Sea of Cortez - Puerto Penasco - TravBuddy

Ended up on the Sea of Cortez at Puerto Penasco as an act of compromise. I wanted spring break in the Arizona desert but the wife wanted sun and sea with a little beach time. We took three days out of our tour of Arizona in March '07 and made the journey south of the border. Puerto Penasco is also known as Rocky Point and is becoming popular as a beach resort for vacationers from Tucson and Phoenix.
We stayed a mile from town on the resort shore where tourists have a choice of newly constructed high rise condo type accommodations. We chose the Sonoran Sea Resort and it served our needs. Fairly typical one bedroom ocean front unit with a kitchenette and nice balcony for around $200 USD/night.
There were three highlights of the trip worth a mention. We took a boat trip to Bird Island an hours ride south where we did some snorkeling and as we did we were joined by quite a few sea lions that satisfied their curiosity by swimming around us and surfacing very close so they could check us out. They were close. I was hesitant to touch them and did not, but they were that close. The young Mexican tour operators seemed disinterested in the safety of the tourist group who had to be very careful because of the powerful tidal current that swept swimmers away from the boat. I am certain they would have left me in Davy Jones Locker given half a chance. The wife and the half dozen bikini clad co-eds may have fared better, but were strong enough swimmers that we didn't find out.

The second interesting thing about Rocky Point was the extreme tidal change. At low tide the ocean retreated a hundred to a hundred and fifty yards and exposed an interesting array of marine life. A very good beach combing opportunity. I was holding a small octopus in my hands until Jody mentioned their ability to bite. I stuck to starfish after that.

We also enjoyed dining and shopping in the Old Town although if you go there expecting a Cancun sized experience you may be disappointed.

We very much enjoyed our visit but I doubt we will ever return as my wife fears someone may recognize her, and the antics of her fun loving, sombrero wearing, mezcal soaked husband, embracing the spring break mentality at the hotel pool bar.