Rocky Point or ‘Puerto Penasco’ as the locals call it is a beach town in the northwestern part of Mexico. From a quiet fishing village to a popular destination for Americans looking for a quick beach getaway, Puerto Penasco seems to have come a long way. Located roughly 60 miles south from the Arizona border and on the northern edge of the Gulf of California, the beaches in Rocky Point are nearer to those living in Phoenix and Tucson than any other beach in the territory. Tourists can take a trip to Rocky Point, without a visa, through the border-free zone.
It goes without saying that sunbathing and swimming are the ruling pastimes at the beaches of Puerto Penasco, but do not miss out on the myriad of the other fun activities. Water sports like scuba diving, kayaking, kite surfing, sailing and jet skiing are most prevalent. You can opt for a dolphin, whale or bird watching cruise during the daytime and enjoy your evening unwinding aboard a sunset dinner and cocktail cruise. Take a spin on a banana boat, rent a horse to take a peaceful ride beside the sea or indulge in some golfing amidst the sand dunes at Puerto Penasco’s 18-hole courses.
Most Popular Things To Do And See In Rocky Point, Mexico:
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most popular water sport activities in Rocky Point and this resort town has plenty of kayak tour companies that offer rentals and lessons for those who are interested. Rent a kayak and paddle along the coast viewing the beautiful estuaries and lagoons. You can also take a guided kayak fishing tour to explore the most teeming fishing spots in the offshore reefs as well as colorful flora and fauna. If you are lucky enough, you might even get to spot dolphins. Sometimes, especially early in the morning; dolphins even swim up close to the kayaks!
Scuba Diving& Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
The Gulf of California is noted for its underwater life. It’s no wonder then that scuba diving and snorkeling are two very popular activities in Rocky Point (Click here for more snorkeling destinations in Mexico). Divers can explore the array of exotic aquatic creatures that dwell in these waters. Rocky Point often has enough tidal variance, which can restrict underwater visibility, but at Cholla Bay and Bird Island – the two main scuba and snorkeling spots of the area, the waters are generally clear and warm and absolutely ideal for these activities.
Cet Mar Aquarium
Cet Mar Aquarium
Interested in feeding sea lions and sea turtles? Head to the Cet Mar Aquarium in Rocky Point which features a variety of species such as octopuses, sea horses, eels, stingrays, fish and lobsters. For an additional fee, visitors can go into the habitat tank and view the sea lions up-close. The Cet Mar Aquarium is definitely a must-see if you are in Rocky Point and offers a fun opportunity if you wish to take a break from the beach.
Shopping
Rocky Point offers its visitors quite an interesting mix of both, traditional Mexican handicrafts and contemporary artwork. The shrimp market district is the biggest shopping place in town and is famous for traditional souvenirs. For more upscale, contemporary items such as handmade jewelry, ‘Shacks’, often referred to as the Rodeo Drive of Rocky Point is the best bet. As Rocky Point continues to develop, new shopping areas like “Shacks Fifth Avenue” are cropping up.
Dining
Despite the fact that Puerto Penasco is known for it’sfresh seafood and Mexican food, visitors will find every type of cuisine in this beach town, right from Italian to French and even Chinese! Tourists will be amazed to find some restaurants serving even Thai dishes! Do not miss out on visiting a taco or tamale stand though. These are fresher and cheaper alternatives to fast food, with the dishes being cooked up right in front of your eyes.