Conception Bay in Baja is a mind blowing combination of calm, warm water and an adult playground. Offering access to dozens of beaches Bahia Concepcion, as it is called in Spanish, directly translate to Bay of Concepcion, but most ex-Pats and travelers call this area Conception Bay. This absolute must stop when you travel to Baja is a long, narrow bay that stretches over thirty miles from the Sea of Cortez. Mountains encased the bay both sides with only narrow openings at the northern end. Located between Mulege and Loreto along the Sea of Cortez, Bahia Concepcion offers access to outstanding beach camping, each with their own spectacular views and reasons to visit.
A guide to visiting Bahia de Concepcion in Baja California Sur including how to get to Conception Bay, activites, and the best beaches to camp at. This article covers why this giant bay, within the Sea of Cortez, offers travelers a close up of what “The Real Baja” is all about.
Read on to discover where to beach camp, how to find cell service, activities to do, and so much more!
A sunrise over Bahia Concepcion in Baja Sur while camping on the beach. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
WHY SHOULD I VISIT CONCEPTION BAY?
Bahía Concepción is one of Baja's favored spots for beach camping, kayaking, relaxation, those with RVs and vans, travelers, and anyone who loves beautiful beaches and quiet coves. The bay is especially good for novice kayakers and snorkelers as it is usually quite glassy with light winds and not much in the way of strong currents.
Relaxation and gorgeous views
Sailing
Snorkeling
Paddle-boarding
Long walks on the beach
Tranquility
Where is Conception Bay in Baja?
Located between Mulege and Loreto along the Sea of Cortez, Bahia Concepcion offers access to nearly a dozen beaches, each with their own spectacular views and reasons to visit.
IS CONCEPTION BAY VAN LIFE FRIENDLY?
Conception Bay was made for van life and RV travelers alike. The shoreline is predictable, so you can park just above the high tide line, pull out some chairs, and post up until you run out of water. If you are looking for amenities, there are a few paid camping places (I think $5/night) that have a guard, a palapa, and toilets. If that isn’t your jam, take a few of the back roads and explore the secluded beaches Bahia Concepcion has to offer.
Beach camping in a van at Conception Bay in Baja. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Best places to Beach camp in Conception Bay?
Conception Bay is very large with hidden gems throughout, so make sure you keep an eye out for an arroyo that could take you to the water. Over the past few years, a few beach camping spots have become “developed” and require payment. This has fluctuated by the cost is usually in the $5-10/night range. For that, you get a toilet and a guard. If you are not keen on paying to sleep on a beach, keep driving, there are tons of beaches are free to camp directly on the beach.
Los Cocos*
El Coyote*
El Requeson*
Playa Armenta
Playa La Perla
Buenaventura
Playa El Burro
*These are my top three places to camp while in Bahia Concepcion
IS THERE SURFING AT CONCEPTION BAY?
Bahia Concepcion is not a place to surf. The bay is long, making the water flat and protected from the elements. However, in these safe waters you will find several other amazing water sports like kayaking, stand up paddle-boarding, and snorkeling, just to name a few. Additionally, this bay often has sailboats moored offshore, enjoying the safe waters.
Is there Cell Phone Service in Conception Bay?
Depending on the service provide and the beach you are at in Conception Bay will determine if you will have cell phone service. Not every beach, nor provider, serves Conception Bay. With that said, if you have an RV satellite, you will be able to get a signal anywhere in the bay. Additionally, there are a few restaurants that have slow wifi that comes free with a meal, or you can pay to use the wifi.
Stand Up Paddle-boarding in Conception Bay
Conception Bay is one of the best places to stand up paddle-board in all of Baja. The waters are calm and the scenery is dumbfounding, making the paddle truly unique. As you paddle across the clear waters, make sure to look down at the fish and aquatic life below you.
While staying in Conception Bay I had the craziest experience! A red tide was going on and I was able to SUP at night in the bioluminescence. Every paddle stroke was greeted with the water turning an amazingly bright blue glow. My girlfriend and I were shocked this was happening and spent several hours swimming and paddling on the water!
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO AT CONCEPTION BAY?
Snorkeling
Open water swimming
Fishing
Glass boat bottom rides
Stand Up Paddle-boarding
Stand Up Paddle-boarding in Conception Bay, Baja at sunset. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discovered where to beach camp, how to find cell service, and activities to do in Bahia Concepcion it is your turn to get outside and explore this incredible bay. Please, drop a comment below with any additional information that could/would be helpful to other members of this community.
