TIBURON ISLAND

Majestic island which belongs to the highly spiritual Seri tribe, was listed as aconservation natural area under the protection of the state government. As human settlements have been prohibited, it represents a heaven for exotic flora and fauna, such as the wild or white-tail lamb, which exist in this sanctuary of nature at no risk. It ispossible to visit the island provided a permit from state authorities, and so responsibly enjoy this unique environment or even practice some diving, snorkeling and fishing.

EL PINICATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Volcanic and desert region with a surface of no less than 715,000 hectares, subject to scientific research and provider of family oriented recreation. Despite its extremely arid climate, the area is home to 554 flora species such as brickellia and a small pine tree called ocotillo, as well as to 41 species of native mammals, 49 different reptiles and amphibious, and 237 types of birds like the golden eagle and the red tail falcon.

The volcanic area is conformed by thousand-years craters such as the Mc Dougal, Badillo, Molina, Carvajales, Volcan Grande and Cerro Dorado craters.

The Reserve also contains numerous remains of the Papago tribe, which inhabited the area in pre-Hispanic times, and left behind traces of their rituals and celebrations in the Pinicate.

FISHING PORTS

For those who truly enjoy fishing, the state of Sonora offers six fishing ports to get on board and hit the waters. The Kino Bay stands out for its fishing and tourist importance, as it is home to giant squid, spot, black and white, tuna and maigre, as well as the native doncella, cabrilla and barrilete.

The San Carlos beach and port represents a popular destination for those in search of fully-fledged sport fishing, as it provides a more than adequate infrastructurewhich includes two Marinas able to take care of some 700 boats, and of course a wide variety of marine life ready for the catch, in fact as many as 800 species such as the horse mackerel, tuna, sail-fish, salmon and goldfish, just to name a few. Known as "The Jewel of the Sea of Cortez", every year in July it hosts the traditional International Fishing Tournament of San Carlos.

Another port, known as Puerto Penasco, offers 100 kilometers of peaceful beaches for relaxation or a little fishing at the rocky archipelago of the San Jorge island, abundant in sawfish, snapper and sail-fish. This port is also the site for various tourist contests organized by the local tourist development authorities and by a private group called "La Choya Bay Club".

Other ideal locations for amateur or professional diving in the area include La Bahia del Muerto, Las Ventanas, Punta Chueca, Isla Tiburon, Ensenada Chica and Ensenada Grande, Isla Patod and Isla San Pedro Nolasco.

HUNTING

Sonora has one of the best sceneries for hunting around Mexico. Its rich bio-diversity and more than 300 hunting ranches provide the specialized visitor with the necessary ingredients and international standards for a memorable experience.

It is possible to spot highly prized species like the wild lamb or the bura deer, both coveted hunting trophies around the world. Of course the area is inhabited by a larger collection of potential targets, including the collar wild-boar, white-tail deer, quail, turkey, duck, goose and pigeon.