sonoran-sun-faq

Thank you for your interest in staying at our beautiful Sonoran Sun Resort. As you can see from any photos, we are located right on Sandy Beach in Puerto Peñasco. There is no other place to stay in town which is more beachfront than the Sonoran Sun. 

Yikes! Perhaps we should have waited to tell you that. It could have easily been one of our Sonoran Sun FAQ (frequently asked questions).

Back in the day, popular rocker Rod Stewart had a hit song and album, “Every Picture Tells a Story.”  But just because it was good music doesn’t mean pictures tell the whole story. They usually don’t. 

For example, Rocky Point Mexico visitors like you may require more information to make the best decision regarding an upcoming stay. Simply put, they want a closer look than the picture provides.  

Knowing this, we created the Sonoran Sun FAQ section of the Sonoran Sun Direct website. These were “not just made up.” They are indeed some of our most Frequently Asked Questions about renting condos at the Sonoran Sun Resort. 

We hope our efforts help to answer any open questions you have. However, because everyone is different, we invite you to please contact us if you still need more information. 

sonoran-sun-resort-from-sea-view
Where is the Sonoran Sun Resort?

The Sonoran Sun Resort is in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, (a.k.a. Rocky Point Mexico). It is only about 60 miles south of the Arizona border. Once you get to town, you will find us right on the popular Sandy Beach on the west side of town.

Do cell phones work in Rocky Point?

Yes, they do. Still, because we don’t know the details of your phone plan, we highly recommend you contact your service provider for specific information. You might have free coverage or data requirements while in Mexico. Or you might consider a temporary international calling plan.

As a bonus, we invite you to consider doing like many Mexicans and Rocky Point regulars do. Download WhatsApp from Facebook to your phone so you can make and receive calls and texts for free.

Why Stay at the Sonoran Sun Resort?

Let’s share 3 of the most common reasons people tell us they choose the Sonoran Sun for their Rocky Point getaways.

  1. True Beachfront Amenities. No resort is closer to the beach. Yet the Sun is also conveniently far enough from the downtown malecon area to avoid the noisy nights. The resort is the only one featuring 30 covered palapas with lounge chairs making for a semi-private area a few feet above Sandy Beach. There are 3 large pools plus hot tubs and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas should you want to relax in the sun or shade.

  2. Not too big or too small. 228 condos are spread across two towers.  Your condo will have a private balcony with totally unobstructed views of the sea, (often the sounds of the surf, too).

  3. The Sonoran Sun is a trusted resort which delivers great value in a more affordable beachfront stay than much larger resorts.
How many pools are at the Sonoran Sun?

 The Sonoran Sun Resort has 3 pools. The one on the east side of the resort is heated during the off-season months. Our fun Sonoran Sun swim-up bar sits between the east and center pool. There are barstools in the water of each pool so you can enjoy a cocktail without leaving the pool. Seating on dry land is also available by the pool bar on both sides facing the toward the condos and the sea.

Our center pool and the west pool are separated by a beautiful walking bridge. 

In addition, there is a family hot tub or jacuzzi on the west side. Meanwhile, the adult jot tub is on the east side of the pool area.

It is important to know both jacuzzis are safely wired by the excellent electricians at the Sonoran Sun Resort. For years, we have used low power 12-V for the lighting in the water.

Is there parking?

Yes. Plenty of Free Parking is available inside the walls of the resort. For your convenience, there are separate parking lots for both the east and west towers. These are monitored by the security department.

Do I need Mexican Insurance?

Yes. In 2019, it became Mexican law that all drivers have at least liability coverage. Getting caught by police without it will result in unnecessary problems. Accidents are handled differently in Mexico and having coverage you can count on goes a long way. This is why Sonoran Sun Direct is proud to share the trusted and affordable Mexican Insurance partner we use to help you, too.

What documents do I need for traveling to Puerto Peñasco?

This is such a frequently asked question; you could say it is done daily if not hourly. It is also a question which people like to argue about online. We will answer it as honestly and helpfully as possible.

If you are 16 years old or above traveling to any part of Mexico from the United States, the law states you must have a valid U.S. Passport book or U.S. Passport card. Any children under that age are allowed to present a birth certificate or other valid proof of their U.S. citizenship.

You will notice we did not say, “Just bring your driver’s license. You will be fine.”

This is where the road traveled gets tricky.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents will give Americans a hard time without a passport. More importantly, they will also give you a green light to re-enter the country.

Yes, it is common for people to say aloud or comment online, “I’ve been going to Rocky Point for 25 years and never needed a passport. I just had my driver’s license.”

They are right and they are telling the truth.

But here is where they are wrong. A sense of entitlement to not need a passport may not work today. Things change and much has especially with the border problems involving the United States and Mexico. The fact is Mexico has now created a Nacional Guard. These soldiers in uniform are professional men and women who take their positions seriously.

Hence, the Mexican Nacional Guard has begun asking for proof of a valid U.S. Passport when entering the country. Those who have them at the border get to continue. However, if one person in your vehicle cannot provide a valid U.S. Passport, you are denied entry into Mexico. You are forced to make a u-turn and immediately return to the USA.

They don’t care if you have a reservation to stay in Rocky Point or even if you are a property owner there.

So, if you want to take that risk, you certainly can. But consider yourself truthfully warned. Why not get a passport? You can use it for travel to many other countries as well.

Can I use U.S. Dollars in Rocky Point?

Yes. U.S. Dollars are accepted in most places. But be prepared to get any change in Mexican Pesos. You can also use credit cards in many places around town in Rocky Point but it is always wise to find out what exchange rate the establishment uses. This way you can make the best decision on how to pay.

Can I avoid tracking sand into our Sonoran Sun rental condo?

Yes! And it’s easy. We have showers on the east and west sides of the pool area. There are shower heads for rinsing sand off your feet as well as for standing under.

Do we need to bring beach chairs?

First, we should tell you about seating around the pool area. In Summer 2024, we purchased all new sun-resistant pool area furniture. You will find dozens of chaise lounges for laying comfortably in the sun. Furthermore, if you want to lay around in the shade, we have you covered with all new adjustable umbrellas.

Between the beach and pool, there is a palapa level we made. A row of 30 covered palapas keeps some shade over you while you have a front row seat to watch and listen to the waves. Each covered palapa has a small built-in wood counter for drinks.

Finally, regarding actual beach chairs. If you want to plant yourself in a chair or on a blanket, you will have to bring those.   

All beaches in Mexico are property of the federal government. Therefore, the Sonoran Sun Resort does not have the authority to place permanent seating on Sandy Beach.

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