Bahía Kino Travel Guide

My first night in Kino my friend took me to Jorge's, and it couldn't have been a better start to my week there. We sat in the open patio that walks out onto the beach, and almost had the place to ourselves. As we watched the sun set, we heard beautiful mariachi music coming from inside. The workers were just sitting back, relaxing, singing and playing. It all went together perfectly, authentically Mexican, like a scene you would dream of.

Take the time to talk to the locals. We have met so many kind-hearted people there. People often go on vacation and forget that there in someone else's 'backyard'. Get to know them and make new friends. They often enjoy trying to learn English and it may give you the opportunity to brush up on your Espanol!

There are many more vendors in Kino now than 20 years ago. They do still bargain farely well though. Also, take the time to talk to some of the people selling things. They often have great stories to tell. Sometimes the personal attention you give can lead to a better deal.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Make sure to take your bathing suit. The water temperature is usually excellent! Also, bring something to cover up in when going to eat at the restaraunts. Be respectful of the locals who typically dress modest.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Sunscreen is a must!

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Make sure to bring your own beach towels or mats. Most places don't offer very big towels to use to lounge around on the beach.

Miscellaneous: It's nice to have your own cooler to take to the beach.

From almost anywhere in Kino, you can see Black Mountain at the end of the beach, with it's stone cross on top. Calling it a mountain might be misleading, because it's not very big, but it's touching the ocean and just a beautiful area. Along the bottom of the mountain and the water is a rocky shoreline that is very fun to explore. I recommend climbing to the top of the little mountain, the view is amazing. Going up the side facing town is pretty easy, but if you're more adventurous, go around the rocky shore to the other side for a more difficult and exciting route. along the rocky shoreline, there are tons of pelicans and seagulls and other animals. You can get within inches of them, especially the grey old ones that can't move very well. Of course, always be respetful to the wildlife and nature and don't bother them. I even came across injured and dying pelicans just laying there, huge whale bones, and lots of interesting rock and land formations. I heard that sometimes you can see dolphins jumping in the water down by the boat landing, but I wasn't lucky enough to see any. The picture here is taken from the same spot as the one looking down on the town, just facing the opposite direction.

Favorite thing: -go to 'Old Kino' and eat at their restaraunts. You just cannot beat the camarones empanizado. Yummy!

Fondest memory: I love the kids. We met a family many years ago and watched them grow into adulthood. One little girl was selling wood carvings. We started talking and she came around every afternoon just to say hello. One day she even bought me a coco helado. They are so generous!