The Seashell Museum

Edif. Agustín Cortés S/N, Fracc, Las Conchas, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Hours

The SeaShell Museum is open per CEDO schedule, Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost

There is no fee to visit CEDO or The SeaShell Museum, though donations are greatly appreciated.

About

The Seashell Museum is now located at CEDO Intercultural near the iconic whale bone in Las Conchas. This beautifully curated private collection showcases seashells gathered and preserved by longtime Rocky Point resident Naomi Black.

History & Accomplishments

In the summer of 2017, Russ and Naomi Black created the museum next to Naomi’s shop, Sea Debris, which opened in January 2018. In 2025, Naomi partnered with the Intercultural Center for Desert and Ocean Studies (CEDO Intercultural) to relocate the museum to Las Conchas.

Since opening, it has been voted the #1 museum in the State of Sonora by TripAdvisor and has welcomed over 3,500 visitors from countries including Australia, Belarus, Canada, Chile, Germany, the Philippines, Mexico (10 states), and the United States (25 states). The museum is family-friendly and offers free admission to all visitors.

While exploring the Seashell Museum at CEDO, be sure to visit the gift shop for Naomi’s 32-page coloring book, “A Special Seashell Sunday.” Illustrated by Tina Green, this educational and engaging book is perfect for kids and costs $15 USD (with free shipping in the US).

What's at the Seashell Museum?

The collection features seashells native to the Sea of Cortez and collected around the Puerto Peñasco area. Each shell is carefully labeled with its name, size, and origin.

You can also purchase a 24” x 36” Seashell Identifier Poster created by Naomi in collaboration with In Focus Photography (Manny Sanchez). Packed with information on local shells, it’s available at the museum or online for $25 USD — a wonderful keepsake to help you identify shells during beach walks.

Hours of Operation

The Seashell Museum at CEDO is open to the public Monday through Saturday, following CEDO’s business hours (approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). While you're there, ask about CEDO Xperiences for guided outdoor adventures exploring the desert and sea.

Local Tips

  • Look for the whale bone in Las Conchas to easily find CEDO and the Seashell Museum.
  • Admission is free, though donations are greatly appreciated to support CEDO’s educational programs.

Location

Edif. Agustín Cortés S/N, Fracc, Las Conchas, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Frequently Asked Questions

Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) is in northwestern Sonora, Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez, about 1 hour from the Lukeville Port of Entry in Arizona at the US/Mexico border.

Rocky Point is about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, approximately 220 miles away, and a similar 4-hour drive from Tucson, at a distance of 215 miles.

The Lukeville border crossing operates daily from 6 am to 8 pm, with occasional extended hours. It is the most popular entry point for travelers driving from Arizona.

The best times to visit Rocky Point, Mexico, are from March to May and September to November, when the weather is more comfortable, and the town is bustling with activities. For beach enthusiasts who love warm weather, October is ideal, with average highs around 88°F.

Seasonal Activity Tips:

  • Spring (March-May): Perfect for beach outings, water sports, and exploring tide pools. Spring break also brings lively events and entertainment.
  • Fall (September-November): Great for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying local festivals like the Shrimp Festival.
  • October: A prime month for swimming and sunbathing, as the sea remains warm and inviting.
  • Winter (December-February): While cooler, it's a fantastic time for whale watching and quieter beach strolls.
  • Summer (June-August): Though hot, it's ideal for diving, snorkeling, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.

Rocky Point is home to the Mar de Cortes international airport, which currently serves private and charter planes exclusively.

Though commercial airlines have previously operated flights to destinations like Tijuana and Hermosillo, there are currently no commercial air services available.

More questions

More questions?

Feel free to send us an email with any and all questions you might have regarding the start of a Casago Franchise!

We'd love to help answer your questions!