8.6.20 Puerto Peñasco Convention and Visitors Bureau
As had been anticipated, and in accordance with Puerto Peñasco’s economic reactivation, city beaches were reopened to the public on August 1st. Everyone can now enjoy our area beaches, though under a series of protocols meant to help contain the spread of Covid-19.
The day highly anticipated by residents and visitors alike, that of being able to spend an afternoon on the beach in front of the Sea of Cortez, is now a reality, though everyone must follow a series of guidelines under this new normality. All these steps are aimed to protect every member of local families and guests.
According to official information, the filter that has been in place for months at the entry to town will remain though with varied health measures. The sanitization tunnel is now installed at the sole entry to Playa Hermosa.
Each beach has its own entry protocols, given beach conditions and characteristics.
Beach hours include 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. for those wishing to exercise, and from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. for general recreation.
On Playa Hermosa, which is the shoreline that historically has the greatest influx of visitors, the only access point is that located at the “Bajada de los Guardados” (just before the entry to the Navy Sector palapa). A sanitation tunnel and thermal cameras have been installed at this entry, and visitors must wear a mask (nose/mouth covering) when entering beach through the filter.
With support from the Tourism Auxiliary Unit, visitors are designated an area where they can set up. This provides for greater distribution while preventing crowding. Once set up at your spot on the beach, you may remove your mask.
Maximum 5 people allowed per tent, and it is recommended you exercise safety health measures with staff assisting in setting up the tent.
No glass bottles allowed for alcoholic beverages or otherwise, as Covid-19 can remain on glass for up to 3 days.
There are separate trash containers for discarding of masks.
Along Sandy Beach, each resort is responsible for fulfilling social distancing provisions issued by the Federal Government as well as monitoring there is no crowding on beaches.
In Cholla Bay, the security booth at the entry will monitor access to this area. Currently, entry to the beach is next to JJ’s Restaurant/Bar, while vehicle access is not allowed for this area of the beach. This entry is only open for pedestrians, to prevent crowding.
In the Mirador, the access point is at Manny’s Beach, which includes a sanitation tunnel and thermal camera staffed by restaurant personnel.
Beach vendors are permitted to circulate. Use of masks, gloves, and antibacterial gel is required when purchasing items or interacting with vendors.
For the beaches of Las Conchas, Miramar, San Jorge, Playa Encanto, Morua Estuary, Cierro Prieto and the oyster farm area, there will be continuous patrolling to ensure there is no agglomeration of people. Maximum group size of 10, following provisions issued by the Federal Government.
It is undoubtedly a pleasure to once again breathe in the sea air in this corner of the world, plus enjoy the blue ocean and sandy beaches after so many months of staying at home with loved ones. Yet, it’s important to always follow the new guidelines to be sure your visit to the beach is safe and enjoyable along with your friends, family, or even when alone, guaranteeing the least possible health risks.
As part of the health safety protocols at beach access points, it’s important to note random rapid tests will be applied as well as testing on persons that present symptoms, such as a high temperature. These tests will be free (at the beach access point) for anyone looking to enjoy our beautiful Sea of Cortez.