Bahía Coyote

Near the opening of Bahía Concepción [1], Bahía Coyote encompasses several of the most popular beaches in the area (which doesn’t necessarily mean they are the most crowded).

Playa Santispac

Between Km. 114 and 115, Playa Santispac was once the most developed of the Bahía Concepción beaches; by 2008 all semipermanent structures had been removed, leaving many ruins of small gardens, tiled floor areas, and other boundary markers created by the snowbirds who formerly made Santispac their winter home.

The beachfront area and its palapa shelters are now accessible to campers and travelers; those who were asked to leave the area have relocated mainly to Playa El Coyote and Posada Bahía Concepción. An entrance fee of US$7 per vehicle usually is collected here, whether or not you camp.

On the beach, Ana’s Restaurant Bar (no tel., daily except Wed., 8 A.M.–10 P.M. winter, 2–10 P.M. summer, mains US$6–15) is a full-service operation that specializes in fresh seafood and has a full bar known for its Bloody Mary cocktails. Ana’s also prepares special dishes for its Saturday night music and dancing fiestas, and continues to have a faithful following among the ex-residents of the beach. Ana’s has firewood, groceries, sundries, and propane as well as tools for repairing cars and boats. The owner, Russ, rents kayaks (US$25–35/day) and snorkeling gear (US$10/day). He can also arrange guided tours. Nonguests can use the showers for US$3.

B&B Casa de los Sueños (no tel., www.casadelossuenos.com [2]), perched on the cliffs just north of Posada Concepción with its own clearly marked entrance, has a few rooms in its main house, as well as a separate casita. Prices vary, and the owners prefer to send quotes via email. The bed-and-breakfast faces Isla San Ramón and has kayaks as well as a skiff for guest use; air-conditioning and Internet are also part of the deal here.

Playa Escondida

At Km. 111, an 800-meter road leads to several more beaches, ending at Playa Escondida. Larger RVs should avoid the narrow, bumpy track, which leads to a pretty, uncrowded place to lie in the sun, comb the beach, or set up camp (US$8/day).

Playa Los Cocos

Just north of Km. 111, Playa Los Cocos fronts a turquoise-colored cove whose beautiful color is a reflection of limestone in the cliffs above the beach. You can camp here under open palapa structures for US$6; the only other facilities are pit toilets. Between the beach and cliffs, a small lagoon is lined with mangroves.

Playa El Burro and Playa Coyote

Continuing south along the bay, the next beach is Playa El Burro with palapas, trash cans, and camping for US$8 per day. The adjacent Playa Coyote has a campground with pit toilets, palapas, showers, and drinking water (entrance fee US$8/vehicle).

Restaurant Bertha’s (no tel., 8 A.M.–8:30 P.M. daily, US$5–11) serves very good, simple Mexican meals at Playa El Burro. It also has a well-stocked bar and friendly service. Across the highway is Abarrotes El Burro, a small supply store.