Every autumn the aroma of sizzling garlic-butter shrimp drifts across San Felipe’s malecón, signaling the return of the Shrimp Festival—known locally as Festival del Camarón. For three flavor-packed days the desert port transforms into a seafood celebration featuring cooking contests, craft vendors, carnival rides and non-stop live music. Whether you’re a seasoned Baja traveler or planning your first RV road trip south of the border, this guide will help you make the most of the festival and show you why Vee’s RV Ramada is the smart place to park, relax and savour every bite.
Fast facts at a glance
- When: Traditionally the first weekend in November; the 2024 edition ran 8-10 November and marked the festival’s 30th anniversary. Zonaturistica
- Where: San Felipe malecón (waterfront promenade) and adjacent streets.
- Cost: Free entry; individual food and drink purchases are pay-as-you-go.
- Why go: Fresh Gulf shrimp, chef showdowns, artisan stalls, Baja brews, kids’ rides, sunsets over the Sea of Cortez.
A brief history of Baja’s tastiest street party
Shrimp fishing has sustained San Felipe since the town’s founding in 1925. To honour the fleet and kick off the harvest, local chefs launched the first Shrimp Festival in the mid-1990s. Thirty years later it has grown into the culinary event of the year, drawing thousands of food lovers and RV snowbirds.
Expect blocks of pop-up kitchens where regional restaurants plate signature recipes—think coconut-crusted shrimp tacos, spicy aguachile and smoky bacon-wrapped “camarones arrebozados.” Judging panels stroll by, selecting winners for Best Traditional Dish and Most Creative Twist while mariachi bands keep the party humming. sanfelipevacationrentalhomes.com
What to expect each day
| Day | Highlights | Insider tip |
|---|---|---|
| Friday evening (Opening Night) | Ribbon-cutting, blessing of the fleet, street-dance concert | Arrive early to snag parking near the lighthouse; the pier fireworks start right after sunset. |
| Saturday (Gastronomy Day) | Chef cook-offs, craft-beer garden, shrimp-pairing wine tent | Buy a tasting wristband; it’s the cheapest way to sample ten+ dishes without queuing each time. |
| Sunday (Family Day) | Carnival rides, folk-dance troupes, crowning of Shrimp Festival Queen | Many vendors offer “closing-hour” discounts on art and jewellery—perfect souvenir hunting. |
Live bands range from norteño and cumbia to classic rock, so bring your dancing shoes. Kids can hop on mini Ferris wheels while adults shop for huichol beadwork or Guadalupe Valley vintages. sanfelipevacationrentalhomes.com
Getting there & navigating like a pro
- Cruise Highway 5
The newly widened toll road delivers a smooth three-hour drive from the U.S. border to San Felipe, skirting lunar-like badlands and the turquoise Sea of Cortez. mysanfelipevacation.com - Pack pesos
Many stalls take cards, but smaller vendors give better deals for cash—have small bills ready for faster service. - Dress for the desert
November days hover around 25 °C (77 °F); nights cool quickly, so stash a light jacket.
Why stay at Vee’s RV Ramada during the festival?
Prime location
Our shaded, full-hook-up sites is far enough for quiet nights, close enough for spontaneous taco runs.
Amenities that elevate your trip
- Power, water and reliable sewer hook-ups
- Complimentary Wi-Fi for posting drool-worthy shrimp photos in real time
- Fire-pit & BBQ area—ideal for grilling your own fresh market haul
- San Felipe Brewery pouring Baja craft beer and margaritas right across the street
- Dark-sky stargazing deck (San Felipe boasts some of Mexico’s clearest night skies)
Built-in local expertise
Vee’s hosts are long-time and passionate San Felipe visitors . Need a tip on the best aguachile stand or directions to the off-road trailhead? Just ask—we’ll mark it on your map.
Pet-friendly grounds
Furry friends are welcome; a fenced dog park lets them burn energy while you plan the day’s tastings.
Festival food favourites you shouldn’t miss
- Taco Gobernador – Sautéed shrimp, melted Oaxaca cheese and roasted poblano folded into a crispy-soft tortilla.
- Ceviche Negro – Lime-cured shrimp tossed with soy, worcestershire and squid-ink for a smoky kick.
- Shrimp Tamales – Steamed in banana leaves instead of corn husks for an extra-tender bite.
- Blue-Shrimp Cocktail – The local blue variety is plump, sweet and sustainably caught in the Upper Gulf. Pronatura Noroeste AC
- Tequila-Lime Skewers – Grill-kissed and drizzled with chile-mango glaze—pairs perfectly with a cold Baja lager.
Beyond the festival: make it a full Baja adventure
- Kayak the calm Sea of Cortez in the morning before festival crowds build.
- ATV the desert dunes south of town—sunrise rides are breathtaking.
- Visit Valle de los Gigantes to see thousand-year-old cardón cacti towering 60 ft high.
- Take a sustainable shrimp tour and learn how local fishers protect the endangered vaquita while harvesting blue shrimp responsibly. Pronatura Noroeste AC
Back at Vee’s, rinse off the salt in our hot showers and unwind under a sky bursting with stars.
Quick packing checklist
- Passport & FMM tourist permit
- Pesos / credit card that waives foreign transaction fees
- Refillable water bottle (stay hydrated in Baja’s dry air)
- Reusable utensils to minimise single-use plastics
- Folding chairs for malecón concerts
- Cooler to bring home vacuum-sealed shrimp
- Binoculars for spotting pelicans and dolphins off the pier
Booking tips for peak festival dates
The Shrimp Festival coincides with the start of snowbird season, so RV pads fill quickly. We recommend:
- Reserving by mid-September for best site selection.
- Staying a full week—arrive Thursday to settle in, depart Monday after crowds thin.
- Making a campfire each evening; think of new recipes, enjoy leftover ceviche, and enjoy the sun come down.
Sample three-day itinerary
| Time | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive & set up at Vee’s Beach walk | Kayak at sunrise | Farmer’s market & coffee on the malecón |
| Mid-day | Explore vendor stalls | Chef tasting wristband crawl | Family carnival rides |
| Afternoon | Opening ceremony & queen welcome | Wine-pairing tent | Folk-dance finale |
| Evening | Fireworks & live rock | Sunset ceviche on pier | Farewell shrimp boil at Vee’s BBQ zone |
Final thoughts
The San Felipe Shrimp Festival isn’t just an event—it’s a sensory love letter to the Sea of Cortez. From the sizzle of fresh-caught blue shrimp to the laughter echoing off desert mountains, each November weekend reminds visitors why Baja’s gulf coast remains utterly irresistible. Secure your full-hook-up site at Vee’s RV Ramada today, and let the festival’s flavours, rhythms and sunsets craft memories you’ll savour long after the last taco is gone.
¡Nos vemos en la malecón! – See you on the waterfront.