Located on the shore of the Sea of Cortez is the village of San Felipe.  A typical little ol’ Mexican fishing village in the state of Baja California, Mexico.  It is 125 miles south of the United States border crossing at Calexico, California, and it is a distant, outlying “delegation” of the municipality of Mexicali.

The “Malecon”, or the “downtown ocean front”, of San Felipe is the focal point of the village.   The shape of Gulf of California acts like a very large funnel which leads to HUGE tides.  During periods of full moon, the low tide can go out as much as three quarters of a mile. The difference in height of the sea between high and low tide can be as much as 24 feet.  These extreme tides help keep the waters fresh by constantly refreshing the waters of the Sea of Cortez.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The economy of San Felipe is based on fishing, tourism and catering to U.S. and Mexican travelers.   The Mexican federal government has just completed improving the highway access.  San Felipe even boasts a full service international airport capable of handling most twin engine commercial jets.

The pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez provides the best of waters for sailing, rowing, paddle boarding, jet skiing and various other water sports. In fact, the international award winning Mexican National Rowing Team is located in San Felipe and plies the water almost every early morning and afternoon when the bay is smooth as glass.  In the summer the water temp can be as much as 90 degrees – just like a bathtub.

 

 

San Felipe is host to many well-known popular events such as our Annual Shrimp Festival which is held the first weekend of November http://www.sanfelipeshrimpfestival.com.  The Clam and Ceviche Festivals celebrate the riches of the Sea of Cortez.  In December, a new favorite, Tamale Festival is just in time for the holiday celebrations.

San Felipe has become a popular “foodie” destination.  “Baja Med” style of cooking was birthed in San Felipe.   Valley of Guadalupe wine and olive oil, combined with the flavorful San Felipe Sea Salt  is a style where chefs can cook with an abundance of fresh, local foods and organic vegetables.

San Felipe has recently been added to the Annual Baja Culinary Fest which is held every October.  Chefs from all over Baja travel from community to community to show off their skills and the flavorful uses of our local foods.