Rental Cars
The word on the street is that the major rental car companies do not allow their vehicles to be driven into Mexico. That is not entirely true. There is at least one major rental car company that WILL allow their vehicles to be driven here, provided you purchase Mexican insurance (which you would need to do in any case, even driving your own U.S.-insured vehicle). This enlightened company is Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click on its name to go to the web site, where they have location and contact information.
Snorkeling and Dive Trips
I have it on good authority that the diving and snorkeling opportunities in and around Puerto Peñasco are excellent. If this is your bag, a good place to start would be at the Sun N' Fun Dive Shop. They have rental equipment available and can arrange boat charters and group trips. I understand the dive trip to Bird Island is a good one.
Kayak Rentals
This is kayak country! One of the most fun ways to explore the near-shore waters and estuaries is by sea kayak. A real treat is to be paddling along and have dolphins suddenly appear and go through their antics while you're practically eyeball to eyeball. Kayaks are available for rent from Jeff and Audrey in the Old Port, across from the Thrifty Ice Cream store. They don't have a website but can be reached by phone at 011-52-638-383-6209. Locally, just dial the last seven digits.
Boat Rides and Cruises
Another fun thing to do while you're here is go on a short cruise. Several boats offer sunset cruises, which are always fun, and some will go out for a half day or more, to places like Bird Island or just up and down the coast to see the marine sights. Dolphins are almost always around, and it's a treat to watch them play and zoom around the boat.
Fishing Trips and Whale Watching
And what would a visit to the Sea of Cortez be without a fishing expedition? There are numerous pongas (open boats, about 26' to 30' in length) that work out of the harbor area, and it's easy enough to get hooked up with one by cruising through the Old Port area and watching for the guy along the road making "reeling-in" motions with his hands and arms. A better bet, if you're into a little more in the way of creature comforts, would be Santiago's Ocean Services. Their main thing is fishing trips, although they also offer whale watching trips, Bird Island cruises, sunset cruises, and parasailing adventures.
Shopping
Shopping is, of course, just about everywhere, from the ubiquitous curio shops to upscale shops and boutiques and furniture stores. A trip to the "Cholla Mall" should be requisite, and don't miss the smaller shops in the Old Port area, many of which have interesting articles and accessories from all parts of Mexico.
The Hacienda was furnished in large measure by the folks at Casa Bonita, who have recently expanded their offerings to include custom manufacturing of wooden furniture. Their new designs are nothing but "drop dead" gorgeous, so be sure the check them out at their new location in the Old Port. In the meantime, check out the Casa Bonita website for a preview.
Weather Report
Someday we plan to ask the Chamber of Commerce for their version of the weather picture, but for now here is a summary based on your innkeeper's observations over the past five years or so. Fall and spring are generally delightful, with temperatures ranging from the 70's to the 80's. By mid to late July the temperatures climb into the 90's on occasion, and the humidity increases. August and early September tend to be hot and very humid, and this is the time of year many local residents, including the Hacienda innkeepers, take their annual vacation. The winter is cooler, with daytime temperatures generally in the mid 60's, dropping into the high 50's to low 60's at night.
There are a number of sites providing up to date weather reports and forecasts. We have included a link to the weather report for this area that is included at the Yahoo site. Check the current weather.
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