Swimming Pools in San Felipe | El Dorado Ranch pools

El Dorado Ranch Resort is a very popular tourist destination in San Felipe. It covers over 35,000 acres of land, and provides vacation rental accommodations for thousands of travelers every year. One of the major draws to El Dorado Ranch (besides the incredible location, private beach access and fully furnished homes at affordable prices) are the swimming pools. No, that is not a typo, there are is more than one pool on the resort, which means you can switch it up during your stay at and find the pool that meets your relaxation style.

The main swimming pool in El Dorado is called the La Palapa pool. “La Palapa” is a Spanish word meaning “pulpous leaf. “This leaf is commonly used to create shade and lower temperatures in buildings across the country. La Palapa pool is a great place cool off, so the name of the pool fits perfect.

This pool is located right in the heart of La Ventana del Mar section of El Dorado Ranch. There are two sections to the La palapa pool. The main pool is a good size and is heated all year round. Often times in the early mornings, you can catch a game of water volleyball being played and you are welcome to join in. The second section of the La Palapa pool is smaller, shallower and ideal for kids.

The La Palapa swimming pool is not just popular because it's the biggest pool in El Dorado Ranch, but it's the only pool with an adjoining restaurant called the La Palapa Bar & Grill. This is a Mexican themed restaurant where you can get breakfast daily as well as lunch. The restaurant operating hours are 8 AM to 5 PM daily except Sunday. Sunday hours are 12 noon to 5 PM. One freebie offered by the restaurant that visitors appreciate is the free is Wi-Fi access. You can use unlimited Internet while at the restaurant. Use this feature to post pictures to Facebook about your amazing vacation, respond to work emails, or plan the following day’s grand San Felipe adventure.

There are five other swimming pools located in La Ventana del Mar section of El Dorado Ranch. It should be noted that these pools are primarily available to guests renting the condos. These additional pools tend to be more private due to the restricted access.

The newest pool in El Dorado Ranch is the El Cachanilla pool which was built in 2013. Unlike the other pools in El Dorado Ranch, the El Cachanilla pool is located on the mountain side of the Ranch.  In addition to the pool, there is a hot tub and jacuzzi which all stay open until 10PM. During the cooler months, the El Cachanilla pool is heated. The El Cachanilla  is rectangular in shape and goes from about 2 feet at the shallow end to 7 feet at the deep end. One really cool feature of the new pool is that getting into the pool can be as exciting or as easy as you want. For the over-zealous swimmers,a cannonball right into the deep end is a great way to get used to the water. Other people may want to take a calmer approcch and enter slowly using the stairs. The third option, a gentle ramp that desends into the water is great for little kids, older travelers and people who have issues managing the stairs. No matter who you are, you can get in and enjoy El Cachanilla pool.

Along the edges of the pool are lounge chairs, tables and chairs, plus as gazebos to protect from the sun.  Don’t be surprised if you sit down in a lounger next to a stranger and end up becoming friends! The pool is a casual and friendly environment to chat, put together a belly flop contest and make new friends.

In addition to the swimming pool is a hot tub and Jacuzzi. This is a great option to soak your tired feet and muscles after a long day strolling along the Malecon, hiking the Sierra San Pedro Martír mountain ranges or filling your belly with treats from The Taco Factory.

Make sure to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen; you’ll need it if you plan on taking advantage of these beautiful and refreshing swimming pools.