With Spring Break right around the corner, here are some quick tips and reminders for upcoming fiestas in Rocky Point!
Passports
Since 2009, now when traveling outside of the U.S., citizens need to have a passport or passport card to get back home stateside. If you are still working to get your passport, you can go through an expedited process that takes only about 2 – 3 weeks. Need to apply for a new passport, or looking to renew…. visit: Passports – travel.state.gov (good for international travel between the US and Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean).
Where to stay
Ok, now that the passport process is underway – or if you already have a passport and are a well-seasoned traveler, you know the next step is to figure out where you’ll be staying. The best spot to find links to plenty of hotels around town is www.cometorockypoint.com plus be sure to check out the Accommodations tab under Travel Info here on RockyPoint360.
Driving tips, insurance & shuttles
Border info: The Lukeville/Sonoyta entry is closed between midnight and 6 a.m.
Insurance
While some U.S. insurance companies do extend their comprehensive and collision coverage into Mexico, none of these offers Liability coverage in Mexico, which is required by law. You can purchase Mexican Insurance online prior to travel, as well as over the phone or at numerous spots along the drive down (for example in Ajo, Why, or at the gas station in Lukeville just before crossing). Check out the easy links on our site for ProAlliance Insurance (local agency) and Sanborn’s Insurance.
Shuttles from Phoenix
Head Out to Rocky Point: Advanced booking preferred, both for groups and individuals (One-way and solo travelers based on availability). Airport pickup available. Reservations can be done through their contact sheet online at: www.headouttorockypoint.com or by phone: 602-971-0166 or Toll-Free: 866-443-2368 Head Out is also on Facebook, though reservations still need to be done through their site or by phone. Urgent messages (checking on last minute availability, etc.): Please CALL rather than email! Also, be sure to leave a detailed message and they will call back as soon as they can. (Before departing Phoenix or Puerto Peñasco, Mike and Lynelle always check messages.)
Transporte Supremo: Tel: (602) 455-9522, (480) 733-5908 Mondays thru Sundays 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. Offices and shuttle departures from: 2902 W. Van Buren #6 Phoenix, AZ 85009
Driving Tips
When driving to Rocky Point….watch the speed limit signs!!!! This is particularly true when nearing and going through Ajo and through Sonoyta just as you cross into Mexico. Important: the traffic signs in Mexico are in kilometers and just as you cross the border you will see signs that go from 60 kilometers to 20 kilometers shortly after entering the country (yes, speed trap!); often policias are there ready to remind you. After a fun-filled week in Rocky Point, when driving back to the U.S. border it is VERY IMPORTANT to drop your speed to 40 kilometers/hour just as you near the final curve leading into Sonoyta – yes, that is another speed trap. Be sure to review our notes on Crossing the Border as to how much and what you can bring down!
Checkpoints
When driving to Rocky Point, you will come across border patrol checkpoints on the US side (though you only have to slow down when heading South, not stop for revision – stop on your way back North) and police and/or military checkpoints on the Mexican side of the border. These are all for your safety! *IMPORTANT* There is a checkpoint shortly before you come to Rocky Point, just near the turn-off to the Coastal Highway and exit toward Mayan Palace. There you will be asked simple questions as to where you are coming from, and where you are going. Again, this is an overall safety measure to ensure everyone has a pleasant stay in town. Caravanning with a group of friends? Even better.
Random FAQs
Drink the water? No to tap water though you can brush your teeth with it and of course bathe. All restaurants will have “garrafons” of water (bottled water jugs) as well as smaller bottled water options for drinking.
Flush the toilet paper? Generally, no. What…what kind of question is that? The plumbing in most of Mexico (and throughout many parts of Latin America and beyond) is different than in the U.S. and does not tend to break down paper very well so – here it goes – if there is a trash can located near the toilet, there will generally be a sign stating “Please deposit paper in can, not in the toilet” “No tire papel en el excusado!” In some of the more modern resorts, there will be no can near the toilet, meaning paper can be flushed down.
Sun protection? Yes – do it….sunscreen, hats, caps, etc.
Pack jewelry and valuable stuff? If you don’t need it, don’t bring it as that’s one less thing to worry about.
Clothing? Warm to hot sunny days and cool nights – bring at least a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, plus jeans – it’s not all shorts and bikinis in March….sorry.
What kind of shoes? Be prepared to have sand in and on your shoes, no matter what you bring. Be comfortable…it’s the beach! Yes, there are some clubs if you’re looking to strut your heels and yes, you’ll get sand in them. Plus, bring comfortable tennis shoes or hiking boots if you plan to try out an ecotour at CEDO or visit the craters or dunes at the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve.
Street food? There are some great taco, hotdog, and other food stands across town. We happen to frequent a number of taco places almost weekly and definitely have our favorites. During Spring Break or other big holidays (like Semana Santa) there are a flurry of other carts that pop up around town. Basically, be sensible. If you are afraid of getting sick from eating off a street cart, don’t do it – pick out a favorite restaurant instead. If you are looking forward to trying a Sonoran hot-dog wrapped in bacon, or the terrific carne asada tacos (beef) or tacos al pastor (pork), do it. Wash your hands frequently, or use antibacterial gel (set up in restaurants and other spots in town) as a good way to stay healthy.
Drinks? The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 and we ask everyone to be smart when going out. Have fun, but make sure you get home safely (and remember where you are staying)!! There are taxis available all over town, as well as at the hotels and resorts – they generally charge per person though we recommend checking with your hotel as to what the “average” taxi ride rate may be. Make sure someone in your group remains a designated driver if you’re planning on driving, but again…take advantage of the taxis and travel with friends (always travel with at least one other person – and hopefully one of you will remember where you’re staying).
ATVs, ultralights, & helmets? Yes, they’re around and yes, wear a helmet! ATVs are not allowed on the main roads through town, so stay to the sand and dunes – don’t speed past cars on paved roads even on the sand shoulder next to the road.
Emergency numbers: In Mexico, dial 066 in case of an emergency – plus you can dial 911 for English services. The Red Cross is located on Blvd. Fremont right near the Fire Department and is easily spotted if needed, open around the clock. Plus, as a tremendous service to the community, contact Rosie Glover of ProAlliance Insurance who will assist with emergencies around the clock (in Spanish/English) as needed Office: (638)388-6624 and cell: 044-638-112-0134
Let us know what questions you have about Spring Break, or join the Spring Break Forum with us on Facebook at: RockyPoint 360 Discussion Forums