The Old Port of Puerto Peñasco: A View Into Rocky Point’s History

Long before Rocky Point became a favorite beach getaway, Puerto Peñasco began as a small fishing camp. In the late 1920s, fishermen came from other parts of Sonora to work the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. Some stayed in tents or sheltered in caves among the rocky hills and dunes. Fishing first for totoaba and later for shrimp helped the community grow.

The harbor and waterfront grew along with the town. In 1973, new port and fishing infrastructure was delivered to the local fishing sector, strengthening an industry that had been central to Puerto Peñasco’s economy. The Old Port remains a visible reminder of that history and the city’s lasting connection to the sea.

Today, the waterfront is a place to stroll, enjoy views of the Sea of Cortez, and spend time around the Malecón Fundadores. The old harbor itself isn’t locked away from view: when you leave the marina by boat, you can still look back toward the shoreline and see the historic port area from the water.

That view offers a different way to appreciate Rocky Point not only as a vacation destination, but as a community that grew from the sea. As the boats head out, the Old Port’s working waterfront and history remain part of the scenery.