HOTELS *
RECREATION *
SHOPPING *
RESTAURANTS *
BEACHES *
FISHING *
TRANSPORTATION
CAMPING *
LOCAL INTEREST *
THE GRINGO FACTOR *
YOUR FIRST STOP
THE BEST OF SAN JUANICO *
HOT TIP *
REAL ESTATE *
MISCELLANEOUS *
SAN JUANICO (GPS coordinates 26'29 N ~ 112'43 W) is a small seaside fishing village with an increasingly larger following! Pilots and sailors refer to it as 'Punta Pequena'. Surfers know it as 'Scorpion Bay'. And fishermen call it 'Heaven'! San Juanico is a small fishing village located approximately 100 miles north of Ciudad Insurgentes, and approximately 100 miles south of SAN IGNACIO.
Drop by the web site of SCORPION BAY PROPERTY RENTALS for your San Juanico rental options!
SAN JUANICO, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO
Many of those visiting San Juanico driving down from the north travel via the historic seaside town of LORETO on Baja Highway One, unless they are brave enough to take the north or east roads in (not recommended for most vehicles).
No matter which way you are coming from, there is really no easy way to get to San Juanico. The two roads coming down from the north are rock, dirt, tidal flats, and in some places sand. The east road from Highway One (at the Km. 59 turnoff) is 38 miles of dirt, washboard, and offers some challenging mountain terrain. This road could shave 30-45 minutes off of the drive from Loreto...if you make it without crashing or breaking down. More than one car has lost it on this road, and there are no services if you get into trouble. The road from the south, Baja Highway 53, is paved for the first 70 miles from Ciudad Insurgentes (with plenty of pot-holes and cows), and then a sometimes graded dirt road for 20 miles with the final 10 miles paved as of late 2008.
The village of San Juanico is located on a large, breathtakingly beautiful, well protected bay. It's a great place for sailors to hole up on the way up or down the coast, and the short runway at the nearby village of Cadeje makes it a fun fly-in destination for private pilots. When the ocean swells roll in from the south, surfing the 7 right point breaks is awesome.
The town has experienced significant growth over the last couple of years, and is still growing as we head into 2009. Carlos Fiesta and Juan del Rio flew over San Juanico in a helicopter to photograph this increased growth. Most of the new growth is headed to the north and west of town into the outlying hills.
Although nobody who visits here really wants this seaside jewel of a town to grow up, the Mexican government seems to have other plans. The new seaside Malecon has gotten sidewalks and streetlights. Progress? Maybe. Hopefully additional changes will take place slowly, over a period of many years, if at all.
There are four small restaurants in town, and five small markets. San Juanico is a quiet escape from the real world, except when the Baja 1000 blasts through town every couple of years. Things also get a bit busy during the annual 'San Juanico Days' celebration, held every year during the third week of June! Last year they actually had two horses in the horse race!
The town got it's first stop sign on it's main street, Boulevard Dionisia Villarino, near the school...but nobody seems to have noticed.
Most of the gringo activity in San Juanico takes place about a mile outside town, at SCORPION BAY RESORT. The rustic resort offers food, drinks, e-mail access and camping accommodations 7 days a week. This is a great place to meet fellow Baja travelers, and share Baja adventures.
Large vacation homes are now being built on a low bluff with views of the Pacific Ocean, between the Cantina and town. More homes are on the way, and quite a few Norte Americanos are buying lots or homes in town.
New in town is hardware store, located on the main street in town near the entrance.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that San Juanico's days as a sleepy fishing village are numbered. The new road being paved just south and west of town is bound to encourage more visitors. So check it out now before the rest of the world finds out how cool this little village is.
Thinking about moving south of the border? Visit the web site of BAJA RELOCATION for a head's up for what awaits you.
When you fly over San Juanico at 32,000 feet on Alaska Airlines the large bay can easily be seen on the west side of the plane. Looking down at the small village from above it seems like there couldn't possibly be much going on in such a remote location. But looks can be deceiving! San Juanico, the town with 'a lot to do about nothing', has a cast of characters and local issues that never seems to stop. Jaimie Adkins, Terry Hansen, Jim Dandy, John Beck, Lee Marvin, Dencho, Mr.Mexico and Juan del Rio ...they all add color to this unique village. And when Carlos Fiesta is in town...watch your tequila!
The California Grey Whale makes an annual trek from the cold waters of Alaska to the waters of Laguna Ignacio, just north of San Juanico. They also visit the bay at San Juanico, usually a mile or two offshore. For more information on this amazing mammal drop by the WHALE WATCH section of Baja Expo.
The popularity of Scorpion Bay is reflected in an international clothing line that markets T-shirts and such with a Scorpion Bay logo!
This remote hideaway is not for everyone, but if raw Baja nature and ocean activities are on the agenda, San Juanico is hard to beat!
Curious about owning a piece of paradise? Check out our REAL ESTATE section.
If you would like to see what San Juanico looks like FROM SPACE check it out!
Before you head south check out today's SAN JUANICO WEATHER! Just take the weather at Loreto and subtract 15 degrees!
San Juanico was one of the coastal locations that Carlos Fiesta cruised by on his solo 2,000 mile BAJA CIRCUMNAVIGATION! You won't believe his story but it's all true!
For more information on what's happening south of the border drop by the MEXICO EXPO EVENT CALENDAR.
To purchase a good map of the Baja Peninsula visit the web site of MEXICO MAPS.
If you know of a company, web site or event that is not included here we would love to hear from you on our SUBMISSION PAGE.
THE GRINGO FACTOR
Most of the gringos visiting San Juanico head for the bluffs above the surf breaks, 2nd point through 7th point. About half of the homes in town that are owned by gringos are located on Gringo Hill (just up from first point) and the rest of them are scattered throughout the side streets in town. The focal point is the Scorpion Bay Cantina out by 2nd Point where drinks, grub, music and conversation round out each day.
YOUR FIRST STOP IN TOWN
Ready to slip into the true Baja mode and catch the real flavor of San Juanico? Do not pass go and do not collect $200 ... head straight for the Scorpion Bay Cantina (just follow the coastal road along town and out towards the point). The open air Cantina offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, a nice selection of music and dated magazines, and warm food and cold drinks to help you settle in. Go ahead ... pull out your Baja map and review your success. You've made it to Paradise!
THE BEST OF SAN JUANICO
The best place to camp in San Juanico is on the bluffs between the walk-down at Second Point and the lighthouse at Third Point, as well as between second point to First Point. Camping along this stretch of bluff offers killer views, allows easy access to the Cantina food, cocktails, bathrooms and trash cans....and more importantly allows easy access to the great waves of First, Second and Third Points! San Juanico visitors looking for a nice place to enjoy a meal and ocean views can head to the SCORPION BAY CANTINA just up the hill from Second Point. This is where you can find that 'Cheeseburger in Paradise' Jimmy Buffet sings about. One of the best places in the world to surf is Scorpion Bay...the 7 point breaks just outside of beautiful downtown San Juanico are awesome. The best waves in San Juanico? Even though everyone loves the fun waves at First Point and Second Point, Carlos Fiesta says the best waves in Baja roll into Third Point at close to low tide. With a big swell it breaks at higher tides as well. Like the idea of driving on the beach? Yes, it's against the law...but so is going 56 miles per hour on the San Diego Freeway. So check your Dive N' Surf tide book for low tide and head to the hard-packed sand out by the fisherman's panga beach. Watch out for sleeping pelicans. The best road trip from San Juanico is the 1 hour drive south of town to La Parisima. This oasis village offers a taste of Baja yet unspoiled by gringos and tourism. For a real adventure keep going east to the beautiful beaches of BAHIA CONCEPCION.
CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIPS:
#1 * For a real treat head down to the Malecon early in the morning to watch the sun rise over the mountains and the glassy bay. Can't get up that early? The 'moon rise's in the early evening are just as awesome!
#2 * The local fishermen head out to sea at daybreak each day, and are usually back on the beach with their fill of pesca by early afternoon. They are quite open to the idea of trading portions of their daily catch with visitors. They do like U.S. dollars, and a couple of bucks goes a long way towards all the fish you will need for a nice fish dinner. They are also happy to exchange fish for other items that may be in short supply, such as tennis shoes, T-shirts, cassette tapes, or magazines with good pictures. Where else can you get a fresh fish meal for the price of a used 10K T-shirt!
The sandy beaches from San Juanico run south uninterrupted for over 20 miles, all the way down to Punta San Gregorio.
From the village southwest the beaches consist of low bluffs down to the water, with a mixed bottom of sand and volcanic rock. These beaches are where the waves break with excellent shape for surfing, when the swells come in from the south (long rights with some left shoulders on the outer points). After a brief 2 year vacation, the sand is back on all of the point beaches!
Shell collectors will enjoy a nice variety of shells, sharks teeth, (as well as a variety of jetsom and flotsom) that start one mile south of town and run along the beach for over 20 miles!
SCORPION BAY
The bay starts at the edge of town where the sandy beach stops. Although the bottom consists mainly of sand here, some of the shoreline is volcanic rock. Some type of foot protection is recommended.
The ocean bottom at Scorpion Bay continually changes as the occasional storms rearrange the sandy bottom. Although the waves at Scorpion Bay offer consistent rights with near perfect shape, changes in the bottom sand can change the breaks considerably. A storm in late 1997 moved quiet a bit of sand around the points, moving the take off location at second point towards mid-bay. This sand returned in 1999, and the breaks are back to normal in 2003.
For information on how to protect your skin while beaching in the hot Baja sun visit the SUNSCREEN TIPS section of Mexico Expo!
PLAYA JUAN Y JAUN
Located at the west end of town, in front of the Juan y Juan 24 hour weather station.
Easy access provided by a trail that connects the beach to the top of the bluffs.
Also known as "0" point when a good south swell wraps waves all the way around the points.
The closest beach to town if you are looking for a quick dip in the ocean!
Caution: wild animals at the big house at the top of the bluffs.PLAYA PESCADOR
Located just outside town where the bluffs end and the sand starts.
This is where the local fishermen rendezvous each morning to launch their pangas.
Just a few hundred feet south the beach becomes quiet and very beautiful for 20 miles.
Drivable at low tide.RIVER MOUTH
About 10 minutes south of town, down the beach.
A river spills in to the ocean during the rainy season and spills sand into the Pacific.
This area is fun for shell collecting, exploring the river bed, and climbing the sand dunes.
When Scorpion Bay can't pick up a west or north swell, this rivermouth will often provide fun waves on a mixed reef and sand bottom for a great session. The shape is not as good as Scorpion Bay, but these waves are fun, and you are guaranteed to be the only person in the water!
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The best camping in the San Juanico area is on the low bluffs overlooking the ocean in the Scorpion Bay Cantina area. Because of the geographic shape of the bay, these camping areas are somewhat spared from the strong prevailing westerly winds, although a good offshore breeze is common in the afternoon.
There are several different paths down to the water.
For remote camping south of San Juanico in Magdalena Bay check out MAG BAY TOURS.
SCORPION BAY CAMPING
Near the ocean bluffs, up and down the coast from Scorpion Bay Cantina.
Basic camping with spectacular views!
Bathroom facilities and showers are a nice touch in this part of town!
Half the fun of camping here is enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails at the Scorpion Bay Cantina which is open every day. There's usually a lively crowd, sometimes music, and the food is basic but good. Camping is $6 per person ... kids under 8 are free.
The cost of the ocean view palapas (3 to choose from) is about $20 per person per day, plus tax. One person is $20 plus tax. Each of the three palapas sleeps 6 people.
The Cantina offers e-mail access, ice, water, toothpaste, firewood, hats, t-shirts, surf wax, candy bars, cold drinks and hot food.BEACH CAMPING
Camping on the beach is a good option in the San Juanico area. The beach runs south from town for over 20 miles, and if you pick a spot to pitch a tent or roll out a sleeping bag, there is a very good chance that you will be the only one camping on the entire beach!
Getting down the beach at low tide is easy, as the packed sand is hard enough to drive on. Beware, however, that high tide is a whole different story ... and getting stuck in the sand leaves you with no options.
There are also beaches for camping north of town, past 7th Point. The more distant beaches further north require 4 wheel drive, but the closer beaches can be accessed by regular 2 wheel drive vehicles.
Watching the stars at night (especially when there is no moon) and listening to the crashing surf while camping on the beach here is nothing short of spectacular.
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The waters off of San Juanico are full of life! Renting a panga to go fishing is easy. There are a couple of dozen fishermen that leave every morning in their boats from Playa Pescador. Hiring a skipper for a half day excursion is usually pretty easy, and not too expensive.
If everyone is too busy, track down Nacho or Paul in town. He'll set you up for a good fishing trip. If you can't find Nacho then look for Chino. He's a great guy and knows San Juanico waters well.
Baja travelers who bring their own boat will have no problem launching in the protected waters of the bay. A short drive over the soft sand about 100 yards outside town leads to the hard packed beaches, where launching is easy on the hard packed shoreline.
Shore fishing is easy and usually productive either south of town at the rivermouth, or north of 7th Point at the string of sandy beaches about 2 miles up the coast. The first mile or so of the road is okay for 2 wheel drive vehicles, then the sand gets thicker and 4 wheel drive is required.
Fishermen looking for big fish hook-ups can head for "Fifty Mile Reef" due west of San Juanico.
For information on fishing in other parts of Baja drop by our BAJA FISHING section.
For fishing south of San Juanico in Magdalena Bay check out the web site of MAG BAY TOURS.
And for great offshore fishing charts you'll love the underwater views from the folks at BAJA DIRECTIONS.
For more information on obtaining the proper fishing documentation required for dipping your hook in Baja waters check with the professionals at MEXICO ADVISORY SERVICES.
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Accommodations in San Juanico are very limited. There are literally no hotels. There are limited 'executive camping' facilities available at Scorpion Bay in 3 fun and funky palapas. Don't expect much and you won't be disappointed!
A small 2 room hotel has been under construction for a few years on the main street. When will it be open? Manana!
There is a big house for rent behind the Cantina and the rates are reasonable. Inquire at the Cantina Bar.
SCORPION BAY PROPERTY RENTALS
Laurie has lived in San Juanico for many years and knows the rental market here better than anyone!
She has a range of homes for all pocket books!
Tell her Carlos Fiesta send you and she will buy you a free beer!
Your first call for rentals in Scorpion Bay.SCORPION BAY PALAPAS
Just up from the beach, near the Scorpion Bay Cantina.
Three large rock and screen palapas, with wood cots. Each palapa sleeps six. For larger groups, additional cots are available on a 'squeeze as you please' basis.
Both palapas are just steps to the Scorpion Bay Cantina, which is open every day, 7 days a week! Rates are $10 per day plus $10 per person, per night (plus tax). Rates for one person are $20. Dogs are free. Welcome to Paradise!
The Cantina offers e-mail access, ice, water, toothpaste, firewood, hats, t-shirts, surf wax, candy bars, cold drinks and hot food.
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THE POWER PLANT IN SAN JUANICO is very special. Because of several unique characteristics, San Juanico was chosen as the location for a new environmentally friendly power station. This station, located just outside of town to the north-west, consists of 10 windmills, 72 solar panels, and a generator. The consistent afternoon winds help the windmills to provide most of the power, while the solar panels also add to the power grid. During times of low wind and foggy weather, the generator kicks in to pick up the slack. All in all it's a very efficient system, and it has given San Juanico the 24 hour power it has always dreamed of. Blended margaritas at midnight are now a reality!
- LA PARISIMA and SAN ISIDRO are two small villages located in a beautiful palm lined valley, 31 miles southeast of San Juanico. Driving down the two lane road through these two small towns is like stepping back in time. La Parisima is the first of these two towns (when arriving from the west). The local people here lead a very simple and slow life, and there just doesn't appear to be a whole lot going on now that local Jim Dandy has passed away. Much of the activity here takes place around the church and town square, and the local kids take school very seriously. Visitors in town can obtain gasoline from large 50 gallon drums, on the left side about half way through town. Look for the "Gasolina" sign behind a chain link fenced yard. Two small stores in town, "Mini-super Sinahi" and Mini-super Pilon" offer basic goods, but don't expect a large selection! Restaurant Claudia (look for the sign mid-town, turn right, one half block) offers basic meals in a spotless palapa environment! The bus sneaks into town twice a day, and tickets can be obtained at "Lonchera Nancy".
After driving through La Parisima, San Isidro awaits your inspection. This is an even smaller pueblo than La Parisima. It doesn't get much quainter than this! Gas from drums, a tire shop, and two small markets "La Fortuna Market" and "Mini-super Yuri" offer goods such as cold sodas and beer, eggs and tequila.
The man-made rock water canal that runs the length of town on the south side of the road is a special treat! Built many years ago by the original founders of this oasis, this water system still functions to keep this lush valley alive and productive for the handful of locals who live here.
