Things to do in Puerto Peñasco: 30+ Sites to See in Rocky Point
BY JARED DILLINGHAM
TRAVEL GUIDE: THINGS TO DO IN ROCKY POINT / PUERTO PENASCO
My list of great things to do in Puerto Peñasco (or Rocky Point, Mexico) continues to grow.
While some activities and businesses haven’t made a post-pandemic comeback, most are going strong and back to normal.
While Puerto Peñasco has a spring break/party reputation (for good reason) visitors looking for outdoor adventures, good food, culture, and beach relaxation will all have plenty to do!
Key Takeaways
Rocky Point has long been a favorite vacation destination for Arizonans looking to spend some time on the beach.
Most of the best things to do in Puerto Peñasco revolve around the sandy beaches and the Sea of Cortez (or Gulf of California), but there are plenty of options inland, too!
For organizational purposes, I’m going to divide my list of things to do in Rocky Point into a few different categories, listed in the table of contents below ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Where to Stay in Puerto Peñasco
There are now more than a dozen highrise hotel resorts on the beaches of Rocky Point. Many are a combination of hotel-type rentals and privately-owned condos.
Select dates to see prices for rentals in Rocky Point.
Keep in mind: Many condos in the resorts on the beach rent as VRBOs:
You can check out our rundown of most of the big resorts, plus photos in the post below ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Las Palomas, Puerto Peñasco
Las Palomas is, perhaps, the most well-known resort property in Rocky Point. It first opened to visitors in 2005, and really hasn’t stopped growing since.
It’s a cluster of highrise towers along the sandy beach west of Puerto Peñasco. You’ll find large suites here, with as many as five bedrooms. Plus, they have kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. It’s ideal for a couple, a group of friends, or a couple of families to all stay in the same suite.
The living space is even more expansive because each has a large balcony (or balconies), overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
Las Palomas has several large pools, swim-up bars, and a lazy river … in addition to the beautiful beach.
The resort is a short drive from downtown Rocky Point, and also has an 18-hole golf course on site.
Keep in mind: Las Palomas may be a favorite, but far from the only place to stay in Rocky Point.
Vidanta, Puerto Peñasco: The Grand Mayan & Mayan Palace
On the other end of the spectrum, and about a 45-minute drive from Rocky Point, you’ll find Vidanta’s two properties in this part of Mexico.
The Grand Mayan and the Mayan Palace are on a secluded stretch of beach, and much quieter, if you’re seeking calm and relaxation.
The Vidanta resorts are home to beautiful pools, plus several restaurants. These are really ideal for travelers who want to stay in one spot and just relax (or play golf on-site).
Keep in mind: staying here will mean more of a drive to all the things to do in Puerto Peñasco we’re about to dive into!
Things to do Along Rocky Point’s Malecón
The Malecón in Puerto Peñasco refers to the downtown area, along the waterfront. It’s full of bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and much more.
While it’s a bit rowdy at times, and some of the vendors can be aggressive trying to get you inside, it’s a must-see stop on a visit to Rocky Point.
Visit the Puerto Peñasco Sign
Yes, it’s touristy, but the Peñasco sign is colorful and fun. Plus, you can learn about the history in the area on the surrounding statues and plaques in the adjacent plaza.
This was the site of a tense border governors conference in 2007, as the governors of border states in Mexico and the United States met to discuss border security and other issues.
The Mexican governors focused on stopping the illegal trafficking of weapons from the US into Mexico, and trying to convince the Americans not to expand the border fence.
It didn’t work. The US announced a 370-mile fence expansion the same week.
As a sidenote, California’s then-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opposed the border wall expansion.
Grab a Drink at Boo Bar
The view of the Sea of Cortez from the multi-floor Boo Bar is great during the day. They’re open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00pm the rest of the week.
Boo Bar has a food menu (with desserts, too) along with the beers and margaritas you’d expect. The view of the sea is beautiful from upstairs, and the swings at the bar are … unique!
Plus, as an Arizonan, I love the decor, which is largely a nod to those of us who live in Sonora’s neighboring state to the north.
Marco’s Fish Market
The Malecón has several fish markets lining the street. They’re a great spot to grab a fillet or bag of freshly-caught shrimp to bring back to the grill at your rental home or resort.
The guys at Marco’s are really friendly. They offer bags of shrimp in five, six, and nine-point increments. Plus, they’ll have oysters and different kinds of fish to choose from, based on what fishermen are catching at the time. It’s all fresh-caught, on ice, and they’ll clean it all for you on the spot.
Tortilleria Hernandez
The tiny tortilleria (tortilla shop) is in the running for my favorite spot on the Malecón, and one of my favorite things to do in Puerto Peñasco! It’s right off the main street, and just a few storefronts north of the big shops.
Depending on when you stop in, they’ll have corn and/or flour tortillas, chips, tostadas, and small tortillas to choose from. You can literally watch them being made in the one-room kitchen/shop!
We bought a pack of 10 flour tortillas for $3. You can’t beat it!
It doesn’t come up on the map-maker, but you can click here for the location of Tortilleria Hernandez 😀
Curios Sofia
This big Mexican pottery, craft and decor shop is also a couple blocks north of the Malecón.
It’s a maze inside the store, full of all kinds of things for your home. If you’d like, you can try to haggle with the owners to get the prices down. I paid $60 for this giant pot, which would could double that at home in Phoenix.
You can click here for the location of Curios Sofia in Rocky Point.
Souvenir Shops
The expected hat, sunglasses, shirt, and nicknack shops line the Malecón.
These don’t rank high on my list of the best things to do in Rocky Point, but if you forgot something you’ll need for the beach, it’s a good place to pick them up.
Rocky Point Gallery
The Rocky Point Gallery is open 11-6 daily, and features a variety of local artwork.
It’s a block off the and you can click here for a map to the exact location.
Things to do in the Water Off Rocky Point
The Sea of Cortez has warm, clean water, without many waves. It creates ideal conditions for a number of activities and things to do in Puerto Peñasco.
deep sea fishing off Rocky Point
You’ll have a number of boat captains offering deep sea fishing trips off Puerto Peñasco.
We took a ride with Federico’s Charters for a few hours. The prices vary greatly. We paid $230 for three hours.
The deep sea fishing boats leave right from the main marina in Rocky Point, next to the Mexican Naval base.
You’ll go out with the captain and a crew of two, who will slice up calamari and other bait fish to hook to the line.
Pancho Villa has a number of fishing charter options from Puerto Peñasco, including an overnight fishing adventure.
Fish On Charters is another option for deep sea fishing off Rocky Point.
What Kind of Fish do you Catch in Rocky Point?
We didn’t have much luck, but in general the captain and crew will do everything in their power to make sure you go home with fish (or at least catch a bunch to throw back).
In Spring & Summer:
- red snapper
- whitefish
- halibut
- gold spotted bass
- black sea bass
June – October
- Dorado
- Marlin
- (on boats that go farther out into the sea)
Here’s a tip: take the early morning (7:00am departure) because you’re likely to catch more fish! Whatever you catch, they’ll likely fillet for you to bring back to your rental.
Whale Watching in Puerto Peñasco
Whale watching is an option in Rocky Point, primarily during February, March, and into April.
Several companies offer whale watching tours from Puerto Peñasco, but keep in mind: there’s no guarantee that you’ll actually see whales. They enjoy the warm, protected waters, but they also swim all over the world in their migratory patterns, so you never know if they’ll swim up from Baja.
We pride ourselves in using all of our own photography, and I almost used a stock photo of a whale since we saw zero whales on our tour. Instead, I’m posting photos the giant pelicans which you’re guaranteed to see 😀
Back to the whales.
It’s really “luck of the draw.” Whales and dolphins have been seen close to shore (especially dolphins, close to the Malecon), but you’ll often have to take a whale watching tour from Rocky Point out 20 miles into the Sea of Cortez to find the pod.
We were disappointed to not find whales in late Feburary, but happy to have a group of sea lions playing around our boat for a while.
Whale Watching Tours in Rocky Point
As for the companies that offer whale watching tours from Rocky Point, you can check:
What Kind of Whales do you see from Rocky Point?
It’s an interesting mix of whales you might see on a whale watching boat from Rocky Point.
The fin whale is probably the most-spotted whale off Puerto Peñasco.
The largest mammal on earth: the blue whale, has been known to swim in the Sea of Cortez. Plus, orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales have been seen on whale watching trip from Puerto Peñasco.
Rocky Point Sunset Cruise
There are a few sunset cruise options in Puerto Peñasco.
Several are boozy, including the Eco Fun Sunset Cruise. For $30, you’ll get a ticket onboard, *and access to an open bar.
You can also charter your own sunset cruise off Puerto Peñasco, for a larger fee.
Federico’s Charters offers options for booking sunset cruises for much smaller, private groups.
Plus Pancho Villa offers another two-hour sunset cruise with a group, and also allows people to book smaller, private boat trips.
Del Mar Charters offers a sunset cruise from Puerto Peñasco on their 42-foot catamaran. The $35 fee includes an open margarita bar.
Whether you watch the sunset in Rocky Point from a boat or the beach, it’s bound to be beautiful!
Snorkeling in Puerto Peñasco
You’ll find a difference of opinions when it comes to snorkeling in Rocky Point.
Personally, I don’t think it’s that great. Yes, the water is clean and clear, but along Puerto Peñasco’s coastline and reefs, the corals and fish aren’t overly pretty or interesting.
If you love to snorkel, you can try Cholla Bay (Tucson Beach/Pelican Beach) or Playa Mirador, which has more rocks to explore.
For the best snorkeling in Puerto Peñasco, head out to Bird Island, which is also known as Isla St. Jorge. It’s a 90 minute boat ride from Rocky Point to the small collection of rocks in the Sea of Cortez, which are said to offer the best sights underwater.
CEDO, the scientific research group, offers snorkeling excursions to Bird Island.
Pancho Villa offers a snorkeling tour off Rocky Point, which will bring you out into the Sea of Cortez for three hours.
Eco Fun offers another tour of Bird Island.
Del Mar Charters is another option, offering a six-hour trip to Bird Island from Rocky Point for $100.
Rocky Point Kayaking
People love to kayak off Rocky Point because there are no waves and the water is beautiful. A warning: kayaking here can be dangerous. Toward the end of 2022, an Arizona husband and wife died after they were swept out to sea by high winds.
You can take a kayak out anywhere along the coast into the sea or into the estuaries.
Kayaks in Rocky Point usually run $15 for an hour, or $35 for a full-day rental.
You’ll find kayaks to rent in front of several of the resorts in Puerto Peñasco. Sonoran Scuba, right at the Sonoran Sea Resort, is a great option.
Kayaking is also popular at Bird Island, also known as Isla San Jorge. For $100, Del Mar Charters will get you there in an hour, with a kayak in tow, to explore the protected habitat and sea lion sanctuary.
You can also book a naturalist guide, who will take you on a kayak tour of the estuary.
Visit Bird Island (or Isla San Jorge)
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Rocky Point, a visit to San Jorge is high on the list.
Eco Fun has charters to Bird Island, which is home to a variety of marine life. The island is a protected natural habitat, and home to a sea lion sanctuary. If you’re lucky, a pod of whales or dolphins will swim by!
The six-hour trip will include snorkeling gear and a guide. You’ll also be able to take a kayak out on your own into the sea.
Lunch and an open bar are included on the trip to Bird Island from Rocky Point, for $114.
Del Mar Charters claims to have the fastest boat, which will get you from Puerto Peñasco to Bird Island in an hour.
Paddleboard Through Rocky Point’s Estuary
A standup paddleboard company, called SUPing the Sea rents paddleboards, which are ideal to explore the estuaries around Rocky Point.
A guide will take you into the Isla del Mar development, and through the natural estuary. The cost is $25 each.
You can also rent a paddleboard to go off on your own for the day for $50. They’ll deliver it right to you, wherever you’re staying in Rocky Point!
Rocky Point Jet Ski Rentals
You’ll see jet skis zipping around the sea right off the coast from the resorts in Peurto Peñasco.
The availability depends on the tides, but you can usually find someone renting jet skis right along the beach.
During our visit, the cost for a jet ski was $45 for half-an-hour on the water. They’re available until sunset each night.
Banana Boats
Many of the resorts will also have a banana boat floating just off-shore. If you’re staying along Playa Hermosa (at one of the resorts on the sandy beach west of the downtown area) you’ll likely be able to find a banana boat and driver ready to take you and your friends on a ride.
The cost is $7 to $10 per person.
Things to do on Puerto Peñasco’s Beaches
You’ll find plenty of things to do along Rocky Point’s beaches, which are mostly sandy, and stretch for miles.
Rocky Point is Arizona’s closest beach, so it draws many of us down each year for both relaxation in the sand, and more adventurous activities:
Surf Casting & Fishing in Rocky Point
You’ll see people fishing along several of the beaches in Rocky Point.
The pier which juts out from the Sandy Beach adjacent to the Wrecked at the Reef restaurant is especially popular for surf casting. You’ll find a mix of tourists and locals casting into the sea.
The Tidal Pools in Puerto Peñasco
The tides come and go twice a day in Rocky Point, giving you plenty of time to explore the tidal pools during low tide.
A word of caution: be careful of sea urchins and other spikey sealife. A woman got stung by what she claimed was a “stingray” on our last visit. I’m sure it was a sea urchin. Either way, be careful of the spikes lurking in the rocks and reef!
You can also take a class to learn more about the ecosystem in the tidal pools.
Collect Shells at Las Conchas
Las Conchas is perfectly named, because it’s the beach in Rocky Point where you’ll find the best shells.
Especially at low tide, the sea retracts big time here, opening up huge swaths of sand and tidal pools to explore.
Las Conchas is 10 minutes east of downtown Rocky Point. You’ll have to find parking on the street, and walk down between the vacation homes to the beach.
You can also visit the Seashell Museum in town.
The Pier at the Reef
The pier at the reef, along the Sandy Beach / Arenosa Beach area great for a stroll. It’s also popular to fish from.
You can find it right next to the popular Wrecked by the Reef restaurant and bar. In fact, you can use their parking lot for your walk down to the pier.
The pier itself is made of giant blocks of cement, piled on top of each other.
Get a Beachside Massage
Vendors on the beaches in Puerto Peñasco are highly regulated, so they won’t be overly aggressive with their products or services.
Depending on the time of year, you’ll likely find offers for massages on several Rocky Point beaches.
There will usually be a massage table setup during the day in front of Las Palomas and the other resorts on the Sandy Beach / Hermosa Beach area. On other popular beaches, like Mirador, you’ll usually have people offering massage services, too.
Beach Volleyball
Several of the resorts have volleyball courts setup on their private beaches in front of the hotels.
Manny’s Beach Club
Manny’s reopened its beachfront doors, and is home to a bar, restaurant, live music stage, and a pool.
It sits right on Playa Mirador, east of the Malecon.
Things to do on Land in Rocky Point
I’m more of a beach person, but I know people love the golf and the dunes around Rocky Point, so let’s go over a few of those options.
Ride ATVs into the Desert
You’ll have more than a dozen ATV and quad rental companies in Rocky Point. The best deals might be found in town, where several businesses compete directly across from one another.
It might be a bit pricier, but a great ATV rental spot with a lot of selection is next to Garufa, the steakhouse. It’s adjacent to a huge desert/dune area to explore.
The costs vary. It’s $30 for an hour on the smaller ATVs, and $45 for an hour on a four-wheel-drive.
The larger four-person ATVs are $230 for an hour, while the two-person Kawasakis are $130 for the hour.
You can take them anywhere in the desert, but not on the beach. They’re open from 9:30am to 6:00pm, and you have to be 16 years-old to drive.
Ride Horses in Rocky Point
The best place to find horses to take you for a ride in Rocky Point will be next to the entrance to Wrecked at the Reef. This is just west of the resorts along the Sandy Beach / Hermosa Beach area.
The horses will take riders along Rocky Point’s sandy beaches, and also through the adjacent dunes.
The cost for horseback riding when we asked was $30 per person, for six people.
Prices are negotiable, and you’re likely to get a better deal if you bring more people.
Play a Round on a Jack Niklas Golf Course
Vidanta’s properties east of Puerto Peñasco, the Mayan Palace and the Grand Mayan, feature an 18-hole par 72 course. It’s advertised as a Nicklaus Design Course, wich each hole featuring desert scenery, views of the Sea of Cortez, or views of the adjacent natural estuary.
The Mayan properties are a 45-minute drive east of Rocky Point. You don’t have to be a guest at the luxury resorts to dine at one of their restaurants or golf on the course. At the guard gate, just tell them you’re there to golf or eat, and they’ll let you through.
Hit the Driving Range at Las Palomas
The Las Palomas Resort is home to its own 18-hole course, called The Links at Las Palomas. It was designed in the dunes by renowned golf course architects Forrest Richards and Arthur Jack Snyder.
In addition to the 72-par, 18-hole championship course, there’s also a driving range, and a chipping and putting green.
CEDO
I should move CEDO much higher on my list, because it’s a special place which features the best of both the desert and the sea. It’s the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans.
CEDO is a scientific research center, which bridges the US and Mexico, first established 40 years ago.
It focuses on conservation, sustainable development, and environmental education.
CEDO has a visitor center in Rocky Point, where a huge whale skeleton welcomes tourists and scientists out front.
The organization also offers a wide variety of tours and excursions, from kayaking through the estuary to exploring tidal pools to boat trips to Bird Island.
Puerto Peñasco Oyster Farm
There are a few oyster farms in the estuaries outside Rocky Point, which are family-run or part of a Women’s Cooperative.
Pacific Oysters, or Japanese Oysters, are found in the waters of Puerto Peñasco. They’re harvested right from their beds, so they’re as fresh as possible.
You can order them to take home, or eat right at the El Barco restaurant. Cooked oysters are $15 for a dozen, while raw oysters go for $6 a dozen. Stingray tacos are the other specialty.
You can even become an oyster farmer for the day.
Float Down a Lazy River
The resorts in Rocky Point have stunning pools, which are expansive and full of fun features. Several have pools designed specifically for children. Most have swim-up bars.
A few have lazy rivers, which are so enjoyable to float around.
They include Las Palomas and the Grand Mayan Resort.
The Street Art Galery, Rocky Point (yes, ‘galery’ with one “l”)
If you’re interested in taking home a piece of Mexican artwork, you might want to consider checking out the Street Art Galery. Depending on your taste, it might be a good opportunity to transport artwork back home in the trunk of your car.
Click here for a map to the location of the Street Art Galery.
You can check out their frequently-updated Facebook page, and contact the artists there, too.
Things to do in Rocky Point: Food, Bars, & Music
Puerto Peñasco is home to a lot of local restaurants serving traditional Mexican cuisine. The city also has a few surprises for people looking for a change.
Grab Coffee at KaffeeHaus
KaffeeHaus serves a mixture of German and Mexican breakfast foods. It’s become a staple for visitors in Puerto Peñasco.
A German man met and married his wife in Mexico, and opened this popular breakfast spot years ago. Bring cash, and be prepared to wait in line for a table
Enjoy Breakfast at Candy Cake
Candy Cake reminds me of a diner in the northeastern US. It’s colorful and quirky, and famous for its huge cakes and sweet treats. The logo almost resembles Dunkin’s.
The breakfasts are excellent and huge, and Candy Cake also does lunches.
I have to say: I don’t even really like French Toast, but this was perfection!
Just bring cash, because like many businesses in Rocky Point, Candy Cake does not take credit cards.
Try Italian Food in Mexico
I was pleasantly surprised to find such good Italian food in Rocky Point. Pane e Vino is at the top of a windy road, overlooking Puerto Peñasco.
While my favorite part of the meal was the tiramisu, I’d also recommend the bolognese and the pollo piccata.
They also have a great wine list from Mexico, Chile, and California.
Check out Roger Clyne’s Banditos
Independent rock musician Roger Clyne co-owns Banditos with his bandmates in The Peacemakers. Much of his music is inspired by the Sonoran Desert.
The band performs here frequently, and Banditos is also home to their brand of tequila: Mexican Moonshine.
Get “Wrecked at the Reef”
One of the most popular spots in Rocky Point is Wrecked at the Reef. Everyone is welcomed in this huge indoor-outoor bar/restaurant, day and night.
During the day, you’ll find people dining outside in the sand. Granted, the food isn’t amazing, but you’re really here for the beachside entertainment.
At night, you’ll find live music, fire pits outside, and several bars serving inside and out.
Wrap: Things to do in Puerto Peñasco
There really is “something for everyone” here. I always imagine vacation destinations that can please everyone in a family. The kids, the moms, the dads, the outdoorsmen-and-women, the golfers, the shoppers, the boozers, the foodies, and the beach-snoozers.
My favorite thing to do in Puerto Peñasco is, perhaps, the simplest: sunset strolls on the beaches.
Rocky Point is as unpretentious as they come, and the people here are very welcoming (aside from the local police in Sonoyta, who have a reputation for targeting American drivers).
I also love that so many of the resorts have big BBQ areas and suites with kitchens and patios. It’s perfect for families who don’t want to eat out for each meal of the day.
Best Thing to do in Rocky Point: Sunset on the Beach
It’s right on par with a nap on the beach: free, available daily, and the perfect way to wind down each day. This photo was taken during low tide at Las Conchas Beach, but you’ll get an equally beautiful sunset view from any of Rocky Point’s beaches.
Check out our other blogs and videos about travel in Rocky Point:
