Is Puerto Penasco safe? (2025)
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Is Puerto Penasco safe?
While Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is relatively safe for American tourists, the state of Sonora where it’s located is less so, because of the rise in organized crime in northwestern Mexico.
Still, thousands of American tourists visit Puerto Peñasco every year, and enjoy a fun and safe getaway in this coastal town. The city is a popular beach destination for travelers from Arizona, due to its proximity to Phoenix, a good variety of water sports and dining options. Puerto Peñasco is part of the Altar Desert, one of the driest and hottest areas of the Sonoran Desert with unspoiled scenery and pristine beaches. If you want to visit this destination and have questions about safety, this article is for you.
Where is Puerto Peñasco?
Puerto Peñasco is a town in Mexico’s northwestern state of Sonora. It’s about 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of the U.S.-Mexico border at Lukeville, Arizona, along the northeastern coast of the Sea of Cortez that separates Baja California Peninsula from mainland Mexico.
Puerto Peñasco map
How far is Puerto Peñasco from the US border?
Puerto Peñasco is approximately 60 miles (about 100 kilometers) south of the U.S. border at Lukeville, Arizona. It’s one of the most accessible beach towns in Mexico for travelers from Arizona and the southwestern United States.
Is Puerto Peñasco border open?
Yes, the Lukeville, Arizona–Sonoyta, Sonora border crossing is open as of 2025 and for all travelers heading to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point).
Is Puerto Peñasco safe?
Puerto Peñasco is one of the safest places in the state of Sonora. While it’s relatively safe for tourists, some of the surrounding areas are not as safe, which is why you should be careful when driving around the area. To avoid trouble, stay on Highway 8, which connects Lukeville, Arizona, with Puerto Peñasco, and takes about one hour from the border crossing.
Is Puerto Peñasco safe for Americans?
The town is mostly safe for Americans. The majority of foreign visitors in Puerto Peñasco are from the United States, and authorities do their best to keep visitors safe because tourism is a big part of the local economy.
Is Rocky Point safe at night?
Rocky Point is less safe at night than during the day. Avoid walking around alone, and stick to popular tourist spots where you can blend in with the crowd and enjoy a safe environment.
What is Puerto Peñasco known for?
Puerto Peñasco aka Rocky Point is a former fishing village that turned into one of the most popular beach towns in northern Mexico. Also known as Arizona’s beach due to its proximity to cities like Tucson and Phoenix, Puerto Peñasco boasts excellent nightlife, incredible marine diversity, and 70 miles of pristine beaches along the Sea of Cortez.
✅ Puerto Peñasco vs San Felipe: Which beach town is better?
Crime in Puerto Penasco
Despite its popularity, Puerto Peñasco and surrounding areas have crime, and American citizens have been killed in the state of Sonora in the past.
In June 2023, a California student doing horticulture research in Sonora was found shot seven times. In December 2023, two U.S. residents and one U.S. citizen were shot at by gunmen while traveling a highway in Sonora. In August 2024, two Arizona women were found shot to death in an overturned vehicle on a dangerous stretch of highway in northern Mexico.
While these headlines sound alarming, they don’t mean you should cancel your visit. You can have a great time in this beach town if you follow reasonable safety precautions and stick to the beaten path.
Is Sonora safe?
Sonora is considered unsafe, because of the rivaling cartel groups that battle for control of the territory and migrant smuggling routes near the border. But there’s a caveat: Sonora is the second largest state in Mexico by territory, and while its long driving distances and remote areas make it easier for criminals to operate, you can safely visit major areas of Sonora like Puerto Peñasco, Hermosillo, Kino Bay or San Carlos Bay.
What does the U.S. State Department say about Sonora travel?
The U.S. State Department advises to reconsider travel to Sonora due to crime and kidnapping. As of 2025, the state has a Level 3 advisory, which alone could make you reconsider your trip, so let’s take a look at what caused this.
Sonora is one of the most beautiful and underrated states in Mexico where you can admire spectacular desert scenery and learn interesting history in small colonial towns scattered throughout the vast desert terrain. Unfortunately, as organized crime gripped many border regions of Mexico, parts of Sonora have seen increased violence in recent years.
In July 2024, the U.S. State Department placed Sonora on a level three alert asking Americans to reconsider traveling there, a move which was caused by the rise in violent incidents including disappearances and armed attacks.
Note that the Level 3 warning applies to the entire state of Sonora. At the moment of writing this article, there is no specific advisory for Puerto Peñasco, and there’s a big difference between a single area and the entire state. While Sonora has seen an increase in crime, Puerto Peñasco remains relatively safe for American travelers.
How does the US State Department Travel Advisory work?
The U.S. State Department uses a color-coded travel advisory system to classify different countries and states based on their safety and security risks. The system had four levels, which are represented by different colors.
🔵 Blue color (Level 1) means exercise normal precaution. Only 2 states in Mexico, Yucatan, and Campeche, are marked by blue color.
🟡 Yellow color (Level 2) signifies exercise of increased caution, which is usually an indicator of risks such as increased crime, civil unrest, or potential threat of terrorism.
🟠 Orange color (Level 3) means reconsider travel due to significant safety risks.
🔴 Red Color (Level 4) marked by red color, is the most serious warning, which means you should reconsider a trip due to the possibility of life-threatening crime, armed conflict, or government collapse.
👉 Remember that these advisories change frequently, and you should check the most current information on The US State Department website before planning your trip.
Driving to Puerto Penasco
If you are driving to Puerto Peñasco from Arizona, stay on Highway 8, which runs from Lukeville to Puerto Peñasco and hasn’t recorded any major crime. Highway 2 from Nogales to Puerto Peñasco is a lot less safe, so it’s better to avoid it.
What do you need to cross to Puerto Peñasco?
- Valid passport – A current U.S. passport is required for any trip to Mexico.
- Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) – As of May 2025, all foreign visitors entering Mexico, including those visiting Puerto Peñasco, are required to obtain an FMM, regardless of the length of stay. The FMM can be obtained at the INM (National Migration Institute) office located at the Sonoyta border.
- Mexican auto insurance – U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. You must purchase Mexican liability insurance for your vehicle, either online or at the border. I recommend getting your insurance from Baja Bound online ahead of your trip for a peace of mind.
- Vehicle registration and driver’s license – Make sure your vehicle registration is current and carry your valid driver’s license. These documents are necessary for driving in Mexico, and have to stay with you at all times during your trip.
- Pet documentation (if applicable) – If you’re bringing pets, have up-to-date health certificates for them.
Getting your car insurance for a trip to Puerto Penasco
You will need to get a Mexican insurance for your trip to Puerto Peñasco, because the US car insurance is not valid in Mexico, and will not protect you in case of an accident.
I recommend Baja Bound Mexican Insurance, a popular choice among many visitors from the United States and Canada. You can get a free quote from them online. They have flexible (and budget-friendly) plans for cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and RV’s.
My experience driving in Mexico
I drove in several parts of Mexico including Baja California Sur, Baja Calfiornia Norte, Mexico City, Yucatan and Oaxaca. I never had a problem on my trips, but heard stories about corrupt Mexican police from other travelers, who were stopped along their drive. If you get stopped by police during your trip to Puerto Peñasco, remain calm, and be ready to show your documents and answer questions.
Safety tips for visiting Puerto Peñasco
1. Drive only during the day
For the sake of safety, it’s better to limit your driving to daytime. Not only, there’s a lower chance of running into sketchy people, but you will also avoid any potholes or hazards on the road. Additionally, get a Mexican insurance, because U.S. insurance is not valid in the country and will not work if you need road side assistance or get into an accident.
2. Leave your gun at home
Guns are illegal in Mexico and you will only invite trouble if you try to bring one into the country. Additionally, there could be other restrictions such as produce, medications, an others, depending on the timing of your trip, so always check the most-up-to-date information before planning your adventure.
3. Avoid Highway 2 in Sonora
Stick to Highway 8 which runs straight from Lukeville to Puerto Peñasco, and is considered safer than other routes, such as Highway 2 from Nogales.
4. Stay away from drugs
Buying drugs in Mexico can lead to very serious consequences, so it’s best to stay away from any illegal substances while on your trip whether you are in Puerto Peñasco or any other part of the country.
5. Don’t drink tap water
Tap water is not safe to drink in Puerto Peñasco or anywhere else in Mexico. Always buy bottled water, or bring your water bottle, so you can refill it with clean drinking water, if your hotel offers ir.
6. Don’t accept food and drinks from strangers
Whether you are in Puerto Peñasco or any other destination in Mexico, don’t accept food and drinks from strangers, no matter how nice and well-meaning they appear to be.
7. Always be aware of your surroundings
To avoid becoming a victim of crime, always be aware of who’s around you. If you feel that something is off, leave the place where you are and move to a safer location.
8. Keep a close eye on your belongings
Don’t leave your bags, purses, backpacks or any other belongings unattended. Property theft is the most common type of crime that affects tourists in Mexico and you can easily prevent it by staying vigilant and keeping a close eye on your valuables.
9. Don’t wander into unfamiliar areas
For safety reasons, limit your itinerary to parts of town that are frequented by other tourists. Additionally, avoid wearing expensive designer brands, jewelry and other items that could attract the attention of wrong people.
10. Don’t walk on the beach at night
Walking on the beach might sound fun, but it’s best to avoid it because you never know who else might be there.
11. Consider a guided tour
If you want to explore the surrounding area, and visit El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar, one of the most unique places in Mexico that boasts martian landscapes, book a guided tour with a local tour operator who knows the area and can organize your outing. Although it will cost you money, it will be better than trying to navigate an unfamiliar area on your own.
12. Get a travel insurance
Things could go wrong, even if you follow safety precautions.
SafetyWing is my go-to travel insurance company. It has several insurance plans that protect you in case of accidents, hospital visits, property theft, lost and stolen luggage, and many other things that could happen while you are on the road.
SafetyWing offers flexible plans for long-term and short-term travelers and has budget-friendly rates.
Reasons to visit Puerto Peñasco
- The closest beach town to Phoenix, Arizona
- Relatively safe destination for American travelers
- Good variety of food with international and Mexican specialties
- No need to buy airplane tickets to enjoy the beach in Mexico
- Destination accustomed to American travelers
Where to stay in Puerto Peñasco
🏨 Costa Elegante Hotel & Suites – Costa Elegante is a spacious and tranquil retreat a few steps from the beach, that’s perfect for your weekend getaway to Puerto Peñasco. The hotel has different rooms including standard single king and double double rooms, as well as deluxe suites with patios or balconies overlooking the pool Manny’s Beach.
🌊 Hotel Playa Bonita Resort – Playa Bonita is a family-friendly beachfront hotel with outdoor pools located along Sandy Beach in Puerto Peñasco. With 124 ocean-view rooms ranging from Standard to Honeymoon Suites, the resort caters to many tastes. The on-site Puesta del Sol restaurant offers a mix of traditional Mexican and international cuisine with stunning views of the Sea of Cortez.
🌟 The Cove Boutique Hotel Adults Only – The Cove is an adult-only boutique hotel perfect for relaxation under the bright Sonoran sun. The property has clean, modern rooms an outside swimming pool, and a huge heated jacuzzi. You can reach restaurants and markets by a quick walk and welcoming staff ready to help and answer any questions.
Is Puerto Peñasco safe: FAQs
Is Sonora, Mexico safe for Americans?
Sonora is not the safest place for Americans because of organized crime and long driving distances. The state has seen an increase in organized crime in recent years and several American citizens have been killed in attacks. If you plan a visit to Sonora, stay on major highways, drive during the day and avoid remote areas where it could be tough to get help.
Is it safe to travel to Puerto Peñasco right now?
While it’s safe to travel to Puerto Peñasco right now, you should stay on Highway 8, and drive during the day.
Can you swim in the ocean in Puerto Peñasco?
Yes, Puerto Peñasco has several beaches with soft sand and clear, shallow waters, perfect for swimming, such as Playa Hermosa, Playa Bonita, and Playa Mirador.
Do cruise ships go to Puerto Peñasco?
As of May 2025, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) does not serve as a regular port of call for major international cruise lines.
Is it safe to travel to Puerto Peñasco right now? Final word
While Puerto Peñasco is relatively safe for travelers, you should exercise increased caution if you want to venture to other parts of the state of Sonora, which has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years. If you want to explore the state, book a guided tour with a licensed tour company that will help you to enjoy the natural and historic wonders of this state in a safe manner.
