San Carlos, 20 kilometres northwest, is the obvious day trip: crescent beaches, two large marinas with rental boats, and the Villa EcoturÃstica on the Las Barajitas Canyon nearby — a 1,000-hectare desert reserve where three ecosystems meet at two kilometres of pristine coast. The Pedro Nolasco Island, a short boat ride offshore, is a prime snorkelling and kayaking spot. Guaymas Bay itself, a natural harbour discovered by the Spanish in 1539, is worth exploring by boat for its combination of volcanic mountains and calm, clear water.