Find the Fish Market
- Where: along the Malecón in the Old Port of Puerto Peñasco, where a row of seafood stalls and shops faces the water.
- From the lodge: about 15 to 20 minutes by car.
- When to go: mornings have the best selection, and hours vary by vendor. Fresh shrimp season runs roughly September through March.
- Parking: street parking near the Malecón.
Pair it with lunch on the Malecón. Our sister site has a guide to Puerto Peñasco restaurants.
Buy Shrimp Like a Local
Shrimp are sold by size count: the number of shrimp per pound or kilo. The lower the number, the bigger the shrimp.
| Size | Typical count | Best for | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colossal | U10 to U12 per pound | Grilling, showing off | About $11 per lb |
| Jumbo | 21/25 per pound | Grilling, coconut shrimp | About $9 per lb |
| Large | 31/35 per pound | Tacos, shrimp cocktail | About $8 per lb |
| Medium | 36/40 per pound | Ceviche, soups, pasta | About $5 to $7 per lb |
Prices are approximate, from local reports between 2018 and 2020, and they move with the season and the exchange rate, so expect to pay more today. Checked October 2026.
How to buy:
- Check freshness. Firm shells, no strong smell, no black spots.
- Ask to see the size. Compare a few vendors.
- Head-on or headless. Headless is easier to pack.
- Bargain politely on larger amounts. Buying several kilos usually gets a better price.
- Ask about packing. Many vendors will bag or freeze shrimp for travel.
Pick Other Seafood
- Fresh fish: if your boat day got blown out, you can still have fish tacos.
- Scallops and other shellfish. A sport fishing license only covers finfish, so the market is where to get shellfish legally.
- Ready-to-eat: shrimp cocktails and ceviche from stands near the market.
Bring It Home
Seafood for personal use is generally allowed back into the U.S., but you must declare it at the border.
- Freeze shrimp flat in sealed bags at the lodge.
- Pack tight in a cooler with ice.
- Declare all seafood at Lukeville.
See bringing fish back from Mexico for the full process. USDA does not regulate most seafood travelers bring in, but CBP still requires you to declare it (USDA APHIS, checked October 2026).
Cook It at the House
The lodge has a fully equipped kitchen and a rooftop patio, which is all you need for a shrimp boil or garlic shrimp tacos after a day on the water. See the lodge →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the fish market in Rocky Point?
The main fish market area is on the Malecón in the Old Port of Puerto Peñasco, where vendors sell shrimp, fish, and other seafood.
How much is shrimp at the Rocky Point fish market?
Shrimp is priced by size, and larger shrimp cost more. Local reports from 2018 to 2020 put medium shrimp around $5 to $7 per pound and colossal shrimp around $11 per pound. Prices change with the season and the exchange rate, so expect current prices to be higher.
Can I bring shrimp back to the U.S. from Rocky Point?
Seafood for personal use is generally allowed, but you must declare it at the border. Check CBP's current rules before you buy.
Can I catch my own shrimp or scallops?
No. A Mexican sport fishing license covers finfish only. Shellfish are reserved for commercial fishermen, so buy them at the market.