Wide beaches and blue water make for great shelling and long walks along Rocky Point's shoreline.  It's hard to believe that the tide can rise and fall as much as 24 feet along these gentle shores.

RV'ers tend to characterize themselves as the intrepid type, and I would agree with that image. After all, many of them have sold their homes to travel about the country, stopping at parks and locales that they have never seen before. Vagabonds, if you will, traveling with the wind and whim. Yet, mention Mexico to many of them and they immediately shrink from the word and respond with comments like," I wouldn't go there!" or, paradoxically, "No
way, Jose!!!" Well, I say," Give it a chance"; after all, thousands of us
can't be all wrong!!

Rocky Point's tourist industry is booming, but it is still fishing and of course, shrimping that are the backbone of the economy.  Boats of all sizes are a constant reminder that, in this area, shrimp is king.

Rocky Point, or more properly Puerto Penasco, sits directly on the upper mainland side of the Gulf of California, one of the most pristine bodies of water left in the world. A shrimping village of some 27,000 folks, it is a scant 66 miles south of the Arizona border. Arizonans have known about Rocky for years and have flocked there since WWII; thus, the name 'Arizona's
Acapulco'.

In the Old Port of Rocky Point, the vendors hawk their catch: shrimp, flounder, snapper and clams.  Their shops are often colorful and always clean.

Early morning hours catch a local restaurant just opening its doors.  Flavio's is a favorite for good, inexpensive food,  friendly waiters and dolphin- watching from its open- air patio.  Their shrimp cocktail is a must.

Space here does not allow too much elaboration, but the following are the most frequently asked questions. The answers cannot cover all situations; however, they are generally true.
THE PEOPLE? Friendly, accommodating, sensitive and polite. Love to shake hands, be called 'amigo', and for you to try their language. Relax. Their English is better than your Spanish. They will dicker over prices, but bear in mind their commissions are small. Remember, you ARE in a foreign
country and must respect their culture. Their ways and customs are different than ours, so don't be an Ugly American. And speaking of Ugly Americans, you may want to avoid Rocky Point during
traditional college Spring Break times.  During these 2-3 weeks, beer,
partying and obnoxiousness seem to reign.


CROSSING THE BORDER? Rocky is in the Free Trade Zone. For visits, you do not need a visa, travel permit or, as of this writing, a car bond. You will need Proof of Citizenship (e.g.: driver's license w/picture, voter's registration card, passport or the like), proof of insurance and vehicle
registration(s). There are limits on what you can take in (e.g.: liquor, equipment, etc.) and animals require a U.S. Vet certificate 77-043 and a valid rabies certificate.

Suggestion: the ROCKY POINT TIMES is the Anglo newspaper. 
Call them (011-526-383-6325)/ e-mail: rptimes@infotech.net.mx  and ask for a copy of their paper. It is a wealth of information.

ROUTE? Best route through Gila Bend, AZ (INT. 8) and south on Hwy 83 to Lukeville. Route 86 west from Tucson can be rough. Take the longer route to Gila Bend. In Mexico, take Hwy 8 to Rocky Point. It's a good, wide, two laner.

Look in Trailer Life or Woodall's. Parks are plentiful. with reservations. Good electrical and full hook-ups. 'Playa Elegante', 'Playa Bonita', and 'Playa Del Mar' stand out.
WATER/FOOD? We don't drink the water, except in the better restaurants. Wash, rinse, etc. O.K. Five gallon bottle is $1.00 with a refundable $5.00 deposit. Water vendors come to most parks daily. Food: reluctant to try most local meat and raw vegetables. Bring your own. Markets abound and carry American supplies, including foodstuffs.
AMOUNT OF MONEY? Local banks have ATM's. Don't overload with cash. Many
restaurants take credit cards.
INSURANCE? Check with your current carrier. Don't go into Mexico without coverage!! Agents can be found in Ajo and Why on Hwy 83. We use Ray Phillips in Ajo, AZ. (1-800-570-6006). Fully insure rig for day in and day out; toad/truck for all days in.
TELEPHONE/MODEM? Varies with parks. Local ISP available. Buy local calling card; a major U.S. phone card ate us up ($5 plus for 1 minute)!!!
WHEN TO TRAVEL? Don't travel after dark. If not in a caravan, you can pick another traveler up at the Texaco or Ray Phillips in Ajo or at the service area in Why.

We just wish we had room here to tell you about the restaurants, the fish and shrimp vendors, the fishing fleet, the dolphins, the sights, the artists and shops, the warmth and generosity of the people of Rocky Point. So, we just leave you with a caution: don't overload on the shrimp or the clams. or the tremendous Mexican dishes. or the bright sun. or the......