Going to Puerto Penasco (aka "Rocky Point" by Americans), Mexico? Below is a step by step instructions with photos to hopefully to make your trip easier and enjoyable!
Many of the information and photos from this web site is courtesy of Synergy Reservations Inc., serving Rocky Point since 1987.
Please call 888-628-9820 (Toll Free from USA) for all your travel needs to Rocky Point, Mexico.
Here is a web site that would be a helpful tool to "navigate" around the beautiful town of Rocky Point, Mexico with text and photos.
The information below are mostly from my experiences at Puerto Penasco, Mexico and I hope it will make your travel there less confusing and more fun for you and your family.
The web site starts out at Ajo, Arizona (approximately 45 miles north of the Mexican border) to the border town of Lukeville, Arizona and ends at various places in Puerto Penasco (aka Rocky Point), Mexico.
The information in this website attempts to be as correct as possible, and it's purpose is only as a Puerto Penasco, Mexico tourist guide and nothing more.
However, if you have any suggestions and/or recommendations to improve (or correct mis-information, updates, etc.) this website, you can reach me at my email address: tanakajd at netzero dot com
Thank you for any inputs you may have!
This website was last updated: June 20, 2015.
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Step [1] Our trip starts in Ajo, Arizona. Arizona Highway #85 is the main route to the Lukeville / Mexico border, once you are out of the Phoenix area.
From Tucson take Highway #86 until it meets up with Highway #85 in Why, Arizona.
NOTE: There is a good restaurant just west of Tucson along Highway #86 called Cindy Lou's 2, 15270 West Ajo Highway Tucson, Arizona 85735 Phone: (520) 578-1503. Menu
Another good restaurant is Todd's Restaurant at Ryan Field, 9700 West Ajo Way, Tucson, Arizona Phone: (520) 883-7770 breakfast & lunch open everyday 8am-2pm
Highway #85 runs right through Gila Bend, Ajo and Why. If you have not purchased your Mexican auto insurance, a good place is Ajo Insurance Service.
The Ajo Insurance Service Office is located next to the Chevron Gas Station, Highway #85.
Left Photo Below: Ajo, Arizona.
Right Photo Below: Map showing roads to Puerto Penasco from Arizona and New Mexico. Click the photo for a Larger Map.
From Ajo, it's about 45 minutes to the Lukeville / Mexico border. The next town you pass through is Why, Arizona, about 10 minutes after Ajo.
If you are traveling from Tucson, you would take Highway #86 to Why, Arizona. Then take Highway #85 to the border.
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Step [2] Here is the border crossing at Lukeville, Arizona. Please read NOTES 1-5 below before entering Mexico.
NOTE-1: Ensure you have your US Passport as you will need that when returning back to the USA.
NOTE-2: Absolutely no firearms or ammunition of any kind are allowed into Mexico. If you are caught in possession, you will be arrested.
NOTE-3: Ensure you have Mexican Automobile Insurance with a recommended liability coverage of $500K. If you are involved in an accident, you are guilty until proven innocent.
A rental car from the US is usually not permitted, but check with the rental agency before entering Mexico.
NOTE-4: The border crossing is open 7 days a week, however it is closed between midnight and 6am everyday. However, it is highly recommended you travel only in daylight hours.
NOTE-5: If at all possible, try avoiding crossing the border into Mexico Friday afternoon (or at the start of a Holiday) due to increased traffic.
Conversely, returning back to the USA on Sunday (or at the end of a Holiday) can also be congested.
The website to check for border crossing wait times. Check Lukeville and select "Proceed".
Left Photo Below: Lukeville (aka, "ABC Gringo") gas station on the USA side, which is about 50 yards from the border and this station is your last chance to buy US gas before entering Mexico.
Gas stations in Mexico are "Pemex" and there are several in Puerto Penasco and they usually have diesel as well.
Right Photo Below: Shows several stores, including one store that sells cologne, perfume and alcohol. The border is just visible to the left, just beyond the parked row of cars.
Rocky Point is approx 63 miles once you cross the border, so fill up the gas tank and be on your way.
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Step [3] At the Mexican / USA border inspection point.
Left Photo Below: The border from the USA side. If you get the green light, you have passed customs. Continue on and you are now 63 miles from Puerto Penasco. Please drive safe and have fun.
Right Photo Below: If you get a red light pull over for an inspection.
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Step [4] Once you cross the border, you are in Sonoita (usually spelled incorrect: Sonoyta), Mexico.
Left Photo Below: From the border you will drive approximately a 1.5 miles until you reach an intersection. Turn left at that intersection and follow the sign that say: Puerto Penasco.
There is a STOP (ALTO) sign at the intersection, so please be careful before turning LEFT onto Mexican Highway #2.
Right Photo Below: After turning left, you will cross over a small, flat bridge. Stay on the right lane as you will be turning right less than 1/4 mile, see left photo on Step [5].
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Step [5] In Sonoyta, Mexico after the last turn to head for Puerto Penasco!
Left Photo Below: Less than 1/4 mile after crossing over the bridge, you will see this sign to turn right for Puerto Penasco, Mexican Highway #8
Right Photo Below: After turning right, you will stay on this road until you reach Puerto Penasco. This photo is just after the right turn, and you will be in Sonoyta for approximately
another 2 miles before reaching "desert" driving.
Below is a Google map of Sonyata summerizing Steps [3], [4] and [5] with the border crossing, the left and right turns and the small bridge indicated.
NOTE: Green Angels (Angeles Verdes) patrol Highway #8 between Sonoyta and Puerto Penasco between sunrise and sunset. They provide assistance, tourist aid, information and emergency
radio service. They also provide basic medical aid and mechanical service, you will only pay for auto parts, gas, oil, etc. Pull off the road and raise vehicle hood or dial emergency 078.
Their trucks are green and white, and clearly marked.
Along the way (or perhaps later in your trip), you may decide to tour the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, a interesting park that has 3 main extinct volcano craters and walking trails.
The park is approximately 32 miles south of Sonyata at K/M (Kilometer) Post #51. The driving tour takes approx 3-4 hours and just about all of the tour is dirt/gravel road (40 miles).
You will have to register at the entrance (for your safety) and a small fee which you can pay in US dollars. Please ensure you have enough gas and plenty of drinking water!
Left Photo Below: The right turn off Highway #8 for the entrance to Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, Mexican Highway K/M Post #51.
Right Photo Below: The largest of the 3 main extinct volcanoes in the park, "El Elegante".
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Step [6] As you approach Puerto Penasco, please remember that you are still on Mexico Highway #8. This is the main road from Sonyata all the way to Rocky Point, and it takes you all the way through town.
In town, Highway #8 is more commonly called "Benito Juarez Blvd." and it will be referred to subsequently in the web site.
Left Photo Below: As you approach Puerto Penasco, you will see this sign (there is a Pemex Gas Station to your left and a AutoZone to your right at the corners of the intersection).
For those of you who have a reservation at Sandy Beach Princesa, Sonoran Spa, Sonoran Sea, Las Palmas, Bella Sirena, Sonoran Sun, Casa Blanca Villas, etc. turn right at the signal light just past the sign,
then follow this road, New Costal Highway. The New Costal Highway will take you to the Sandy Beach area which is approximately 4-6 miles away.
For those of you heading to Puerto Penasco city center Marina Pinacate, Hotel Penasco Del Sol, etc, continue on straight past the sign and the signal light, stay on Benito Juarez Blvd. Go to Step [8].
Right Photo Below: An aerial photo showing Sandy Beach in relationship to the Marina Pinacate and the Hotel Penasco Del Sol.
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Step [7] After turning right off Benito Juarez Blvd. heading towards Sandy Beach via the New Costal Highway.
Left Photo Below: About 2-3 miles after the turn from Benito Juarez Blvd., you will see this Pemex Gas Station with a very large Wind Fan next to it. You are on the right direction to Sandy Beach.
Right Photo Below: A photo of the large Wind Fan next to the Pemex Gas Station. You can see this fan for miles!
After passing the Wind Fan, follow the sign for Sandy Beach at the roundabout.
Left Photo Below: After about another 2-3 miles after the wind fan, you will see the main entrance to Sandy Beach Resorts called the "Arches".
Go straight through the arches to find the Sandy Beach resorts mentioned earlier. You can use this paved road to get back and forth to Benito Juarez Blvd. which you can take to town.
Right Photo Below: Within Sandy Beach resorts area (on Blvd. Paseo De La Luna near the Bella Sirena Resort), there is a medical facility catered to Americans called "Sandy Beach Medical".
Click "HERE" for a PDF file on more information on Sandy Beach Medical. There is also a Red Cross Medical Facility off Freemont Blvd., see Step [24].
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Step [8] If you choose NOT to turn right (i.e., to Sandy Beach), and just past the sign and signal light (still on Benito Juarez Blvd.), you may notice a Sam's Club to the left.
Sam's Club is open 7 days/week between 7am-10pm (9am-9pm Sunday) and your Sam's membership card is good here.
NOTE: If you do not have a Sam's Club membership, there is a Bodega Aurrera right next to Sam's (and sharing the same parking lot). Bodega Aurrera is affiliated with Walmart.
Left Photo Below: Sam's Club from the parking lot.
Right Photo Below: Inside Sam's Club, just like the USA. You can pay in US dollars, but change is in Mexican Pesos.
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Step [9] Continuing past Sam's Club on Benito Juarez Blvd.
Left Photo Below: About a 1/2 mile further down (from Sam's Club), the car is driving on Benito Juarez Blvd. towards Puerto Penasco and is approaching the intersection of Constitucion Ave.
Right Photo Below: If you turned right on Constitucion Ave (the front of the white truck is on Constitucion Ave), it would take you to the grocery store called Super Ley, which is about
1/2 mile after the turn on the left side. Super Ley accepts US Dollars, but change in Mexican Pesos. Do not forget to tip the baggers as they only work for tips.
Super Ley grocery will be on your left after the right turn from Benito Juarez Blvd. to Constiticion Ave. Super Ley is open everyday between 7am-10pm.
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Step [10] Continuing on Benito Juarez Blvd (past Constitucion Ave).
Left Photo Below: You will see this pedestrian walkway which will be less than a mile from the Constitucion Ave intersection. Just past the walkway is the interesection of Benito Juarez Blvd. and Calle-13.
If you turn right you will be on Calle-13 (just past the walkway), and you would soon drive over the train tracks. You can find a bunch of shops and taco stands on both sides of the road.
Calle-13 will take you to the Marina Pinacate, Hotel Penasco Del Sol (about a mile after the turn on Calle-13), and the Playa Bonita and Laos Mar hotel, on a separate road.
Right Photo Below: Here is a view from Calle-13 towards Benito Juarez Blvd. The "Marlin" is facing towards Calle-13 and you can also see the pedestrian walkway in the background.
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Step [11] If you turn right you will be on Calle-13 (just past the walkway), and you would soon drive over the train tracks. You can find a bunch of shops and taco stands on both sides of the road.
Left Photo Below: Calle-13 just after the turn from Benito Juarez Blvd. The "Marlin" is behind the photographer. Note the traffic signal light at the intersection, the only one on Calle-13.
The cross road is Calle Luis Encinis, see Step [15]
Right Photo Below: Another view of Calle-13 from the other end looking towards Benito Juarez Blvd. The "Marlin" is about 3/4 mile further down the road.
NOTE: If you have reservations through Seaside Reservations (for example "Marina Pinacate"), turn right into Calle Elias (like the dark gray car in the photo, Sushi Sun Restaurant
sign on the corner) and you will see the Seaside Reservation building about a block away on the left side.
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Step [12] If you turned right onto Calle Elias, you will see Seaside Reservations on your left after about 1 block.
Left Photo Below: Back side of Seaside Reservation office (to check into your resort). Seaside will be less than a 1/4 mile after the turn from Sushi Sun.
Right Photo Below: Front side of Seaside Reservation office, parking in front. While in the office, be sure to pick up a free copy of the Rocky Point Times. The publication has many useful
information such as restaurants, events, emergency phone numbers, discounts, etc. Also, inside Rocky Point Times is the best city map of Puerto Penasco that I can ever find!
The Seaside Reservations office hours:
7am - 10pm Monday through Saturday (7am - 8pm Sunday)
If you plan to arrive outside of the hours above, be sure to call ahead to time and for a small fee they will be there for your arrival/check-in.
NOTE: If your destination is Playa Bonita Resort or Laos Mar Hotel, continue on this same street and follow the signs.
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Step [13] At the end of Calle-13 you will find the Marina Pinacate and Hotel Penasco Del Sol. Note that Calle-13 will curve around at Hotel Penasco Del Sol.
Left Photo Below: The entrance to Marina Pinacate, 24/7 security controlled parking for your safety.
Right Photo Below: Max's Cafe, right accross from the Marina Pinacate with free Wi-Fi access and an ATM machine (although everytime I went the ATM was not in service).
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Step [14] Other items of interest that you can find along Calle-13, all within walking distance from the Marina Pinacate and Hotel Penasco Del Sol.
Left Photo Below: You will find two OXXO stores. They are much like 7-11, Loaf and Jug and Pick-Quik stores in the US.
Right Photo Below: Near the Marlin, you will find a convenient ATM machine to withdraw cash (dispenses Pesos). The ATM will be on your left side just after you drive over the railroad tracks.
You can see in the photo a satisfied customer after completing his transaction exiting the ATM!
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Step [15] On Calle-13 there is only one traffic signal light, see left photo on Step [11]. The intersection where the traffic signal light is the intersection of Calle-13 and Calle Luis Encinas.
You have two choice at this point while driving away from the Marina Pinacate or Hotel Penasco Del Sol.
(1) Turn right onto Calle Luis Encinas and head towards the Fish Market, the Malecon and a popular tourist shopping area with many Seafood/Mexican resturants ... or
(2) You can go straight through the light on Calle Luis Encinas and connect with Benito Juarez Blvd. If you turned right at Benito Juarez Blvd., it will eventually take you to the Fish Market as well.
If your destination is Las Conchas (via Freemont Blvd.), take this option and turn right at Benito Juarez Blvd. After about 1/4 mile, turn left on Freemont and continue on to Los Conchas.
Click HERE for a photo of the intersection of Benito Juarez Blvd. and Freemont Blvd.
Turning right, Option (1) onto Calle Luis Encinas (remember it's the only traffic signal light there) and head towards the Fish Market and the Malecon:
Left Photo Below: Calle Luis Encinas looking back toward Calle-13 which is less than a half mile away.
Right Photo Below: Calle Luis Encinas looking toward Benito Juarez Blvd. (about a 1/4 mile away), there is a large anchor at the intersection there.
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Step [16] At the intersection of Calle Luis Encinas and Benito Juarez Blvd. After stopping (ALTO sign), turn right onto Benito Juarez Blvd.
Left Photo Below: The intersection has a large anchor there.
Right Photo Below: A closer photo of the large anchor.
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Step [17] Summarizing Step [10] through Step [16].
Step [10] The pedestrian walkway and the "Marlin" at the interesection of Benito Juarez Blvd. and Calle-13.
Step [11] Calle-13.
Step [12] Seaside Reservation Office.
Step [13] Marina Pinacate entrance and Max's Cafe.
Step [14] OXXO mini mart and an ATM on Calle-13.
Step [15] Calle Luis Encinas.
Step [16] Large "Anchor" at the intersection of Calle Luis Encinas and Benito Juarez Blvd.
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Step [18] Driving on Benito Juarez Blvd. to the Fish Market and Malecon (after the right turn off Calle Luis Encinas).
Left Photo Below: On the way, you will pass a drive-thru liquor store Don Antonio on your left.
Right Photo Below: A short distance after passing Don Antonio and as you approach the fish market, Benito Juarez Blvd. becomes One-Way.
At the point the road becomes One-Way, the road on the left (opposing traffic, coming downhill) is returning traffic from the fish market, Malecon, etc. via Avenue Alcanter.
See left photo on Step [23] which shows you a photo from the opposing view from Avenue Alcanter to Benito Juarez Blvd.
On the right just before the road becomes One-Way, you will find several fishing boat captains trying to fill their boats with fishermen.
If you want to do a bit of fishing that day, turn right into a dirt parking lot and begin negotiations. Reasonable prices as of 2015 are $120-$140/Boat for about 4-5 hours of fishing.
Otherwise, this One-Way road is going to take you to the fish market, Malecon, etc.
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Step [19] The next set of photos are from the Fish Market, Malecon, tourist shopping area and resturants. They are all located within walking distance.
Left Photo Below: Porto Fino, and Italian restaurant. The current restaurant there is "Thunder By The Bay", a seafood restaurant.
Right Photo Below: Next to Thunder By The Bay is Flavio's, a popular seafood restaurant which has a beautiful ocean view.
Along the same side of the street are the fish and shrimp vendors selling some of the best shrimp, fish and clams you will ever eat (in Rocky Point).
Parking can be difficult at times, but there is more open parking just past the Malecon (large fisherman statue, see Step [20]) if you do not mind walking a short distance (less than a 1/4 mile walk).
After you pass Flavio's, their are shops and restaurants on both side, see next 6 photos below.
Left Photo Below: Thrifty's Ice Cream Shop.
Right Photo Below: The Point Restaurant is at the end of a short pier.
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Step [20] If you had difficulty parking at the fish market, continue driving a short distance until you see a large green statue.
Left Photo Below: The green statue where you can usually find parking spaces, just past the fish market.
Right Photo Below: You can see the public parking spaces just beyond the green statue.
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Step [21] At the end of the street where the public parking lot is located, it will curve to the left and pass by the Vina Del Mar Hotel on your right.
Left Photo Below: Elevated view of the Fish Market, Malecon and tourist shopping area.
Right Photo Below: After the road curves around the Vina Del Mar Hotel, you are now on Paseo Victor Estrella. Note that this street is now Two-Way.
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Step [22] Continuing on the Paseo Victor Estrella and soon after passing the church you will soon have to make choice, either (1) or (2).
(1) If you want to return back to the fish market and the Malecon, continue straight on Paseo Victor Estrella and you will connect again at Benito Juarez Blvd. just prior to the fish market.
When you reach the T-intersection, make a left turn to the fish market (do NOT turn right, remember that the road is One- Way at this point!)
(2) If you want to drive back to town (reconnects with Benito Juarez Blvd. where it becomes One-Way), you want to turn right at Avenue Alcanter.
NOTE: Avenue Alcanter is a One-Way road.
Selecting Option (2) and heading back to town (Calle-13, Sandy Beach, Las Conchas, Cholla Bay, etc.).
Left Photo Below: On Paseo Victor Estrella approaching the corner of Avenue Alcanter. If you want to head back to town, turn right at the corner onto Avenue Alcanter.
Right Photo Below: About a 1/4 mile after turning onto Avenue Alcanter, you will see the Friendly Dolphin Resturant (Mexican) on the left.
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Step [23] After passing the Friendly Dolphin Restaurant on the left, you will go downhill where you will reconnect with Benito Juarez Blvd.
Left Photo Below: Approaching Benito Juarez Blvd. from Avenue Alcanter. The Benito Juarez Blvd. is Two-Way at the bottom of the hill.
The Red Arrow points to where Benito Juarez Blvd. becomes One-Way for traffic heading towards the fish market, Malecon, tourist shopping area, Vina Del Mar Hotel, etc.
Right Photo Below: After a short distance, you will see the "Anchor" again.
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Step [24] Continuing on Benito Juarez Blvd. (instead of turning left at the Anchor), you will reach the intersection of Freemont Blvd. and Benito Juarez Blvd. after about 1/4 mile.
Freemont Blvd. is road that takes you to Las Conchas (Vacation Homes, CEDO and Aquarium).
Helpful Hint: The intersection of Freemont Blvd. and Benito Juarez Blvd. is halfway between the "Anchor", see Right Photo of Step [23] and the intersection of Benito Juarez Blvd./ Calle-13
(where the pedestrian walkway located), see Step [10].
Left Photo Below: If you turn right at Freemont Blvd., you will head towards Las Conchas which is about 5-6 miles away. A short distance after turning into Freemont Blvd. you will see the
Mexican Red Cross on the left.
Right Photo Below: After a few miles on Freemont Blvd., veer to the right for Las Conchas (follow the sign).
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Step [25] On the road to Las Conchas.
NOTE: The entrance to Las Conchas is controlled by a security gate. You may say visiting "CEDO" or "visiting", and security guard will give you a pass and let you in.
Left Photo Below: Once you veer right off Freemont Blvd., the road becomes dirt but is in good condition.
Right Photo Below: About 2-3 miles on the dirt road (after passing a school on the right), you will see a small, but interesting Aquarium (but it may be closed for rennovation, call before going).
Another place of interest is CEDO (CEnter for the study of Deserts and Oceans).
Left Photo Below: A whale skeleton beached near Puerto Penasco many years ago.
Right Photo Below: Agave plant at CEDO. One of several plants on display.
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Step [26] End of Virtual Tour of Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
On your return trip back to the USA, have your USA passport ready and drivers license.
Unless you are returning Sunday afternoon or after a long holiday, the entry back into the USA should not take long.
The photo below is the border from the Mexico side.
This is end of the "virtual tour" of Puerto Penasco, Mexico taking you around on the main roads people use to get around.
The short cuts are available for saving some time and exploring Rocky Point a bit more on your next visit.
I plan to keep this web site updated as much as possible with new information and photos.
