PUERTO PENASCO

• MXPPE
• Latitude: 31.3069
• Longitude: -113.546
• West Coast Central America
• Port in Mexico

Location: Pto. Peñasco Sonora Mexico

Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a popular tourist destination located in the northwestern part of the Mexican state of Sonora. It lies on the coast of the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez) and is around 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles) south of the border with Arizona in the United States.

General Description

Puerto Peñasco is a growing port city known for its beautiful beaches and recreational opportunities rather than major industrial or commercial port activities. However, it does have facilities that accommodate maritime and tourism needs, along with some fishing activities.

Key Specifications and Facilities

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 31.31° N latitude and 113.54° W longitude.
   • Proximity: Close to the Arizona-Mexico border and easily accessible from Arizona, making it a frequent destination for American tourists.

2. Port Infrastructure:

   • The port hosts marina facilities primarily aimed at recreational boating and yachting.
   • A smaller section of the port is dedicated to commercial fishing vessels.
   • Basic maintenance and refueling services are available.

3. Docking and Berthing:

   • Limited berthing space relative to larger, more industrial ports.
   • Typically, the marina may include slips for smaller recreational boats and yachts up to a moderate size.
   • Depths at berths may not accommodate very large vessels (often catering to boats under around 80 feet in length).

4. Facilities & Services:

   • Marina: Equipped with slips, basic repair services, fueling stations, and some provisions for boaters.
   • Tourism Infrastructure: Includes restaurants, shops, and accommodation options nearby.
   • Customs and Immigration: Basic facilities to handle the entry and exit of maritime tourists, especially those arriving on private watercraft from the United States.
   • Fishing: Some facilities for commercial and sport fishing, with services for catch handling and minor boat repairs.

5. Navigation:

   • Approach typically straightforward in calm weather, but can be influenced by local tidal and weather conditions.
   • Navigation should be done with updated charts and possible local guidance for best practices.

6. Environment:

   • The port is located in a region known for its arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
   • The marine environment is part of the rich biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez but is also sensitive to environmental changes.

7. Economic Activities:

   • Main economic activity revolves around tourism, with significant contributions from fishing and some commercial shipping in smaller volumes.
   • Increasingly, a hub for sightseeing tours and recreational charters.

8. Future Developments:

   • Ongoing efforts to enhance the port facilities and services to support growing tourism demands and perhaps increase small-scale trade and fishing capabilities.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities:

• Beaches: Sandy beaches like Playa Bonita and Sandy Beach attract many visitors.
• Activities: Parasailing, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, diving, and beachcombing.
• Accommodations: Hotels, resorts, vacation rentals.
• Local Cuisine: Fresh seafood, Mexican cuisine, and various dining options catering to tourists.

Conclusion

Puerto Peñasco's port mainly serves as a hub for recreational boating and tourism with some commercial fishing. While modest in scale compared to industrial ports, its facilities cater well to the leisure and tourism industry, making it an important part of the local economy. The port is continuously evolving to better serve the needs of visitors and local merchants alike.