Gary's Dive Shop

Located at Km. 10 Boulevard Manlio Fabio Beltrones in San Carlos, Gary's Dive Shop has been a fixture of the Sonora coastline since 1971. The centre operates in an area recognized for its scenery and biodiversity, situated within the Sea of Cortez.

As a PADI affiliated centre, the shop provides a structured environment for both recreational diving and formal training. They are notable for being the first and only boat operator in the state of Sonora to receive the NOM-05 and NOM-08 certifications, alongside the Federal 'Distintivo M' and state 'Calidad Sonora' awards for safety and service excellence.

The team at Gary's Dive Shop consists of professional, knowledgeable instructors and skilled captains. Their expertise is recognised by major cruise lines, including Holland America and Royal Caribbean, for whom they provide exclusive service.

Instruction is provided in English, ensuring clear communication for international divers. The crew is trained to manage a variety of excursions, ranging from technical wreck dives to nature-based boat tours and fishing trips.

The centre offers a complete range of PADI certifications, starting from Discover Scuba Diving and the PADI Open Water Diver course. They cater to divers looking to progress through the levels, including PADI Scuba Diver, Adventure Diver, and Advanced Open Water Diver.

Specialty training is extensive, covering areas such as PADI Enriched Air (NITROX) Diver, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Night Diver. For those looking to refine their skills or move into professional ranks, they offer PADI Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and various specialty courses like Peak Performance Buoyancy and Underwater Navigator.

The centre operates boat trips that include various destinations around the bay and nearby islands. These excursions can include single tank wreck dives, multi-tank trips to Seal Island, or local reef dives.

On board most trips, the crew provides soft drinks, water, ice, and coffee. They are also known for serving fish tacos, quesadillas, bean tacos, chicken stew, and fresh fruit to keep divers hydrated and fed between dives.

Full equipment rental is available for divers who do not wish to carry their own kit. The shop also provides cylinder services, including visual inspections and hydrostatic recertification.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. For those looking to upgrade their personal gear, the shop occasionally sells three-month-old rental equipment at a significant discount.

The waters around San Carlos are home to a diverse range of pelagics and reef species. You can regularly encounter sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of whales.

In the reef environments, tropical fish are abundant, moving through the cracks and archways of the local sites. The presence of sea lions near Seal Island provides a unique opportunity for close encounters in their natural habitat.

Diving in this region is conducted via boat trips departing from San Carlos. The centre operates year-round, offering both day trips and night diving opportunities for those with the appropriate certification.