This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Puerto Peñasco packs two very different landscapes into one trip: a long Sea of Cortez coastline and the volcanic craters and dunes of the El Pinacate desert just north of town. Most activities are within 30 minutes of the Old Port, and prices are in Mexican pesos unless a vendor quotes US dollars. Here are the best things to do in Puerto Peñasco, organized by type.
Things to Do in Puerto Peñasco: Beaches and Water
Playa Bonita
The town’s main beach runs for about 3 km south of the Old Port, backed by palapa restaurants and calm, shallow water that suits families. Parking is free in most lots, and vendors rent umbrellas and chairs for about 100 to 150 MXN per day. It is the easiest beach to reach on foot from downtown hotels.
Sandy Beach (Playa Arenosa)
This 8 km stretch north of town is where the big resorts and condo towers sit, with wide, soft sand and fewer vendors. It is the pick for sunsets and long walks. There is no entry fee, but public beach access is limited to a few marked walkways between the resorts.
Cholla Bay (La Cholla)
A sheltered, shallow bay on the northwest side of town that stays warm and calm, popular with families and jet-skiers. At low tide the water pulls back far enough to walk to the sandbars. The surrounding dunes are the main ATV and UTV riding zone, and the whole area is covered in our neighborhoods guide.
Whale Watching (December to April)
Gray whales travel into the upper Gulf each winter, and half-day boat tours leave from the harbor from late December through April, peaking in February and March. Expect to pay around 900 to 1,200 MXN (about US$45 to 60) per person. Bring a windbreaker even on warm days, the sea breeze is cold, and time it with the best time to visit guide.
Things to Do in Puerto Peñasco: Desert and Nature
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve
This UNESCO World Heritage site sits about 32 km (20 mi) north of town off Federal Highway 8, with a volcanic crater field and the massive El Elegante crater. Start at the Schuk Toak Visitor Center, open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (closed some holidays), where entry runs about 150 MXN per person, free for children under 12 and INAPAM seniors. The crater route is unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle helps.
CEDO (Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans)
This marine research station in Las Conchas runs tide-pool tours, estuary walks, and educational exhibits about the upper Gulf’s 900-plus species. It is open Monday to Saturday, roughly 9:00 to 15:00, and a donation of 50 MXN is suggested. It is the best single stop for understanding the Sea of Cortez ecosystem.
Isla San Jorge (Bird Island)
A day-trip island about 40 km south that hosts thousands of sea lions and seabirds. Tour operators run trips from the harbor year-round, most charging 1,500 to 2,000 MXN (about US$75 to 100) for a full day including snorkeling gear. Rough seas can cancel trips in winter, so check the weather by month guide before booking.
ATV and UTV Dune Riding
Rental outfits along the road to Cholla Bay and near Sandy Beach charge 50 to 80 USD per hour for a two-seat UTV, with guided dune tours around 100 to 150 USD. You will need a driver’s license and a credit card for the deposit. Go in the morning to avoid the midday heat and the busiest dunes.
Things to Do in Puerto Peñasco: Food, Fishing and Town Life
Malecón Fundadores and the Fish Market
The Old Port boardwalk wraps around the working harbor, where shrimp boats unload each morning and the fish market sells the day’s catch. Street vendors grill fish tacos for 30 to 50 MXN each, and the sunset view over the Sea of Cortez is free. It is the liveliest part of town in the evening.
Oyster Farm Tour at Estero Morúa
Puerto Peñasco is one of Mexico’s top oyster-producing areas, and a few operators run 2 to 3 hour tours of the floating farms in the Morúa estuary, usually 800 to 1,200 MXN (about US$40 to 60) with fresh oysters and a shucking lesson included. Book a morning slot when the tide is highest.
Sport Fishing
The upper Gulf holds yellowtail, sea bass, grouper, and in winter, sierra and triggerfish. Half-day charters for 4 people run 350 to 500 USD depending on the boat, with gear and licenses usually included. Fishing is best from October through May, and the annual tournaments are listed in our events and festivals guide.
Golf at The Links at Las Palomas
This 18-hole links-style course wraps around the Las Palomas resort with Sea of Cortez views on the back nine. Green fees run about 90 to 140 USD including a cart, and tee times are easiest to get on weekday afternoons. The course stays open year-round but is most pleasant from October to May.
For where to base yourself while you explore, see our where to stay in Puerto Peñasco guide, and for the border and driving details, read the travel tips and FAQ.
