Puerto Peñasco - Rocky Point

Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point as it has been known by many frequent visitors from Arizona, is preparing for a significant evolution. Although the area is quite rustic when compared to established resort destinations, The comparisons to Cabo San Lucas of ten years back appear to be right on. The miles of white sand beaches and the close proximity to major U.S. cities, motivated Travel and Leisure to recently rate Puerto Peñasco as one of the TOP 5 trips for the new century.

Over the last several years, this quaint Mexican fishing town has reinvented itself as one of the fastest-growing resort towns in the country. Real estate, including fractional ownership condos and homes, has also become a booming business here. The original settlement dates back to the 1920’s when the primary function here was fishing and shrimping. The town later gained some notoriety as a hideout for famous gangster, Al Capone.

The old downtown sits on the “rocky point” that gives the town its namesake. The point was created from an ancient lava flow that created a natural outcropping. The point is bordered on the north by a small harbor and to the south by a number of fine beaches.

Puerto Peñasco draws visitors from around the country who come to enjoy the beaches, water sports, fishing and distinct “desert-by-the-sea” beauty. The waters of the Sea of Cortez are usually very calm, ideal for swimming and boating.  Unique tidal conditions characterize many of the beaches in the area. This effect creates a chance to observe various types of marine life that prosper in the tide pools. In nearby Cholla Bay, the tide reaches over 25 feet – making it one of the world’s largest tidal drops.