Activities or things to do/see....

mikef

Guest
What are some things to do or see in Puerto Penasco? We will be there Thanksgiving Week with our kids and some friends. I have never been there before so I dont know what to expect. We are staying in a beach front home in Las Palmas. Thanks guys and gals.
 

audsley

Guest
I consider Puerto Penasco a very cool place, but if you go there expecting a lot you'll probably be disappointed. It's a humble Mexican fishing/tourism town with lots of rough edges and a few flashes of quasi-elegance and class, sometimes all within a few feet of each other. It's a place to hang out, relax, poke around and explore, and take advantage of the local cuisine and culture. It's not New Orleans or La Jolla and does not offer great art galleries, antique shops or music. Rocky Point has all of those things, but they lack distinction.

If you've been to lots of seashores in lots of places, Penasco might turn out to be a real yawn. But for a Midwestern transplant like me, everything about the Sea of Cortez is fascinating. That includes the sea life along the shoreline, the docks, the boats, the fishing industry and the sea itself. Cet Mar and Cedo (mentioned above, both located at Las Conchas) are worth visiting if you like ocean stuff. There are quite a few good restaurants serving dishes you probably don't eat at home. There's a generally upbeat, party atmosphere around town. For me, it's about the ambience of both the sea and Mexico. Not all of it is necessarily good - you might encounter a dozen soldiers packing assault rifles outside the grocery store, and Mexico's concepts for zoning, amenities and municipal services wouldn't fly in Minnesota - but all that just adds a slightly exotic touch that makes the place more interesting.

I enjoy shore fishing and will go deep sea fishing again now that I've tried it and found it exciting, but that's not for everyone. Some people seem to go on vacation looking to do the same things they did back home - play golf, drink, etc. I go there to experience what I don't have at home.

If you try visiting Cedo and Cet Mar at Las Conchas, you will probably be asked at the guard gate which section you're staying in. This is something new in the past couple of years. Used to be if you're a gringo, they just waved you through, but nowadays they're taking a harder look at everyone. I'm guessing they'll let you in if you tell them you're going to Cedo, but I can't promise that. (Cet Mar is before the guard gate).

If you think you might want to visit Penasco again some day, I would suggest looking into a house rental in Las Conchas. I much prefer a separate house to the rack-and-stack stuff like Las Palomas. PM me if you want to follow up on that idea.
 
Well said audsley... very good discription of Rocky Point, there's one thing you left out, you should warn mikef there's a very good chance of catching a serious case of the "mañanas" where you just end up parking your butt on the beach and watch the waves come in...

Also I have to agree with you, as a fellow Midwestern transplant everything about the Sea of Cortez fascinates the hell out of me...
 

jerry

Guest
if the house doesn't have one bring a sit-on-top kayak,buy shrimp,lots o shrimp(bring your favorite cocktail sauce,have fire on the beach (the kids might get a kick out of it if you buy fireworks and let them fly )if allowed, bring a football or soccer ball for s game on the beach,a kite, croquet balls are fun to play a bowling game at low tide http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmp2f7nrxQI ,bring a good book or 2
 

El Gato

Guest
You can also rent ATV's and dune buggies - they are a lot of fun but drive safely. We, from kids on up, always love the tide pools. You can also go to El Pinacate - weather is good for it at this time of year. It is about half way between the Border and Penasco on the west side of the highway.

The Malacon is a fun place, as is the fish market (DH loves the Red Snapper and the rest of the family love the shrimp - but you will get spoiled for getting it anyplace else but here.

We've found everyone here really nice and welcoming and more then willing to help. If you know a few words of Spanish, try them; if not, try to learn a few - everyone is willing to help 'teach'. Our one Grandson learned some numbers and colors before he even made it up the elevator!

Wishing you all a wonderful time.
 

GV Jack

Snorin God
If you are looking for excitement, come ride with me.

I can introduce you to some very good friends of mine at Centro police station.
If you don't give them a tough time and agree with them that you're an idiot, like I did, you'll do just fine.

Watch for that stop light at the side of the big high diection sign on the main drag.
Another buddy of mine missed it but didn't get caught. Only the desparados get caught.

Go down, enjoy. The people are mostly friendly, fun and very glad to see you.
 

Roberto

Guest
As has already been said by several, Penasco is not a vacation destination for those who require a lot of structure in their leisure time. I am sure if you start your adventure here with an open mind, one good thing will lead to another and you will be looking forward to coming back.
 

mexicoruss

Lovin it in RP!
Dont forget about the Pinacate visitors center and the Elegant Crater range. The oyster experience quick trip thru Cholla etc.
 

mikef

Guest
Go and see the whale skeleton at CEDO in Los Conchas...
This sounds like something to see..... Where is it and how do I get there? Thank You.

All good suggestions. Thanks for the links and the websites. I am sure I will be reading all day....
 

El Gato

Guest
http://www.cedointercultural.org/content/view/5/7/lang,en/

Here is link that tells you more about Cedo and what they offer.

The first route takes you down the main road in town, Blvd. Benito Juarez, which Highway 8 turns into once it reaches the town. Continue on this road through town, cross the railroad tracks, and make a left a Freemont Blvd., where there will be a traffic light. After about a mile and a half there will be a sign for Las Conchas and CEDO on the right-hand side. Bear right, off the paved road and onto the dirt road leading to Las Conchas. Just past the CETMAR High School is the Las Conchas guard house entrance, just say CEDO and they'll let you through. CEDO is about a mile past the guard house, you'll see the whale skeleton, parking lot and CEDO signs to your right. Park and follow the walkway up to the visitor’s center and main building.

Have a great time.
 
A

azbeachboy

Guest
Published Nov 03, 2011 03:52 pm

Kayaking the Morua Estuary Ecosystem of Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico

<img alt="" class="yiv2015266563woo-image yiv2015266563center" border="0" height="180" width="614">
Of the more than 10,000 known species of birds in the world, Mexico is known and appreciated as host to over 10% of that total. There are several locales around this beautiful country where bird watching opportunities can number in the hundreds of species. But there may be none so accessible or more abundant in species as found in the Morua Estuary, just a few hours’ drive from Arizona, Nevada, Southern California and New Mexico.
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Landshark

Guest
The Morua Estuary is also the location of the oyster farms. If you like oysters and make it out that way, check out my favorite behind Playa Encanto. It is an experience you will never forget. The family that runs the farm are wonderful people, and will make you feel right at home. You can enjoy oysters on the half shell under their palapa, or take them with you. They will even cook them for you while you wait!
 

audsley

Guest
Not to hijack the thread, but is it really true that the gals at the oyster farm will cook them for you? I'm not crazy about raw oysters, but grilled oysters can be great, especially when loaded with other tasty stuff. I had intended to stop by there for grilled oysters and a brewski during my last visit, but someone told me they only serve them raw.
 
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