About San Felipe

Now, the Sea of Cortez isn’t just any body of water. It’s a world-renowned “aquarium,” packed with diverse marine life, making it a favorite for sport fishing. A short trip north takes you to the Upper Gulf of California Biosphere Reserve, a protected zone that celebrates and conserves this vibrant ecosystem.

Getting to San Felipe? It’s a scenic drive about 125 miles south of Calexico, California, along Mexico’s Federal Highway 5. There’s another route if you’re feeling adventurous: head south from Tijuana to Ensenada, hop onto Highway 3, and then merge with Highway 5. Just don’t expect a commercial flight into town—San Felipe’s small airport currently doesn’t offer any. The nearest one with commercial service is in Mexicali, about 182 kilometers away.

Important information

Zip Code 21850

Latitude 31.024915

Phone Area Code (686)

Phone Prefixes 577, 576 & 688

San Felipe recently made a bit of local history. It was governed by Mexicali for years but earned its independence on January 1, 2022, making it Baja California’s newest municipality. This new status means more control over finances and town projects—an exciting development for this small, growing community.

Founded back in 1916 as a fishing port, San Felipe still has its shrimp-fishing roots, but tourism and real estate have really taken off. Every year, about 250,000 visitors (mostly from the U.S. and Canada) come here, many of them retirees looking to kick back by the sea.

If you’re planning to visit, it’s good to know the town’s vibe changes with the seasons. November to March is “snowbird season,” when retirees from colder regions fill the town to soak up the mild winter weather. Things get especially lively during Semana Santa (Easter week) and spring break, when college students bring a festive atmosphere.

In summer (May to September), the town slows down. The pace is lazy, the fishing is good, and the hot, humid days are perfect for beach lounging. You’ll find plenty of places to stay, from hotels to condos, many offering stunning views of the Sea of Cortez.

The best advice for San Felipe? Plan your visit based on the vibe you’re after—whether that’s the bustling energy of peak season or the easy, laid-back feel of a warm summer day.

San Felipe has been booming with retirees from the U.S. and Canada who are making this coastal gem their home. Drawn by the warm climate, relaxed vibe, and affordable living, more and more folks are settling in, investing in property, or building custom homes. It’s become a bit of a builder’s paradise too—local businesses offer everything from house design and construction to lumber yards and hardware stores. So, if you’re thinking about joining the ranks of sun-loving expats, San Felipe’s got all the essentials to make that dream house by the sea a reality.

Here’s a heads-up: San Felipe still operates mainly on cash. Many small shops and markets prefer pesos over plastic, so it’s wise to keep cash on hand. You’ll find ATMs, like Banamex and Bancomer, that accept international cards. Keep in mind, withdrawal limits vary—usually between 5,000 and 10,000 pesos per transaction—and fees can add up, so plan accordingly. A quick tip? Let your bank know you’ll be in Mexico to avoid any card mishaps.

When it comes to water, San Felipe taps into wells about 30 miles south. The water’s technically safe to drink but has a high mineral content, so many locals and visitors go for purified options. You can find bottled water at liquor and grocery stores or head to places like KonsAgua, where they offer reverse osmosis water. For around $0.80, you can pick up a 5-gallon jug—perfect for long stays. Restaurants and bars also use purified water, so you can rest easy with your ice-cold drinks.

In the spirit of preserving the town’s pristine marine life, San Felipe has a unique sewage system. Instead of sending wastewater into the sea, it’s treated inland at Las Minitas. This setup keeps the sea cleaner for fishing and tourism, which are lifelines for the town. Outlying properties and beach developments use septic systems, and while they handle everyday use just fine, they can get a bit strained during peak tourist seasons. So, in San Felipe, they keep it fresh and eco-conscious—an effort that locals and visitors alike can appreciate.

San Felipe’s growth brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing wastewater in beach areas. Property owners are encouraged to stay on top of septic maintenance to prevent issues, especially with the influx of visitors during peak season. The community is also exploring more sustainable waste management options to ensure the town’s beautiful environment remains as pristine as ever.

The town’s economy thrives on fishing and shrimping, so keeping seawater clean is crucial. Water quality tests are routinely conducted by COFEPRIS, and for those curious about occasional foamy patches on the shoreline—don’t worry, that’s usually just nature doing its thing. The sea’s incredible biodiversity means big schools of fish and organic material are constantly on the move, sometimes creating foam. It’s generally harmless but worth avoiding, as it can sometimes trap particles.

San Felipe also treats visitors to dramatic tidal shifts thanks to its unique coastline. Twice a month, around the new and full moons, “spring tides” draw the sea up to two kilometers from the shore at low tide, exposing vast sandbars perfect for beachcombing. High tides bring the water back in for excellent swimming and boating, so checking local tide charts can help you plan your activities.

Staying connected in San Felipe isn’t difficult. Telcel and Movistar cover the area, allowing U.S. visitors with AT&T or T-Mobile to roam seamlessly. For internet, you’ll find Wi-Fi hotspots in most hotels, restaurants, and bars. Telnor’s DSL service is reliable in central areas, but if you need fast internet in more remote spots, satellite services like Starlink are increasingly popular.

As for healthcare, San Felipe has clinics and resources for essential needs, including Baja Medical Clinic and the Centro de Salud. For more serious conditions, patients can be transported to Mexicali’s larger facilities, about 2.5 hours away by road. For emergencies, air ambulance services can transfer patients to San Diego during daylight hours, so it’s smart to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation for peace of mind.

In short, San Felipe’s got the essentials covered, with a mix of natural beauty, supportive infrastructure, and a welcoming vibe that makes it a perfect spot to unwind or settle down. Whether you’re here to explore the Sea of Cortez, build a home by the beach, or simply enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, San Felipe keeps things simple, beautiful, and ready for whatever comes its way.

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