A Perfect Getaway to Puerto Penasco

Day 1: Welcome to Paradise

The moment we pulled into Sonoran Spa, we knew we were in for another amazing stay in Puerto Penasco.

Check-in was a breeze, and by 2:00 PM, we were unlocking the door to our beachfront condo.

Stepping onto the balcony, we were greeted by breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez—that perfect mix of shimmering blue water and warm ocean breeze that instantly melts stress away.

After settling in, it was time for dinner. Collins Cantina was the obvious choice—our go-to spot on the first night.

Eduardo, our favorite server, greeted us like old friends (because, at this point, we basically are).

Ice-cold drinks, delicious food, and that welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect way to kick off our trip.

Day 2: Cantina Hopping & Oyster Shots (Or Not)

We started the day with a trip to JJ’s Cantina, a Rocky Point classic that never disappoints.

The real highlight? Caesar, who has been behind the bar for over 25 years.

He’s not just a bartender—he’s a walking encyclopedia of Puerto Penasco history, full of stories and insider tips.

It’s always a pleasure catching up with him.

After soaking up the salty breeze and a few drinks at JJ’s, we made our way to Wrecked at the Reef—a place that’s just as much about the atmosphere as it is about the great food and service.

Frank, our waiter, took excellent care of us, and while Pat and Carolyn were feeling brave with oyster shots, I happily stuck to my tequila—because some risks just aren’t worth taking!

That night, we kept it low-key, enjoying a homemade meal at the condo while gearing up for one of the most exciting parts of our trip—whale watching the next morning.

Day 3: Whale Watching & Fresh Caught Shrimp

We woke up early, knowing today was the day—whale watching with Oscar and Del Mar Charters!

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that Oscar always knows where to find them. And wow, did he deliver this time!

As we cruised into the open sea, the water came alive around us.

Five massive adult whales and two playful calves surfaced nearby, gracefully gliding through the waves.

Fin whales, sea lions, and a pod of dolphins joined the show, making this a true Rocky Point wildlife trifecta.

Watching these incredible creatures up close, hearing the deep exhale of their blowholes, and feeling the sheer power of nature—it’s something you never forget.

After the excursion, we stopped by Jesse’s Fish Market, just across from Del Mar Charters.

We picked up a couple of pounds of fresh shrimp, knowing exactly what was for dinner—homemade shrimp fettuccine Alfredo.

If you’ve never grabbed seafood from Jesse’s, do yourself a favor—it doesn’t get fresher than this.

With full hearts (and soon-to-be full stomachs), we headed back to the condo for a relaxing evening in.

Day 4: Beach Walks, Poolside Bliss & Gringo Bingo

After a few days of adventure, Day 4 was all about slowing down and soaking in the best of Puerto Penasco’s laid-back vibes.

We started the morning with a peaceful walk along the beach, the waves rolling in at our feet, and the salty breeze making everything feel just right.

From there, it was straight to a full-on pool day.

No schedules, no plans—just lounging with a drink in hand, taking dips in the pool, and admiring the stunning view of the Sea of Cortez.

Sometimes, the best part of a trip is simply doing nothing at all!

Later in the afternoon, we took a drive down to Rodeo Drive, one of our favorite shopping spots.

Unlike the busy Malecón, Rodeo Drive offers a laid-back, less touristy shopping experience, perfect for picking up handmade souvenirs and local crafts.

To wrap up the day, we returned to JJ’s Cantina and Wrecked at the Reef for a final round of drinks and to say our goodbyes—until next time.

Frank, our fantastic waiter, was there again, making sure we ended the trip on a high note with great food, great music, and oceanfront cocktails.

But the night wasn’t over yet—Gringo Bingo at Collins Cantina was calling our names!

It’s a must-do when we’re in town, and as always, we ordered our favorite coconut shrimp with onion rings.

Pat and I played a few rounds, and she even won one of the games!

The best part? The staff at Collins—Anna, Oscar, Eduardo, and Ernesto—make us feel like family every time we visit.

Day 5: Until Next Time, Puerto Penasco

And just like that, five amazing days had come to an end!

We packed up, took one last look at the stunning Sea of Cortez, and hit the road early Friday morning.

Crossing back into the U.S. was a breeze!

At the border, we were asked to step out of the vehicle for a quick check, but within two minutes, we were back on our way.

Honestly, there’s no reason to complain about the border crossing—they’re just doing their job, and everyone we encountered was polite and efficient.

As we drove home, we couldn’t help but reflect on the trip—the whale-watching magic, the friendly faces at our favorite cantinas, the mouthwatering seafood, and the simple joys of beach walks and poolside cocktails.

After nearly 30 years of coming to Puerto Penasco, a lot has changed, but one thing remains the same: it’s still our favorite place to escape.

Until next time, Rocky Point! 🌊🌅🐋

By Diana Bird