We've been baffled by the plethora of beauty that's surrounded us in Baja, Mexico. The endless beaches, hot springs and rolling hills blanketed in farm lands has been a sight to behold for us newcomers. Reminiscing back on our travels in these past seven months completely boggles our minds. We've driven here and there with our families but never in our lives have we been the ones who call the shots on our own adventures (even more so in a converted camper van). Looking back, I can't help but notice the cities and scapes that stick out in my mind. Let's just say that Puerto Peñasco should not be ignored... A Brief HistoryBlack volcanic terrain smothers the surface of the the Gran Desierto nature reserve just north of this well known gem, a small fishing village commonly known as 'Rocky Point' to Americans. It was within the borders of this government protected land that NASA sent astronauts to train for the moon landing in 1965 due to it's similarities to the lunar surface. While there is a mass of unique reptile species and plant life to be discovered in this ashy outdoor playground, locals and tourists alike flock further south towards the coast. The promises of space exploration were no match for the wealth of pearls and precious metals rumored to be tucked away in the southern shores back in 1826. Without much luck, it wasn't until the 1920's when fishermen from the Gulf of California traversed into Puerto Peñasco to camp and scout for the coveted totoaba fish, known for it's medicinal properties rather than it's meat. Back then, fishermen could catch one fish and earn enough for the rest of the month. After the totoaba nearly went extinct, shrimp fishing became the new obsession that made economic sense; therefore setting Rocky Point assail. Fast forward to the early 2000's and the secret was out - condominiums were popularized along Sandy Beach making this quaint town into a golden tourist destination. Why Bother?So why should you go through the trouble of venturing down to Mexico for a short getaway? Simply put, if you don’t want to bother with getting a visa, don't want to drive 1,200 miles to Baja Sur for decent weather or if you live in the Southwest, you have no reason not to! If you’re nervous about entering into mainland Mexico or even Baja (which you shouldn't be), this is the best place you could go to get your feet wet. If immersing yourself into the culture and attempting to learn a new language isn't your thing, then have no fear! English is spoken everywhere from the taco stands to the banks! Nevertheless, if you DO wish to brush up on your Spanish there are an abundance of locals who are willing to help you learn along the way. As it is with traveling to any place you've never been, it's good to be extra cautious. However I'd suggest not to be afraid. Safety is hardly a concern in Puerto Peñasco as it is a town that lives and breathes tourism. As a tourist, you're their number one source of income. They're not going to do anything to try and jeopardize that. As long as you don't go out in search of drugs or talk to people with tattoos on their face you should be fine. Just lock your cars, don't flaunt your wealth or stay out too late by yourself. Rocky Point is a brilliant place to visit (especially with a group of friends). Between the fluffy sand beaches, warm wildlife rich waters, scrumptious food + drinks on the cheap and easy going culture it's a traveler's dream. Who will be there?If one of the goals for your visit is to forge new friendships, you may want to focus on what time of year you'd like to stay. Summer and fall are great times to go down south if you have a family! Parents and their children from all over the world holiday in Rocky Point during this time and it's a win win situation. Parents can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach, grab a beer or three and let the kiddos build sandcastles or get their hair braided while the grown ups sit for a chat. As far as spring is concerned, it's a beautiful time of the year, one of the best! (behind fall) but it is LITTERED with college kids and zero inhibitions. (also no parental guidance) So if living in a drunken state or watching pre graduates stumble across the beach isn't your forte', I'd advise visiting another time. The winter months can be great for snow birds looking to haul their RV’s and camp out in a warm spot for the winter while gathering around the campfire with friends to roast weenies and partake in warm conversation. Everyone is wildly friendly and quick to “take you in” as long as you have a smile on your face and a joke on your lips. Tip for the introverts: Wanna make friends fast and easily? Go clamming at Cholla Bay (behind JJ's), and share your winnings with your neighbors. You’ll be a hoot in no time. What's to do, anyway?There are colorful and lively bars, restaurants and outdoor activities scattered throughout this town. If you’re bored in Puerto Peñasco it’s either freezing cold or your own dang fault. Check out the comprehensive lists below containing where to stay, eat + shop, and the oodles of activities you can dive into! -- WHERE TO SLEEP --(Free?) The dirt lot next to Manny's was one of two free places that we could find to stay in Puerto Peñasco. However, it comes with several... catches. It's not on the app iOverlander, it doesn't have security and has a significantly sizes bump that may be difficult for those with two wheel drive to get over. However, if you had one to many local beers at Manny's, it's not the worst option to consider trying out. Be smart and don't do anything that goes against your gut. Also, just don't drink and drive. It's not cool, not even in Mexico. (free) Cholla Bay's iOverlander spot was the only other free option we found. However, it's simply not possible to do unless you have 4wd. ($) Concha Del Mar was home to us for about a week. We'd never paid for a campsite before but this spot was mint! It's $12 USD a night (if you pay with USD), or 200 pesos (that's like $10 USD) a night. So pay with pesos. We scored a beach front spot and enjoyed steaming hot showers, awesome bathrooms and wonderful hosts our entire stay. Unfortunately, there are no hookups for big rigs, but they DO have a place to fill your tanks with non-potable water. (Good in a pinch.) This place is definitely our go-to recommendation! We <3 you, Concha Del Mar! ($$) Playa Bonita is next level. This is where the OG RVers come to stay and never leave. They pretty much set up camp and build palapas around their rigs. The place has everything from laundry to hot showers to bunches of friendly neighbors and of course, hook ups. The asking price per night however is $24 bucks a night, USD. ($$$) Condos around the area not only hit graze my glass ceiling but shatter it beyond repair when they ask for around $200 USD a night. Don't get me wrong, they're gorgeous. I mean, these places are well manicured, littered with hot tubs, pools and hammocks, but now that I'm living on the road full time, they ain't my cup of tea. I'll take the same ocean views, grub, and fun for 90% less the cost. -- EATS --
For the Van Dwellers: Manny's has a wonderful clean bathroom that's open late, just like the restaurant itself. If you're too tired to scour out a parking spot at the end of the night and don't want to go back to your pricey camp spot, there's a dirt lot just to the right of the restaurant. (if you're looking out at the ocean) It looks like it could be 2WD accessible, but there's a considerable dirt hump at the entrance to the lot, so just be aware. We didn't stay here ourselves, but it looked as if there were several locals in their vehicles late at night. As always, go with your gut and don't stay anywhere you don't feel comfortable.
($$) Wrecked At The Reef: A Rocky Point classic, I remember when wrecked was the new kid on the block right next to Max's Cafe. I'm always skeptical of new business around this town, but this restaurant did it right. They now have a CUSHY location directly ON the beach.(Built strategically next to the upcoming cruise ship port) Their scenery is glorious enough to host a good sized (and gorgeous) wedding as well as enough nooks and crannies to get away for a little while if needed. Their food prices reflect that of Max's, quite Americanized, but their food and atmosphere make up for it. They also have good wifi and ping pong. They're going places.
-- Name Your Price Meals --
MOST RECOMMENDED OPTION
-- ACTIVITIES --Aside from doing the same old wine and dine routine, there are endless adventures to be had in this big fishing village. During the warmer months of the year (the end of March to the end of November) the beach is smothered with activities for those who love to get their feet wet. Jet skiing is a popular activity on this side of the Sea of Cortez. Prices usually run from $60-$80 USD an hour. You can also bring your own, I've heard there are ramps in Playa de Oro and Cholla Bay. Van dwelling tip: There IS a free camp spot on iOverlander in cholla bay but you will need 4wd to gain access to it. You can find rentals on the beach no problem. But if you want to reach out to a somewhat more established location, click here to view a list of companies that offer jet skiing! Fishing is very popular around Puerto Peñasco, it IS a fishing village after all. If this kind of sport is your thing, march on over to the Malecón and start flapping your gums with the locals. You can also fish from the shore with a long rod, but I've talked to people who said they haven't been very successful. As with anything in Mexico, stand your ground and negotiate with their price. With luck you could score a deep sea fishing adventure at a special cost "just for you".
Pro Tip: ALWAYS cover your clams with fresh water for 20 minutes and then scrub the shells BEFORE you cook them. This way you don't munch on sand bits. You're welcome. --- If you wish to follow the van friendly recipe I always use to sauté clams, simply click here Shopping is an exhilarating and fun thing to do in this town. Three major areas come to mind. First and foremost there's the Malecón. This is the heart and soul of Puerto Peñasco's classic wheeling and dealing culture. Expect to be yelled at from every direction by locals attempting to pull you into their charming shops and fishing businesses. Here you can find an array of blankets, toys, pharmaceuticals, tequila, clothes, hats, tacos, fish AND more. It's like Rocky Point's Rodeo Drive on steroids and directly on the ocean. Rodeo Drive used to be the main pathway leading into cholla bay, it's a great place to visit as a point of historic reference, but it's not my go to.
Sidenote: If you need basic beach or life items, checkout Bodega Aurrera as you're pulling into town from the north. It's as the locals say, "the Mexican Walmart". ATV Explorations have graced me with some of the most fun that I've had in Rocky Point ever! They run anywhere from $15-$50 USD an hour, so call around and don't take the first price you get! Everything's negotiable, remember? Just have your valid license at hand and be ready to sign a rental agreement. The miles of deserted dirt roads, desert landscapes and forgotten routes make this town perfect for a little off road adrenaline rush. There's a large mountain-like hill next to Wrecked at The Reef, you can't miss it. You can see 4x4's attempting to conquer the sandy route up the mountain on a daily basis. It's a great place to meet other locals and gringos and gain the inside scoop on the best areas to SHRED!
Bird Island is a place I've always heard of but have never actually been to. Good sources tell me though that you can be charted out to the island within an hour. Here you can expect to snorkel and experience the wild life as well as swim with sea lions in the summer. However Whales and dolphins have been rumored to be out and about during the winter. I would suggest checking out Del Mar Charters for trips out onto the island. They have great reviews and seem to be quite reliable! Beach days are a must here in Puerto Peñasco. If you're not going to chill next to the ocean, soak up the rays and build sandcastles, then why come here? It's the main event and such a fun one. If you want to experiences beaches that are a little more private and not lined with hotels, visit Playa de Oro or Cholla Bay for more authentic views. :) ...Aaand, there you have it. My comprehensive list describing one of my most favorite places. Maybe I'm biased because I grew up visiting this area again and again throughout my life, but I love to think that Puerto Peñasco is someplace special. As my first introduction into the Mexican culture I have much to thank this little fishing village for. Here's to hoping that you'll love it every bit as much as I do. Thanks for reading, *muah* Billie Jean Sources
History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Pe%C3%B1asco
3 Comments
Donald Whitman
3/16/2019 10:27:36 am
Wow, great article!!
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Kalisa
3/16/2019 12:47:46 pm
Lots of great information for the Baja!
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Gail whitman
3/16/2019 03:53:06 pm
Sooo jealous. Great article.
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