Best Family Activities in Rocky Point, Mexico

Rocky Point or Puerto Peñasco is a beautiful seaside city located just 60 miles from the Arizona border. Nestled in a warm cove along the Sea of Cortez, Rocky Point offers a host of activities for families, from kayaking with marine animals along the coast, to aquariums and seafood restaurants.

On your next trip to Rocky Point, make sure to try the activities listed below:

1. Go Hiking in El Pinacate

El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve - often shortened to just El Pinacate - is one of the largest and most important biosphere reserves in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches over 7,000 km in the Sonoran desert, and offers stunning natural landscapes and pristine wildlife to the intrepid hiker. Just a short drive from Rocky Point, it is the perfect place to go camping with your family. Highlights include the massive Crater Elegante, the lava formations along the Pinacate Mountains, and endangered wildlife such as the Sonoran pronghorn.

Fun fact: NASA sent its astronauts to this reserve to train them for walking on the moon, since it closely resembles the lunar surface.

2. Spend a lazy afternoon in Old Port

The Old Port area stretches for three blocks along the Rocky Point seaside. It is the oldest developed area in the city and the hub of its tourist and commercial activities. Spend an afternoon sampling the Mexican fare in the many restaurants along Old Port, visiting quaint shops, strolling along the malecon, or watching people in the promenade.

3. Learn about local conservation programs at CEDO

CEDO (Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans) is an organization that works to promote conservation programs along the Sea of Cortez and Gran Desierto regions. It regularly conducts educational kayaking tours that take you through the spectacular marine life and natural landforms along the Morua Estuary. These tours are a great way to have a fun and educational time with your kids. Learn more about CEDO on their website.

4. Visit the Cet-Mar aquarium

The Cet-Mar aquarium is a great way to introduce your children to the marine life in the Sea of Cortez without ever wading in the ocean. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, this aquarium recently reopened after a long renovation. Highlights include a petting zoo with sea turtles and interactions with sea lions. There are also gorgeous displays of Pacific coral reefs and the fish that call them home.

5. Swim with sea lions in Isla San Jorge

Isla San Jorge, popularly called 'Bird Island', is home to a large population of nesting birds and sea lions. The waters around the island are calm and clear, making it a great place to go swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving. The sea lions are friendly to humans and will often join you for a swim. You can take a boat from Old Port and explore the waters around the island.

6. Relax at the beaches

There are beaches aplenty in Rocky Point, stretching from Sandy Beach on the city's north side to Playa Encanto along Morua Estuary. Playa Hermosa and Playa Bonita are the most popular. Las Conchas and Mirador Beach are also popular.

Rocky Point - sometimes even called "Arizona's Beach" – is the best place to go on a marine adventure with your family. Just buy the right Mexico auto insurance, make a reservation in one of the many hotels in the city, and drive down to Rocky Point for an experience you'll never forget.