FAQ

If you have any questions that are not addressed below, please feel free to call Las Palmas Beachfront Resort directly (from the US and Canada: 1-800-671-2799 or from Mexico: 638-690-1498, or contact us by email: resv@laspalmasreservation.com and we would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

Also, once you arrive at Las Palmas and during your stay with us, do not hesitate to contact the Front Desk with any questions. We are always happy to help our guests.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need Permits, Visas, or a Passport to visit Rocky Point?

    The Mexican government does not require travelers to Rocky Point to obtain any visas or car permits. However, if your travel plans take you farther south than Rocky Point, when entering Mexico through the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing, you will need to stop and get the appropriate tourist visa and vehicle permits.

  • Do I need a Passport to return to the United States after visiting Rocky Point?

    As of June 1, 2009, all US citizens, except children under the age of 16, need a passport or a passport card to travel anywhere outside the United States. Children will continue to be allowed reentry with a birth certificate or naturalization paper. You can also apply for a Passport Card by mail and it is less expensive than a regular Passport. Click here for more information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html/

  • How long does it take to get to Rocky Point?
  • Do I need Mexican car insurance?

    Yes. Mexican law requires all travelers to obtain Mexican car insurance. Insurance can be purchased online through various agencies such as AAA, Costco, etc., If you need assistance in finding an agent, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

  • Is Rocky Point safe?

    Rocky Point is safe. The city relies on tourists from all over the US, Mexico, and other parts of the world for their primary source of income and economic benefit. Common sense rules apply. Do not carry around or flash large amounts of cash. Do not wear a lot of valuable jewelry. Do not try to buy drugs. Respect the local customs and culture. This same advice should be applied to any city you are visiting around the world – not just Rocky Point. Besides, statistics show there is more crime in Phoenix in one day, than there is in one year in Rocky Point.

  • What if we have car trouble after crossing the border?

    Many US cell phones work on the road between the US border and Rocky Point. If for some reason you find yourself with car trouble, you can dial the “066” emergency number, but the operators normally only speak Spanish. Mexico also has groups of dedicated individuals known as the “Angeles Verdes” or “Green Angels”. They travel all over Mexico highways, they speak English and Spanish, and offer roadside mechanical assistance and first-aid to travelers in need. You can identify them by their green and white pick-up trucks. The highway between the US border and Rocky Point is in good condition and is very well traveled especially on weekends when there is the most tourist traffic.

  • Are there limits or restrictions on what I can bring back to the US?

    Yes. The US government has very strict regulations about what travelers are allowed to bring back with them. The US restriction on alcohol is one liter per adult. You are also allowed to bring back shrimp and fish. Please do not bring back any fruits, vegetables, uncooked meats, or dairy products to the US – they are strictly prohibited.

  • Will there be a long wait at the border to cross back into the US?

    Yes and no. The border crossing is simple. Just have your passports/birth certificates ready to show the Border Patrol agent and follow all instructions on the signs posted as you approach the booth. The time it takes to cross back into the US depends on the season, whether it’s a holiday weekend, Spring Break, or an average Sunday. During busy vacation times there are often delays due to everyone heading back to the border at the same time. During extremely busy weekends it’s always better to plan to stay and enjoy an extra day and avoid the Sunday traffic! Las Palmas has free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and you can check “live” wait times at the border crossing by clicking this link and choosing “Mexican Border Ports of Entry” and then choosing “Lukeville”: http://bwt.cbp.gov/

  • Can I rent a car in the US to take to Rocky Point:

    Yes, certain US rental car companies, such as Enterprise, will allow you to rent a car or van and take it across the border to Rocky Point; however, you must purchase their Mexican insurance. If traveling in a rental car just be sure you have the valid rental agreement in your possession and proof of insurance.

  • Do I have to speak Spanish in Rocky Point:

    You can get around Rocky Point no problem with only English. Rocky Point is a tourist destination for a lot of people from Arizona and California and the locals are accustomed to English-only speakers. But, it’s also a great idea to brush off your high school Spanish skills and impress the locals with your knowledge of their language!

  • Is there an airport in Rocky Point?

    Yes, there is an international airport located approximately 30 minutes outside of town. As of this date, however, there are no commercial flights in or out of Rocky Point – only private charters. The closest international airport to Rocky Point is Phoenix or Tucson.

  • What Time Zone is Rocky Point located in?

    Rocky Point is on the same time as Arizona all year long.

  • How far is it to town from Las Palmas?

    The town of Puerto Peñasco is not very large. You can make your way to almost all the restaurants, bars, gift shops, the “Malecon” (go there to buy shrimp!) by car in less than 15 minutes. Taxis are also available just outside the Las Palmas entry gate.

  • What do I need to bring with me for my vacation?

    Please bring your own beach chairs, beach umbrella, sunscreen, and a cooler. Las Palmas does provide courtesy beach towels to guests for your convenience. There are 3 large stores in Rocky Point where you can purchase additional items, such as groceries, ice, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. These stores, Super Ley, Bodega Aurrera (Walmart Mexico), and Sam’s Club (your US Sam’s Club card is accepted here!), are a short 5-10 minute drive from Las Palmas. Each of our condos and villas has a full-size kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove/oven, dishwasher and washer/dryer. Las Palmas does not provide bottled drinking water, but ice is for sale at the bar.

  • Will you provide sheets and towels?

    Yes! Sheets and towels will be provided in each unit based on the maximum number of occupants. As mentioned above, please bring your own beach towels – you may not take the bath towels out of your unit to the beach or the pool; beach towels are available from our activity/towel hut.

  • What other utensils and appliances will I find in the kitchen?

    Each condo and villa at Las Palmas is privately owned and utensils for each unit will vary slightly, but you can be assured that you will have all the basics you will need for preparing meals, a coffee maker, and a blender. Each unit has its own “Profile” and you will find more detailed information about each unit there. Once you make a reservation, if you have any specific questions about the amenities in your unit, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will answer any questions you have about your specific unit.

  • Do you provide beach chairs and umbrellas?

    Because each condo and villa is individually owned, we cannot guarantee that the unit you choose will have beach chairs and an umbrella. There are loungers at each pool, but these loungers may not be taken to the beach.

  • Do you provide cribs, highchairs, booster seats or playpens?

    No cribs, highchairs, booster seats, or playpens are provided.

  • How many people can we have in each unit?

    Each unit, depending upon the size, has strict occupancy limits that are shown on each unit’s description page. If you are traveling with a large group, please contact us and we will do everything possible to assist you in choosing the appropriate units for your group. At check-in, bracelets identifying you as a Las Palmas rental guest will be given to each member of your party. Occupancy limits include children, regardless of their age. Occupancy limits are strictly adhered to at Las Palmas. Please be sure you are not bringing more people than the unit you have reserved allows. If you arrive with additional guests that are not within the occupancy limits you will be not be allowed to check-in and will not receive a refund.

  • Can you guarantee a certain unit or special accommodations?

    You can view the available units for the dates you have chosen for your vacation and your reservation will be made for the unit you choose. However, and due to circumstances beyond our control such as maintenance issues that cannot be immediately resolved, there may be instances where we will need to re-accommodate you to a comparable unit. We do everything we can to avoid those types of situations, but are unable to guarantee a situation that may be beyond our control when you check-in.

  • Does Las Palmas allow me to bring my pet?

    No. Rental guests are not allowed to bring any pets, regardless of size or breed. Service pets are NOT allowed. Because the units are individually owned, Las Palmas also has a Homeowners’ Association. Only Las Palmas owners may bring their pets to the resort. A renting guest that is found to have a pet will be evicted from the resort and no refund will be given.

  • Are there any golf courses in Rocky Point?

    Yes! Rocky Point has 3 golf courses in the area. The course closest to Las Palmas is the Las Palomas course. Laguna del Mar has a Jack Nicklaus design course that is 4 miles from Las Palmas, and the Mayan Palace is located further out of town, approximately 35 minutes away. If you are interested in playing golf during your vacation please let us know, and we will be happy to assist you in making arrangements.

  • What kinds of water sports are available?

    You can ride banana boats, jet skis, kayaks, boogie boards and stand-up paddle-boards right from the beach in front of Las Palmas! There are a lot of other water sports and activities available in and around Rocky Point including snorkeling, scuba diving, and day camps for kids at the local aquarium. Please let us know if you are interested in any of these activities and we will be happy to assist you.

  • What about taking a boat or fishing trip?

    If you’re interested in going on a sunset cruise, fishing, a trip to Bird Island to snorkel with sea lions, deep sea fishing, whale watching or any other boat trips, please contact us and we can make arrangements for you with local operators that provide us with discounted prices.

  • What other services do you provide to make our vacation a great one?

    Las Palmas strives to make our guests happy! We provide concierge-style services in order to make your vacation a great one! If you are interested in spa services, trips to the Pinacate Reserve, the local estuaries, the oyster farm, or any other area attractions please contact us and we will help you make arrangements. Our activity hut provides beach toys, beach games, and kayaks for rent.

  • What about fireworks and beach bonfires?

    Absolutely no fireworks or bonfires are allowed on Las Palmas property or on Sandy Beach. A renting guest found with fireworks will be evicted from the resort and no refund will be given.

  • Can I use a BBQ inside my condo or villa?

    You may not use any type of barbecue inside the unit. There are BBQ’s located in the common area of each of our four buildings.

  • Can I use credit cards and debit cards while in Rocky Point?

    Yes, in certain places. Most larger restaurants and bars will accept credit and/or debit cards. Smaller businesses, restaurants, and gift shops only accept cash.

  • Can I use US Dollars or do I have to use Mexican Pesos?

    US Dollars are accepted everywhere in town. ATM’s are available in the larger grocery stores and at all the banks in town. If you choose to use an ATM, remember, you are in Mexico and the ATM will give you Mexican Pesos – not US Dollars. For the best exchange rate, purchase pesos at your local bank before you depart.

  • What about restaurants?

    Las Palmas Beachfront Resort has an on-site restaurant called “The Grille” with a wide variety of menu choices. In addition, we have a food court, offering wood fired pizza, a taqueria and a cafe/juice bar. On weekends we offer a reasonably priced breakfast buffet. We also have 4 bars: one in the food court, one in the pool, one in the clubhouse, and another at the beach! Rocky Point has a restaurant for almost every type of food you could want, and at every price level. If you have something specific or special in mind, please contact us before you arrive, or speak with one of our Front Desk representatives and they can point you in the right direction to find exactly what you’re looking for.

  • Is it safe to drink the water?

    Las Palmas Resort has a water filtration system, and it is completely safe to brush your teeth and shower with water out of the tap in your unit. For drinking purposes, most everyone drinks bottled water. Please bring your own water, or purchase in town. During the summer it can get very hot on the beach and to avoid dehydration we recommend that in addition your beverage of choice you bring small water bottles with you for your cooler. Local restaurants cook with purified water, and ice served in drinks is purified also.

  • Does my cell phone work in Rocky Point?

    Most likely yes. Most of the large cell phone carriers have service agreements with the Mexican cell phone companies TelCel and Movistar, but the roaming rates are extremely expensive to call the US and Canada from Mexico. Check your rates with your cell phone provider about roaming charges for calls AND text messages. Las Palmas has free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and Skype, Magic Jack, and Facebook calling are better options. In addition, Las Palmas has a telephone in the lobby for making free calls to the US, Canada, and Mexico.

  • Will I have internet access during my vacation at Las Palmas?

    Las Palmas has free Wi-Fi throughout the resort – inside each of unit – and also in the common areas.

  • What credit cards do you accept?

    Las Palmas accepts Visa and MasterCard.

  • Driving in Mexico – What do those signs say????

    Remember, all speed limits are posted in Kilometers per Hour. When driving through Sonoyta, watch your speed limit carefully, as the police are very strict. Here are some conversions:
    20 kph = 12 mph
    40 kph = 25 mph
    90 kph = 55 mph

  • Common Road Signs:

    ALTO = STOP
    CURVA PELIGROSA = DANGEROUS CURVE
    REDUCTOR DE VELOCIDAD = SPEED BUMP
    TOPES = SPEED BUMPS
    DISMINUYE LA VELOCIDAD = REDUCED SPEED AHEAD
    NO REBASE CON RAYA CONTINUA = NO PASSING WITH SOLID CENTER STRIP
    NO TIRE BASURA = DON’T LITTER
    PRINCIPIA DE ZONA DE VADOS = BEGINNING OF AREA WITH WASHES
    SALIDA = EXIT
    ENTRADA = ENTRANCE

THE LUKEVILLE BORDER CROSSING IS NOW OPEN WITH NO ISSUES!