If you haven’t been to the eastern shore of the northern Baja peninsula, you’re missing something special. Between the San Pedro Martir mountains and the tranquil blue Sea of Cortez is the fishing village of San Felipe.
It’s a place of natural beauty just 120 miles south of the border at Mexicali/Calexico. It has sunny skies, gentle evening breezes, and bathtub-warm ocean waters that can reach 86-87 degrees in August. And for beachcombers, the 23-foot tides expose a half-mile of ocean floor. In fact San Felipe experiences one of the largest tidal bores in the world due, in part, to the Colorado River delta to the north.
The Port of San Felipe is a small town that has traditionally depended on fishing as their economic base. In fact, most people believe the fish taco was invented here, and now is served in many chain restaurants in the U.S.. In a little more than two decades the economic base has changed from fishing to tourism. You’ll find camping north & south of town, as well as in town, a few hotels & resorts, many restaurants, and watersports.
The natural attractions of this area, it’s beautiful beaches of warm water during the spring, summer & fall, plus it’s temperate winter is the major draw for both Snowbirds (retirees who live part-time in Mexico) and weekend vacationers from southern California and Arizona.
The high tourism season is October though May when many Snowbirds arrive sometimes for a month or more at a time. Early fall and late spring offer the best weather. About 2 hours southeast of Ensenada, the weather in San Felipe is usually about 10 degrees warmer than their Pacific coast neighbor. The average temperature year around is about 75F. San Felipe is located in a unique eco-system, where the desert meets the sea. Therefore, temperatures have ranged from 115F in the shade during the summer months of July and August and, in December and January, the temperature can get to a low of about 40F at night. These are the extremes, and most of the time you will find the weather very pleasant in San Felipe. The altitude of the Bay of San Felipe is 3 meters above sea level (or about 10 ft.).
The population of San Felipe is estimated at 20,000 people. This number can increase by up to 5,000 depending on part-time residents (retirees & vacation home owners) or popular weekends such as Spring Break or Memorial Day.
By Land
Driving is the choice of most visitors to San Felipe. The town can be accessed by two roads, either by the Highway 5 from Mexicali or Highway 3 from Ensenada. The Mexicali route begins in the thriving capital and leads past the Colorado River Delta and into the desert surrounding San Felipe. The trip usually takes about 2 hours.
From Ensenada, you’ll climb into the mountains which form the backbone of the Baja peninsula.
You’ll pass though the green valleys surrounding the town of Ojos Negros & Valle de la Trinidad eventually coming down into the desert at Crucero La Trinidad, the intersection of Hwy 3 & Hwy 5. This trip usually takes 2 1/2 hours.
Either route you take shows the unique beauty of Baja California and is quite enjoyable. Both Hwy. 3 & Hwy. 5 have Mexican army checkpoints. Don’t be alarmed, they are friendly and are only checking for guns & drugs, both mandatory jail time offenses in Mexico. They’ll usually have you through the check point in 5 minutes or less.
Highway 5 extends south of San Felipe that will take you to the village of Puertecitos located 90km (about 60 miles) away and on to Bahia San Luis Gonzaga (Gonzaga Bay) and reaches Highway 1 at Laguna Chapala. This section of Highway 5 is in great shape.
You may also take a bus from Mexicali, Tijuana or Ensenada. It is the most economical method of travel, but may take longer than driving. The main Bus Station is located on Ave. Mar Caribe about 6 blocks from the beach.
By Air
The city of San Felipe has an international airport that is operated by the State Government. It is located 12km. south of town with a paved access road directly to and from the airport. The airport has the following infrastructure: Runway, Control Tower, Fuel, Terminal and waiting room, Customs and Inspection area, Parking and Taxi Service. Tower Frequency is 118.5 SFE. The airport usually handles small private aircraft and currently does not offer commercial flights.
By Sea
There is a port and a wharf in San Felipe with it’s traffic being principally the local shrimp fishermen. They do, however, get an occasional yacht and recreational boats. Contact the Captain of the Port upon docking for information.
ACCOMMODATIONS
ACTIVITIES & TOURS
RESTAURANTS & BARS
REAL ESTATE
BEAUTY & HEALTH