring into algal biomass to feed other consumers. By June, temperatures range from 82-89F/27-32C, and will remain warm through September.

The months of October and November are transition months in the Sea of Cortez, Typically they are still relatively mild but as the circulation patterns along the Midriff Islands (near Bahia Kino) change, the arrival of sudden upwelling can bring with it a 10 degree drop in water temperatures and an associated drop in visibility over a 1-2 week period.

The arrival of these winter waters brings with them an explosion in marine life. Many of the larger billfish and tuna will depart, but the plankton draws myriad smaller creatures from the deep such as the brilliant Dall's goby, nudibranchs, and many other species. For those equipped with a heavy wetsuit or drysuit, winter diving in San Carlos can allow scuba divers to see an entirely new mix of species that are absent from the summer dives.

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (SeaCortez) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 23:09:00 +0000

Welcome to the San Carlos Scuba Diving, News and Views section of SeaSanCarlos.com. In this section we will be featuring periodic updates about the current water temperatures, visibility, and best of all, the animal sightings. We hope that our readers will find this information helpful and entertaining. We would love to hear from you if you have any comments, announcements, or dive reports you would like to share. You may post your comments in response to any of the earlier posts, or you may email us at admin@seasancarlos.com and our editor will make sure to share your announcements and reports, so long as they are within the scope of this board. Please email us if you have any suggestions about what you would like to see on SeaSanCarlos.com, or if there are improvements that you would like to see.
Cheers, SeaCortez (editor)