At its origin, most of the houses in San Felipe was built in cedar varnished so it could resist damage from moisture and salt from the coast, however a number of these buildings were destroyed by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.

At present, San Felipe offers many services for ecotourism and adventure, accommodation, excursions by boat in the estuary to observe birds and beaches.

For some 200 years (approximately), a group of fishermen from a port in the west, perhaps Santa Clara or Dzilam Bravo, made a fishing trip.

The abundant fisheries then became possible after that the men return to the site, taking advantage of a temporary fishing camp, as they do today fishers beaches sanfelipense as Bachul or Chisascab.

By exploring the site found good land for farming and hunting, plus fishing and abundant fresh water, so some families have settled in the place.