Rocky Point Mexico

Isla San Jorge, also known as “Bird Island” is an amazing destination and should be high on any traveler’s list of places to visit when in Rocky Point. This little island is 28 miles from Puerto Peñasco, and it only takes about an hour by boat to get there. 

Just as the sun is setting

On your way to Bird Island, get your camera ready because there is a good chance that you will be traveling with a pod or two of local bottle nose dolphins that call the Sea of Cortez their home! They are curious by nature and will swim alongside the boat and occasionally jump out!  In the winter months, you may also have a huge treat in store: Whales!  Fin whales, Grey whales, killer whales, and occasionally Pilot whales migrate to the northern part of the Sea of Cortez in search of warmer waters.  They can be seen as early as October and as late as April. The majestic Fin whales can grow up to 100 feet long and are quite a sight to see in the wild.

Just out playing

Once at Bird Island, expect to see over 3,500 sea lions and a menagerie of birds; some of which only live on the islands in the Sea of Cortez. Bird Island is a government protected habitat, so humans are not allowed on the island itself, but you are allowed to get close!  Snorkeling and scuba diving with the sea lions can be a great experience for the whole family.  If you are not interested in getting wet, not to worry!  A few of the local charter companies offer kayaking as part of the tour to Bird Island. You can kayak right up to the island to get a close peek at the sea lions and birds.  If you venture to the island from late May through July you could possibly see a sea lion give birth!  The bull sea lions are very territorial during this time and will warn you by barking very loudly if you are getting too close.  Swimming near the shore and kayaking too close might not be a good idea, but what a wonderful experience if you get to see a live birth! Towards the end of summer and beginning of fall the new “pups” are swimming and the bulls are less concerned about visitors.  The new pups and the yearlings are very playful and curious. They will swim right up to you if you are scuba diving or snorkeling to get a good look at you. This is a wonderful trip for the whole family, and should definitely be put on the “must do” list next time you are visiting Rocky Point!

You can get pretty close!

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