Arrrrr … Kidnapped by pirates in Puerto Penasco!

The late afternoon shadows cut across the harbor like swords drawn for battle. With little time to spare, I leaped heroically on board the pirate ship El Rey Del Mar. My wife, daughter and daughter's friend were being led to the front of the ship and I had to stop this madness before they hit the open sea.

"Avast ye!" I yelled. "Unhand those fair maidens or I'll, I'll … oh, okay. Sure, I'll take a margarita."

The young man looked at me rather strangely, and then went back to the galley to get our drinks. I plopped down on the bench next to Julie, while my fantasy dissolved into the briny air.

Okay, so they really weren't kidnapped. In fact I had to pay to get them on board, but it was money well-spent.

We had joined the crew of the Rey Del Mar on a New Years Eve sunset cruise out of Puerto Penasco. Captained (and owned) by Juan Antonio Sanabria, the Rey Del Mar is one of several boats the company uses for party cruises. It also has the most character, decked out with so many Jolly Rogers, eye patches and buccaneers that you'll be shouting "Yo ho ho!" in no time.

Once at sea the crew fills you with food and beverage, and gets you involved in playing audience-participation games (you know, the type of situation where you're not afraid to ham it up because you already are feeling "enthusiastic" from the margaritas. Not that I would know.)

It's a lot of fun and I would highly recommend it for a memorable diversion. Captain Tony also has a second ship, El Rey Del Mar II, which is currently docked in Guaymas ready for more swashbuckling action.

For more information, contact Del Mar Charters at 520-407-6054.