Bahia de Kino, Sonora: A Taste of the Sea of Cortez

Bahia de Kino is located in the state of Sonora, in the northwestern region of Mexico.

Due to its privileged location, Sonora makes an attractive tourist destination where you can enjoy the diversity of its landscapes, picturesque towns, and beautiful beaches.

Here it is possible to enjoy various activities such as diving, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, and ecotourism.

So if you are planning a getaway to Bahia de Kino, take note of all the things you should do to make the most of your trip.

Because of its popularity, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere, you’re sure to find love, or if you go as a couple, you’ll fall in love all over again.

Bahía de Kino is 110 km west of Hermosillo (the capital of Sonora), surrounded by 10 kilometers of coastline of the beautiful and peaceful Sea of Cortez.

Buses run all day from the station in Hermosillo to Bahia de Kino. The trip takes approximately 2 hours.

Bahia de Kino history

Bahia de Kino is the typical Mexican paradise one can imagine. A peaceful town by the sea that invites you to relax and enjoy the sun and tranquility.

The town is named in honor of Father Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit missionary who established a small mission for the Seri Indians in Kino Bay at the end of the 17th century.

Kino is divided into two: Kino Viejo and Kino Nuevo.

Kino Viejo is a quiet fishing village with basically no attractions. Stores in the town close at 8:00 p.m.

While Kino Nuevo, located to the west, is where most of the time is spent. It is a favorite vacation spot for Canadians and Americans fleeing the cold winter.

If you are planning a getaway to this beach destination, keep in mind that the high season in Kino Bay is from November to March.

Getting to Bahia de Kino

Highway 16 runs west on both sides of town. To get to Kino Viejo, turn left at the gas station, where you will be coming directly to the Sea of Cortez.

If you ignore the turn at the gas station and continue north, you will reach Kino Nuevo, where you will see the ocean in the blink of an eye, as well as hotels and restaurants.

Attractions and activities in Bahia de Kino, Sonora

Seris Museum

It is located almost halfway along the Kino Nuevo boardwalk. The cultural precinct exhibits the life of the Seris, the oldest and least numerous ethnic group in Sonora.

It also has an exhibition of photographs that show the way of life of the Seris, as well as traditional musical instruments, among them the monochord violin. It also exhibits handicrafts and clothing.

Natural viewpoint

To get the best views of Kino Bay, it is advisable to climb to the highest part of Cerro Prieto, located at the end of Kino Nuevo.

The climb will take you about 45 minutes, but the scenery is well worth it: the Sea of Cortez on one side, the desert on the other, and the islands of Tiburón, Estela, and Alcatraz. A postcard to remember.

Visit Alcatraz Island near Bahia de Kino

Just 10 minutes by boat from Bahía de Kino, you can reach a small island, but big in importance, as it has become a sanctuary for at least 200 sea lions, 41 species of terrestrial plants, and thirteen bird species, among other natural wonders.

Yes, it is Alcatraz Island, visible from the beach, which thousands of locals visit during vacation periods and on weekends.

Despite its small territorial extension of 1.44 square kilometers, Alcatraz Island is characterized as being home to one of the largest colonies of diving ducks (double-crested cormorants) in the Gulf of California.

Hundreds of sea lions can also be observed in the surrounding area, enjoying the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez from the rocky areas and, at the same time delighting in the rich variety of fish species that live there.

The short trip from the beach to the island is adorned with groups of birds of different species and an exquisite landscape with acrobatic aerial dances that culminate in the sea with the precise intersection of a fish’s path.

From afar, in the highest parts of the island, you can see a great immensity of birds, such as seagulls, pelicans, diving ducks, blue-footed boobies, herons, ospreys, and earwigs, on the lookout for their next prey.

You may want to read: 7 Best Mexican Destinations to Unwind and Recharge

Punta Chueca

This small town, located 25 km north of Bahia de Kino, is home to the largest population of the Seri ethnic group.

Its inhabitants live in modest houses near the sea, taking advantage of its natural resources and trading handicrafts made from ironwood.

From this town, you can appreciate, in all its magnitude, the strong rocky image of Tiburon Island, which with its proximity, forms the Infiernillo Channel.

Tiburon Island

vamonos to mexico — Source: JOSE SALOMON / shutterstock.com

This island, located in front of Punta Chueca, is considered the property of the Seri people and is administered as an ecological reserve.

The island is uninhabited and is cataloged as an important wildlife refuge. It is home to mule deer, bighorn sheep, foxes, and coyotes.

This beach resort is perfect for couples, families, food lovers, and travelers looking for a quiet place by the sea. Bahia de Kino is also an excellent option for those traveling on a budget.

Lodging in Bahia de Kino

There is a wide variety of hotels in Kino Bay.

This beach resort offers a wide selection of accommodations, ranging from hotels and apartments to beach houses and trailer parks.

Eco Bay Hotel: This comfortable hotel is located in the town of Bahia Kino, just 500 meters from the beach. Eco Bay Hotel boasts a swimming pool
Diamante Dos Joyas Del Mar Bahia de Kino: Boasting garden views, Diamante Dos Joyas Del Mar Bahia de Kino features accommodation with a terrace and a balcony, around less than 1 km from Isla Alcatraz
Casa Paraiso de Kino: Air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Casa Paraiso de Kino is set in Bahía Kino. Guests benefit from a patio and an outdoor pool
Las Toninas Condominiums. This condo is ideal for a family vacation, as it offers a fully equipped kitchen and sofa beds in the living room. The only downside is that the facilities are a bit old

Where to eat?

Sonora’s gastronomy is a cuisine full of a mixture of flavors, and it will surely satisfy even the most demanding palate.

Meats are a delicacy, and fish and seafood such as snapper, sardines, jack mackerel, shrimp, and clams, among others.

Some other typical dishes you will find everywhere are machaca, barbecue, chilorio, carnitas, fresh-made flour tortillas, chimichangas, and coyotas (empanada-like cookies), among many other delicacies.

La Palapa del Pescador. In this beachside restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious lobster stuffed with seafood and other exquisite dishes
Dorita Restaurant. With a 20-year tradition, this restaurant serves one of the best breakfasts in Bahía de Kino. Ask for the omelet ranchero
Jorge’s Restaurant. Located on the beach at the end of Kino Nuevo, this restaurant is popular and busy due to its exquisite shrimp and fish dishes. It is an excellent place to watch the sunset over Kino Bay
El Pargo Rojo. A place to savor exquisite seafood and delicious typical breakfasts. Don’t forget to try the stuffed shrimp, a true delicacy

Beyond Bahia de Kino Sonora

In Sonora, Bahia de Kino is an excellent option for those looking for a moment of relaxation by the sea.

But there are other nearby cities to visit, like Hermosillo, which stands out as a substantial commercial, agricultural, and livestock center.

Another place you should include in your itinerary is Guaymas, the fishing port that has preserved its unique atmosphere.

Also worth visiting is San Carlos, a tourist destination adorned by the Tetakawi hill and recognized for its excellent tourist vocation and known for its fishing tournaments.

Alamos, another magical town nestled in the Sierra Madre Occidental, is listed as a national historical monument.

As if that were not enough, Sonora is a mosaic of landscapes that will allow you to explore and discover fascinating sites such as the mysterious craters of El Pinacate, the golden dunes of the Altar Desert, and the natural wealth of the Sea of Cortez and its bay.

I hope you find this article useful on your next trip. Please don’t hesitate to share your comments below if you’ve already been here. See you next time!