1.  Snorkeling with the Sea Lions on Bird Island.

        About 20 miles south of Rocky Point lies the island of San Jorge, (Bird Island), home to over two-thousand Sea Lions and over 20 species of birds including the endangered Blue-foot Booby, found only here and in the Galapagos. 

       Several companies in Rocky Point offer tours out to the island.  Our favorite is Lobo Del Mar because they take you out from San Jorge beach, 20 minutes south of Rocky Point.  Then the boat trip to the island is only about 30 minutes rather than nearly 2 hours by boat from Rocky Point. 

       You can simply sight-see if you like but we highly recommend donning snorkeling gear and getting in the water.  The Sea Lions are very friendly.  The small ones are very excited to see you and swim right up to play.  The larger ones are more reserved but quite used to humans.  This is truly a one of a kind experience. 

        To book a trip simply visit the Lobo Del Mar office in Rocky Point.  It is only a couple of blocks from the condo on the street that goes to the boats in the port.   Just take a right at Kino's convenience store off Calle 13.  Or visit them on-line at this link:  http://www.lobodelmar.com     

2.  Picking Clams in Cholla Bay.

 
         If you like fresh seafood, grab a  plastic bag and head up to Cholla Bay at low tide.   Stop in at the famous JJ's Cantina for a drink, then head out the back door down the steps to the bay.   The tide in this bay actually goes in and out several miles so look at a tide chart and pick a time when the water is low.  Get close to the water line and feel around in the sand.  It won't be long before you get the hang of finding the clams.   They are more concentrated in certain areas so look around until you begin to find several in a small area. 

         Take them home and rinse the sand off.   Steam them just until they open with a little white wine and onions.   Dip them in butter, lime and a little hot sauce. 

          If you want to use a rake to feel for the clams you can pick one up along with a netted clamming bag for $5.00 at The Sun n' Fun Dive Shop near the Old Port.   They are very friendly and have other equipment, charters and activities available also.   You can visit their web site at this link:  http://www.sun-n-fun-divers.com/index.htm

3. Snorkel in the Rocks Right Outside the Condo.  

         The rocks and tide pools just in front of the Marina Pinacate resort can provide hours of entertainment.   The sea life is bountiful.  Everything from baby Octopus to Sea Anemones and Fiddler Crabs can be found in the cracks and crevices of the rocks and tide pools.   When snorkeling at high tide you often see thick schools of sardines and other small fish swimming by.  Snorkeling equipment can be rented at Sun n' Fun also.

         Want to know a little more about what you are looking at in the tide pools?   See the next adventure.

4.   The Cet-Mar Aquarium.

            Always a favorite with the kids the Cet-mar aquarium features small tide-pool areas where you can learn about and touch the small animals living in the Sea of Cortez.  There are also large aquarium pools containing sea turtles, shrimp, eels, fish and even a couple of sea lions.   Food packets are sold for the turtles and sea lions so you can feed them yourself. 

            The aquarium is located near the entrance to the Las Conchas gated community out Blvd. Fremont south of town. 

                         
Phone: 382-0010
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Cost: $3 adults, $1 children.

5.  Sea of Cortez Fishing.  

          Fishing options are plentiful in the area.   For shore fishing just bring a good surf casting rod or two and pick up some squid at Pompano's down by the Old Port.  Fish the squid off the bottom for Sea Bass, Triggerfish or Flounder.   Or cast a shiny spoon for Corvina and other fish.  You don't need a fishing license to fish from shore. 

          For a fishing boat charter talk to Lobo Del Mar,  Sun n' Fun Dive Shop, or just go down toward the old port across from Pompano's and charter a Panga boat or small cabin cruiser right there.   Fishing boats run from $40 to $80 per person depending on the length of the trip and amenities (fishing license included).  It is best to start off in the morning when the sea is generally calm.  Take some non-drowsy Dramamine or some ginger root just to make sure sea sickness doesn't ruin your trip.

6.  Restuarants and Dining. 

           The Marina Pinacate resort is centrally located near many restaurants so there is no need to drive to get something to eat.   Just take a stroll down Calle 13 and sample anything from the tacos and chickens grilled on wood fires to the many Mexican specialties and seafood.  Seafood is king in Rocky Point because of the bounty available fresh from the Sea of Cortez.   Shrimp and fish are always good and are made in many different ways. 

            A short drive or cab ride from the condo will bring you to the Old Port area.  The seaside Restaurants in this area are always one of our first stops.   The Ceviche, fish tacos and cocktails are excellent and inexpensive.   You can also grab a Rocky Point Times, the Restaurant Guide, or any of a number of new publications and peruse the ads for restaurant specials and locations.  Many places offer a free drink or appetizer coupon.

             The restaurant business is flourishing in Rocky Point with new places to try on every trip.  They are all unique, never chains, and they are one of our favorite things about the area.  (Personal recommendations available, e-mail faville41@yahoo.com )

7.  The Beach. 

        Let's not forget the main attraction.   Swim in the rolling waves and never worry about rip-tides or strong currents.  Rent a 4-wheeler, take a ride on a banana boat, go para-sailing, go water skiing or horseback riding.  There is even a guy who gives rides on an ultra-light airplane if you are there at the right time. 

        Local vendors set up shop in front of the Plaza Las Glorias selling sunglasses, jewelry, hats, curios and local artist creations.   Have your hair braided, fly a kite, or grab a seafood cocktail served in a coconut shell.

        Want a little more privacy?   Take a walk toward Cholla bay. Sandy beach goes on for over 6 miles.  Or you can hop in the car and go to any of the beaches stretching miles and miles from town in either direction. 

We will be adding more adventures and comments from condo guests.   Send yours in if you have a favorite experience.   E-mail anytime:  faville41@yahoo.com  

 For discount reservations contact us directly at faville41@yahoo.com