Is it safe to go to Rocky Point?

Pools at Penasco del Sol Hotel in Rocky Point (Credit: Brian Kotwasinski/Metromix)

By Roger Naylor
Special to azcentral.com

Spring break means a pilgrimage of young people streaming toward water and watering holes. One of the most popular destinations is Rocky Point, Mexico, a picturesque fishing village also known as Puerto Peñasco. Rocky Point is commonly referred to as "Arizona's beach."

An abundance of dining and drinking establishments, sandy beaches and waterfront resorts have made Rocky Point a haven for spring-breaking students, although crowds have been noticeably smaller the past couple of years. According to the local tourism office, the number of visitors from the United States to Rocky Point decreased by 50 percent during spring breaks in 2008 and 2009.

The recession and fears about the drug violence occurring in Mexico are keeping visitors away.

While Rocky Point has not been a hotspot for drug violence, a gun battle in August 2009 in the Malecon tourist zone left a Mexican man dead.

But according to Monica Castro, executive assistant to Rocky Point Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro, said no Puerto Peñasco tourists have been the victims of such violence.

"This is quite a safe community with a very low crime rate," Castro said.

"We've been seeing more and more visitors on the weekends during the past six months, many coming from Arizona. We had over 20,000 people attend our Mardi Gras."

During spring break, Castro said, city and state police will provide more bilingual officers and promise increased response time to police calls. Patrols will be stepped up along the highways and in town.

"We're here to help. Keeping safe is all about respecting the rules, just as you would at home," Castro said. "Obey the speed limit and the traffic laws. Don't drink and drive. Just use common sense. Anyone who visits and is well-behaved should not expect to encounter any trouble."

If I decide to go to Mexico, do I need a passport?
U.S. citizens returning from Mexico must present a passport or passport card to enter the United States. Children 15 and younger can cross with a U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

What about car insurance?
Rocky Point lies within the Mexican free-trade zone, so no special car permits are required. However, drivers are required to carry Mexico auto insurance. U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico, and if you have an accident you could be detained and your car impounded. Temporary policies can be purchased through many agencies in the Valley, near the border and from AAA Arizona at www.aaaaz.com. A four-day policy for an average family sedan costs about $60.

Can I drink the water?
Probably. But stick with bottled water to be safe. You also might want to ask restaurants and bars where their ice is made before you down that margarita. The water is safe to use when cooking, showering and brushing your teeth.

Do I need a wad of pesos?
No need to hit up a currency exchange before you arrive - all places accept dollars. Some spots don't take credit cards. The exchange rate is about 13 pesos to $1 U.S.

Azcentral.com reporter Richard Ruelas contributed to this report.