Spring Break is just around the corner and the town of Rocky Point is really looking forward to our young visitors. Before you head off to the beach however, here are a few travel tips to make your southern excursion the best it can be.

Don’t forget your passport. However, if you do forget your passport, don’t panic. I’ve been hearing rumors that as long as you have a valid driver’s license they’ll let you back in. No telling what the delay is however, so just bring your passport.

Don’t carry more than 3 liters of wine, alcohol, or beer in your vehicle when you cross the border (additional 2 liters is permitted if the passenger is an adult). We personally witnessed someone trying to cross the border with a case of 15 bottles of liquor. The fine for the driver and two passengers was $133 each. They claimed they were just transporting for the rest of the caravan that had already made it through.   It’s the same price or less to buy in Rocky Point, so save yourself a lot of time and trouble and wait until you get there. 

If you haven’t been to Rocky Point in a while, don’t be surprised or intimidated by the changes at the border. There is now a U.S. check point just before the Mexico Port of Entry. The agents will ask if you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash, or are carrying any firearms or ammunition. If you’re not, they’ll just pass you through. No ID is required at this checkpoint. 

The Mexico Port of Entry recently received a nice face lift and now has two lanes. If you get a green light, just go on through. If you get the red, you will need to pull over and provide vehicle registration and ID (driver only). The agents may ask to take a look inside the vehicle. This inspection is usually quick and painless. That is unless you are carrying 15 bottles of booze! 

Be sure to pay attention to the speed limit after you cross the border. Initially the speed is 60 km/h but quickly drops to 20 km/h. Just keep it around 25 mph going through Sonoyta and you’ll be just fine. 

If you do happen to get stopped for speeding in Sonoyta or Rocky Point, NEVER try and bribe the officer. A traffic fee is usually around $25 and should be paid at the Police Station. The officers speak English and are very friendly, so again, don’t panic if you get a ticket. 

It is 90km from Sonoyta to Rocky Point (about 1 hr). This highway is well patrolled by federal and local officers. If you happen to break down, be patient. Guaranteed a Green Angel’s vehicle will be along shortly to assist you. This is a free road-side assistance service that runs 7 days a week between Rocky Point and Sonoyta. 

During peak traffic times such as Spring Break there are usually a few check points in Mexico. For example as you enter Rocky Point you’ll probably receive a pamphlet that talks about the dangers of drunk driving and other safety related topics. These are all designed to ensure your safety and enhance your stay in Rocky Point.  Taxi service anywhere in Rocky Point is around $2 per person. There are an abundance of taxi cabs which makes it very easy for you to park, ride, and have fun.

There are so many fun things to do in Rocky Point it would be too much to list everything here. A quick Google or Facebook search will get you all the details you need on what’s going on. Just know that all of the businesses here are looking forward to your visit and most likely will be offering enticing discounts and specials.

If you haven’t yet reserved a place to stay, here a just a few of the many, many options available. Playa Bonita Hotel & Resort , Laos Mar, Hotel Penasco Del Sol. For one stop shopping on houses and condos contact Seaside Reservations or if you prefer a quaint little Bed & Breakfast in Cholla Bay, give Gretchen a call 623-640-8309. Again a quick online search will provide a complete list of available accommodations.

If you have any questions or concerns during your stay, contact the Rocky Point Tourism and Visitor’s Assistance Office, which provides free, bilingual 24-hour assistance to all visitors. Their office is located on Blvd. Benito Juarez, in the same building as Manny’s Tequilla Factory. My little nail salon, Peñasco Beauty Center, has also become quite the hub for tourist information. So if you have any questions, need directions or a recommendation about where to eat or an update on what’s happening in town, just stop in. We are right next to SuperLey, on Constitucion and we also speak English.

What’s most important is that you relax and have a great time while you’re here in Rocky Point.! The weather is great, the beaches are beautiful and we have the best food and entertainment of all Spring Break destinations. For those of you that have been here before you know how true this is and welcome back!  You virgins are in for a great treat.