Rancho Leonero is a family favorite spanning several generations.  This is a great place to hang out after a long day’s fishing, and it has arguably the best margaritas in the East Cape. Their bar also stocks some local craft beer, including mouthwatering Baja Brewing Company IPAs. Take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful view by going for a dip in the resort’s pool or lounging in the hammocks. Rancho Leonero will gladly let you use their facilities as long as you stick around to have a drink or bite to eat. Ask them about rib night, which is normally on a Friday night. They mesquite grill tender and juicy ribs outside in the old method (all you can eat) and serve them with beans, roasted vegetables, and perfectly cooked potato on the side. Don’t forget to make dinner reservations as this popular spot can fill up on weekends. The chefs will even grill or make ceviche from your catch of the day. Sunsets at Rancho Leonero are magnificent and there is also good snorkeling off their beach.  You can also get fishing licenses here.  

Notable Staff Members: Joel is especially good at making margaritas. Don’t forget to say “Hi from Don Barry” to Francisco and Joel at the bar.  

Directions from Casa Marlin Azul: Rancho Leonero is located only a twenty-minute walk north up the beach from Casa Marlin Azul or a 7 or so minute drive north along the dirt road.  Marked by signs from the road, Rancho Leonero can also not be missed from the beach.

Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort has been welcoming fishermen in the East Cape since the 1970s. A very charming place with dozens of palm trees and lush tropical vegetation, the resort has a thermal mineral water pool and spa as well as beautiful views and immaculately kept grounds.  Breakfast and dinner are wonderful here. Try the guacamole and have a giant michelada at the resort’s swim up bar. Ask if they have anything special going and expect seasonal fluctuations in the menu. The day use fee is $20 USD for adults 12 years and older and $10 USD for children ages 6-11. Your day use entrance fee will be credited towards your purchase of food, beverages and activity center rentals. To enjoy the benefits of a day pass, simply check in and pay at the front desk. Remember to bring your own towel from the house as hotel pool towels are not available for day use guests. Hotel Buena Vista also offers kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear rentals from 10 AM – 7 PM daily (available earlier in the day upon request). 

Notable Staff Members: Felipe Valdez is the owner, along with the Valdez family, but Felipe more or less runs the place.  You may also see his brother Esaul. The waitresses are Esperanza and Claudia, among others.  Please say hi to the bartenders, Ramiro and Luis, from Don Barry.

Directions from Casa Marlin Azul:Keep going North from Casa Marlin Azul on the dirt road.  You’ll pass Hotel Rancho Leonero on your right, and you’ll also drive through two cattle ranches.  Keep going. It’s a bumpy road, but the shortest distance to Los Barriles.  Pass by, and disregard, several chances to turn left just keep going straight. You’ll eventually enter a residential area, and you are now in the village of Buena Vista.  Go until you cannot go further, and you’ll be coaxed to angle off to the left along “Main St.”  There are white stones and palm trees in the middle and the street is divided into two lanes.  Go until you have a chance to turn left or right and turn right.  You’ll soon see the entrance to Hotel Buena Vista.  Enter and park and walk down to the pool and restaurant.  
 

This is a very old hotel and if you blink, you’ll miss it.  It’s quite scenic and reflects the East Cape when it was first being developed in the 1950s. Hotel Rancho Buena Vista serves as an icon in the recreational fishing history of the East Cape region of Baja California Sur. It’s worth stopping by and taking in the historical significance of Hotel Rancho Buena Vista and remembering Baja California’s Golden Age, during which sport fishing helped to establish tourism in Baja California. 

Directions from Casa Marlin Azul:When you get to the Hotel Buena Vista area, instead of turning right, turn left.  This will bring you back to Mex 1, the paved highway.  Turn right on Mex 1 and you’ll go a short distance and you’ll see a sign on your right for Hotel Rancho Buena Vista.  Drive on in and park, then relax and have a drink.  

This is the marina where we normally meet Victor or Victor Jr. with the Victoria or Ma Victoria boatwhen going out fishing. It is a major development and under construction.  To get to it, you drive in, and through, La Ribera.  From Mex 1, just keep going straight until you cannot anymore.  Go through the city of La Ribera, and down the hill until you cannot go any further.  When you get to the bottom of the hill, turn left and you’ll see that the paved road in the city of La Ribera ends, and it becomes dirt.  Just a short distance further, you’ll see Marina Costa Palmas on your right.  When coming from our house, Casa Marlin Azul, the Marina will be on your left.  When entering, tell the guard that you are going fishing on the Victoria Fleet Fishing Charters with Victor or Victor Jr. and they will let you in.

Notable Staff Members: Joel is especially good at making margaritas. Don’t forget to say “Hi from Don Barry” to Francisco and Joel at the bar.  

Directions from Casa Marlin Azul: Rancho Leonero is located only a twenty-minute walk north up the beach from Casa Marlin Azul or a 7 or so minute drive north along the dirt road.  Marked by signs from the road, Rancho Leonero can also not be missed from the beach.