San Felipe Tourst Attraction - Konsag Island

Konsag Island 

As if the beautiful beaches and busy downtown of San Felipe isn’t a dream vacation location in itself, just off the coast is a breathtaking island that appears to float above the waves of The Sea of Cortez. This is Konsag Island, named after Ferdinand Konscak, an explorer to the island who lived from December 2, 1703, to September 10, 1759. (A good tid bit of info if you find yourself faced with a San Felipe history trivia question.)

You can get to Konsag Island by boat, a scenic 45-minute ride from the coast of San Felipe. As your boat pulls up to the coast, you will notice right away the greetings of hundreds of seals, sea lions and other native wildlife. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can see these amazing creatures sunbathing on the rocks of the coast. There are many things to do on Konsag Island, and plenty of charter boats available to get you there.

Learn To Fish

Visitors who are staying in luxury vacation homes on El Dorado Ranch Resort have access to free fishing clinics hosted by the areas most popular sport fishing company, Azteca Sport Fishing.  They will also help you find a fishing boat that will take you out to Konsag Island. 

Fishing

If a day of extraordinary fishing sounds like your idea of a great day, get an early start and head down to the Malecon (or boardwalk) by 6am, 7 at the latest. As you head towards the water, you’ll see lines of panga boats- a medium sized, open boat that is outboard- powered and popular for fishing in San Felipe. The boats for hire usually have lifejackets displayed, but if they don’t, make sure to ask the boat captain to hand them out before you head out to sea. Usually one captain and one crewmember will accompany you on your adventure. The cost is usually around $35, but rates vary and are negotiable, so put your bartering skills to the test! If you have a group of 7-8, it is best to head down the night before so you can secure a boat at an agreed upon price. They don’t always head straight to Konsag Island; so make sure you tell your captain that is where you want to head.

Fishing in Konsag Island is some of the best in the area. December through March is the best time for sport fishing, but no matter when you go, your fishing trip should produce an abundance of different species of fish. Corvina is the most popular catch, and sea bass and triggerfish are caught frequently in deeper waters around the island.  Fishing bait and rods are provided, and the captains are there to help with first time fishermen. Pay attention when you feel something tug on your line, a greedy seal or sea lion may try to steal your catch. A normal fishing expedition out to Konsag Island lasts anywhere between 3-5 hours, so make sure you stop to go to the bathroom before sailing away! Make sure to take your fresh catch to Juanito’s Cantina to have them do their magic and prepare your fish in a delicious blend of sauces and seasonings for you to enjoy for dinner.

Wildlife Watching

If you prefer to watch the wildlife instead of trying to catch it, you will be in for a treat on Konsag Island. As you approach the islands, the loud greetings of the sea lions and seals cannot be missed. The water is chock full of fish, which is evident by the marine birds flying and swooping all around you. Bring your binoculars, as you can’t get on the island, but you can get close enough for plenty of animal spotting. 

Sometimes the waters can be pretty choppy on your way out to Konsag Island, so if you are prone to motion sickness, pack some Dramamine to keep your stomach from feeling queezy. Also remember to bring lots of sunscreen, as these chartered boats do not have canopies for shade, leaving you exposed to the sun for the duration of the ride. It is not unbearably or uncomfortably hot because of the cool sea breezes and the wind in your face as you make your way to the island. However it is still important to bring sunscreen and plenty of water, as the chartered fishing boats do not provide these. 

Rave Reviews About Konsag Island

“My husband loves fishing, so I surprised him with a trip out to Konsag Island for our honeymoon in San Felipe last year. We stayed at El Dorado Ranch, and took advantage of their free fishing clinics the night before we went. Since we were staying on the ranch, it only took us a short taxi ride to get down to the Malecon. We found a charter boat and took it right out to Konsag Island. We took the boat out with two other couples and ended up making new friends! We ended up catching quite a few big Corvina fish, and took it to the restaurant on El Dorado Ranch to have for dinner. The captains of the boat were friendly and I felt very safe on the way there and back. I don’t think a lot of people know about visiting Konsag Island, but I’ve told everyone who will listen since we got home!”

• Jennifer and Andy Hayes

“We aren’t big on fishing, but my daughters are huge animal lovers, and when they saw (and heard) the sea lions barking from the coast, they couldn’t contain their excitement. The ride out to the island was very smooth, and the captain was very nice. I would recommend this trip to families heading to San Felipe”

• Susan McCarthy 

Great Family Fun

Konsag Island is as majestic as it is mysterious. As you board your boat and sail towards it, it looks like a large rock just floating on the water. Ask the captain to slow down about 10 minutes before you get to the island so you can take pictures with the beautiful landmass in the background. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast, bird watcher or just like being out on the boat, Konsag Island is a great family adventure when visiting San Felipe. 

• Community: El Dorado Ranch
• Location: San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico,