So you’ve had it with materialism, huh? The planet is in trouble and you’re determined to do your bit, not just for yourself, but for the good of everyone. But all the worrying you do for the world and for all humanity must be exhausting, and even forward thinkers like you need a break.

No condos? Perfectly understandable, considering the amount of energy and resources that could be put to better use. Luxury cruises? Ugh. All that waste and senseless use of petroleum.

Rocky Point has all of that, admittedly, but there’s more to this seaside paradise than just the wasteful world-class golf courses, the overly materialistic 5-star hotels and resorts, and the wild all-night partying by young and over-sexed college students from Arizona. Shocking, isn’t it?

Better to spend your time at the Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDA) in Las Conchas. They provide environmentally-friendly lecture tours through walks and kayaking so people can better understand just how fragile and inter-connected our world is, and why we should treat it accordingly.

Better to spend your time at the Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDA) in Las Conchas. They provide environmentally-friendly lecture tours through walks and kayaking so people can better understand just how fragile and inter-connected our world is, and why we should treat it accordingly.

To better understand the value of our seas, go scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez. The range of aquatic life in the Cholla Bay alone is spectacular! Or visit Bird Island some two hours off the coast of Rocky Point.

The authorities take conservation so seriously that the many varieties of sea birds and sea lions there are unafraid of humans. Ditto with the dolphins, but if you want to see whales, head on over between October to April. To get more up close and personal with the dolphins (not a good idea with the whales), ditch the boat and go kayaking, instead!

And did we mention volcanoes? The El Pinacate and Great Altar Desert Biosphere Reserve has more than 400 volcanic structures, including massive craters. How massive? Some of them contain their own unique biospheres. You can explore them by foot, but not all are for casual hikers since some of the landscapes can be quite challenging.

Hungry? Then head on back to the Sea of Cortez and hire yourself a fishing boat. You not only help the locals in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way, but you also get fresh fish. The fee usually includes a fishing license, fishing poles, as well as bait and tackle.

Prefer to stay on land? Then hire some horses at Sandy Beach. If you’re new to horse-back riding, relax. They pride themselves on their bomb-proof mounts – chosen for their ability to handle nervous newbies; though if you’re a seasoned pro, they have horses for you, as well. But no shorts, please, unless you enjoy chafing. Long pants and shoes are best.

At day’s end, enjoy one of the many cafés and restaurants that dot the beach. Fresh seafood is the menu du jour, of course, but they also have non-seafood options – everything from pizzas, burgers, barbecues, and a growing selection of international cuisines. If chain branches are a no-no for you, there are many small mom-and-pop places that make everything from scratch.

Be sure to take in the spectacular sunsets. And if you’re the early bird type, sunrises. Rocky Point’s desert-like climate makes for very clear weather, meaning over-the-top lighting effects when our star rises and sets.

Rocky Point isn’t just the party place for Arizonans, nor the latest hotspot for international jetsetters. It has something for everyone, even wonderful anti-consumptionists like you!