El Golfo: Beach within reach

Some folks say the only thing dangerous about visiting El Golfo, Son., is the fact you might not want to leave.

  El Golfo, a  quaint seaside village that has entertained Yumans for years, is having quite a few of its fans in the United States come to its defense lately. Whether or not they agree with recent travel advisories involving Mexico, these folks agree that El Golfo should remain on everyone's go-to list for all things sun, sand and surf.

  One of the loudest supporters for El Golfo is Brian Krupski. The Arizona
resident loves the Mexican village so much that he's created a Web site dedicated to El Golfo: www.gulfofsantaclara. com.

  "El Golfo is one of the best-kept secrets in the Western Hemisphere," Krupski told The Sun. "...While it may not be everyone's idea of an ultimate vacation destination, if you like sand and sea, you will love El Golfo."

  The matter of safety and travel advisories comes at a troubling time for El Golfo, which is a popular destination for two upcoming traditions: Holy Week (Semana Santa) and spring break.

  On his recently launched Web site, Krupski tells his readers about all the kinds of recreation to be had in El Golfo, along with photos, maps, history and links to local businesses. The latter includes information for people who truly fall in love with El Golfo and need to find a Realtor.

  "The greatest attraction in El Golfo, I would say, is the off-road/ATV
experiences you can have there. As much as the dunes are popular west of Yuma, El Golfo offers a similar experience but with a beach and sea within a few feet to relax on or cool off after a day of riding."

  Called "the beach within reach," El Golfo is 90 miles south of Yuma along the Sea of Cortez. Yuma travelers get there via San Luis Rio Colorado, Son.

  "The town has sufficient enough amenities to attend to whatever needs its visitors require," Krupski added, "yet feel like a sleepy fishing village."

  In addition to off-roading, El Golfo is popular with people looking to camp out, sunbathe, hit one of the local cantinas or hitch a ride with a local fisherman for a spin out on the blue waters. The unadulterated beach also lends itself to hunting for shells or running with a kite.

  "Families love to come down and find a great spot along the miles of pristine, undeveloped beach to set up camp," Krupski said. "It's one of the favorite things tourists used to love to do in Rocky Point before all the development. If you ask anyone ... they will tell you (El Golfo) reminds them of Rocky Point 20 years ago."

  Krupski said he doesn't disagree entirely with recent travel advisories but stressed that Americans shouldn't be scared away from much quieter and calmer El Golfo.

  "Most of the recent travel advisories issued by organizations, universities or other entities for the most part were stereotyped, unsupported or misinterpreted. El Golfo and Rocky Point should not be put in the same category as Ciudad Juarez or Tijuana.

  "That would be the same as me saying don't travel to Newport Beach, Calif., because there has been a lot of recent gang violence and drug activity in Los Angeles.

  "The only violence I have heard when I have traveled to El Golfo has regarded the land disputes that happen from time to time in town," Krupski said. "The only other violence stories are those caused by tourists themselves with each other, during spring break or other events that attract thousands to El Golfo's beaches."

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Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.