With extreme weathers given its location on the edge of Sonoran Desert, snorkeling in Puerto Penasco may not compare to its southern neighbors but there are still options for those seeking a quick underwater adventure.
Situated on the northern end of Sea of Cortez, Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a captivating coastal town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, delicious seafood, and exciting recreational activities. Located about an hour south of the Lukeville, Arizona border point, Puerto Penasco is on the southwestern edge of Altar Desert, a sub-region of the greater Sonoran Desert and one of the hottest areas in North America. Its location allows for warm-to-hot, dry weather year-around with approximately ten days of rain annually, the perfect combination for a great travel destination.
As one of northern Mexico’s premier destinations, it has gotten increasingly popular with Arizona and California residents due to the proximity. Visitors come to unwind and bask in the sun on the breathtaking beaches blanketed with golden sand and take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Sea of Cortez way up here can get cold during the winters which prohibits coral reefs from growing so the bottoms are mostly sand, or to its name, rocky, there is still some good snorkeling in Puerto Penasco to explore its diverse marine wonders.
Puerto Penasco Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Great. While the marina gets some usage as Puerto Penasco is a huge fishing town, weak currents and general clean water make the water clear and great for underwater exploration.
- Current Strength: Weak. The northern end of Sea of Cortez is very calm with almost no surfing.
- Coral Presence: No corals. Bottoms are mostly sandy and rocky.
- Marine Life: The marine life here is abundant and it’s quite common to see schools of fish cruising by during your excursion, which is the best part of snorkeling in Puerto Penasco.
- Crowd: Can get somewhat crowded at times but it’s much more open and relaxed than some of the other big-name Mexican resorts.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: Mar de Cortes International Airport (25 miles, 30 minutes away)
- There are no regular scheduled flights into Mar de Cortes at this time, as various airlines have terminated routes due to low volume. The next closest airports are in Mexicali, Tucson, and Phoenix Sky Harbor; and unless you live in Mexico, Phoenix would be the better option. It’s about a four-hour drive from all three airports so be prepared for a road trip throughout the hot Sonoran desert.
Closest Major Metro: Puerto Penasco
- Puerto Penasco has its own flavor, largely because of its isolation and lack of a quick transportation method without an airport. The area has a large expat and tourist population and you will find that English is commonly spoken and dollars are common accepted. There are plenty of restaurants, resorts, and markets within the city so enjoy the great seafood and amenities.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into Phoenix or Tucson, rent a car, and drive down to Puerto Penasco.
Introduction
Puerto Penasco was once a sleepy fishing town primarily known for its supply for totoaba, which is endemic to Sea of Cortez. The government of Mexico, at the heels of Cancun’s success, invested significantly into the growth of Puerto Penasco as a travel destination. The reputation of Puerto Penasco has not matched the investment so far, as the infrastructure has not caught up with the airport losing commercial flights and the construction plans for a port suspended. Nonetheless, it remains a popular destination for Arizona and California students and snowbirds from United States and Canada.
Puerto Penasco is well-known for its 300+ days of sunshine each year, and this fantastic weather offers a plethora of relaxing and thrilling activities for tourists. Adventure seekers can embark on an exhilarating ATV or dune buggy ride through the desert landscapes, while relaxation specialists can take a sunset cruise or go deep-sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez. The Malecon, a charming seaside boardwalk, is lined with local shops, restaurants, and art galleries, offering an opportunity to admire local craftsmanship and vibrant artwork. Food lovers will be delighted by the culinary scene in Puerto Peñasco. The town is known for its fresh seafood, from succulent shrimp to flavorful fish tacos.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Puerto Penasco
One of the best things about going snorkeling in Puerto Penasco is that it is very accessible, as anywhere on the coastline should be decent. Once again, there are no corals here and the bottoms are mostly sandy and rocky, but the abundance in marine life will keep you interested. The notable marine life here are various fishes such as tangs, sardines, perches, majors, smelts, as well as bat rays that float at the bottom.
There are three specific areas that you can go snorkeling in Puerto Penasco: La Cholla, La Concha, and Playa Hermosa. La Cholla is the small peninsula on the far western end of Puerto Penasco and there are some snorkeling spots in the bay inside the peninsula. The best place to get in the water would be the Cholla Fish Scale by next to JJ’s Cantina. Given the rocky terrain of La Cholla, it has the most interesting landscapes, while the volume of the marine life is considerable.
Playa Hermosa is right by all the big resorts so would be the most convenient but the most crowded, and may also be the area with the least volume of marine life. Las Conchas, which is on the strip of land east of Puerto Penasco, is also one of the most favorite spots for snorkeling in Puerto Penasco. Similar to La Cholla, there will be significant marine life for snorkelers to explore here. But in the end, where you snorkel will mostly depend on where you stay in Puerto Penasco.
Final Word:
This alluring coastal town on Sea of Cortez provides a relaxing, peaceful experience that keeps you in a bubble from rest of the world. The northern end of Sea of Cortez is more prone to extreme climates and temperatures, so conditions for snorkeling are more favorable much more south, such as Baja California Sur, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco. While the absence of corals and some of the more enticing marine life docks some snorkels down, the schools of fishes is an exciting scene and snorkeling in Puerto Penasco is recommended for those looking for a quick underwater adventure.
Snorkeling in Puerto Penasco Rating: 2/5 Snorkels
