What, Where, And When is the Rally?

The Rocky Point Rally is touted as the “Greatest Motorcycle Fiesta Just South of the Border!” This year is the 17th annual event, and it will run from November 9 – 12. Event planners are expecting to welcome 10,000 bikers from across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada for a four-day event that will include fiesta, music, rides and more, all on the shores of the Sea of Cortez.

Charities Benefit from This Exciting Event

Since its beginnings, the Rally has given back to Rocky Point through the donation of event registration fees. Over the years, more than $150,000 has been raised for several organizations, including:

The Fire Department
Local Red Cross Chapter
Integral Family Development & other local family service groups
Women’s Cancer Awareness and Prevention Group
La Montaña School – School for Children with Special Needs
José Dávalos Valdivia Casa Hogar – Home for the Elderly

Take Advantage of Early Registration

Early bird registration is underway online and will let you register so that you can ride into town and start the fun. The registration packet includes your official wristband that identifies you as a rally-goer. This band will also get you on the “Pirate Boat!”

With your registration, you’ll also get some cool swag, such as an official Rally pin, an official Rocky Point Rally patch, and other terrific items like bandanas and koozies from sponsors. You’ll even get a Rocky Point Rally calendar and passport that will highlight all of the local sponsors. During this early registration period, you can also sign up for the Charity Poker Run.

Just a note: Event Rally t-shirts will be sold separately from the registration t-shirts, and will be available at the registration area and at the Playa Bonita Resort.

Time to Book Your Lodging, Too!

While you’re registering for this exciting event, you should book your FMI Rentals home as well. We have all sorts of terrific properties that will let you truly enjoy the Rally! Call us today and we will help you find the perfect rental that will keep you in the heart of the excitement!

The post Early Bird Registration for Exciting Rocky Point Rally appeared first on .

As of January 24, 2017, Sonora Tourism Promotion Director (COFETUR) Daniel Camacho Saldívar has said that an estimated investment of one billion pesos (or about fifty million U.S. dollars) will be needed in order to complete the Puerto Peñasco Home Port. Four hundred and ninety-one million pesos have been invested so far.

Currently, construction on the port—which includes a breakwater jetty, an unloading dock, and a terminal—stands at about fifty-five percent completion for the jetty and two percent for the dock. The jetty is planned to reach out over 1,531 meters, with 720 meters already finished. If additions are made to the project’s 2017 budget, port operations may even begin as soon as 2018.

What the Finished Port Should Bring to Puerto Peñasco

 A home port refers to a port which is used for both the departure and arrival of cruise liners, and Rocky Point’s would be the first of such ports ever built in Mexico. The opportunities for tourism and economic growth would be wonderful for the local and national economy. Beachfront property values are projected to rise, and jobs in both construction and tourism would provide the boost that the city needs in order to make improvements to its infrastructure.

However, there are concerns about the impact that the project will have on the local marine ecosystem and wildlife on which so many of the townspeople in Rocky Point are dependent on. Historically, Puerto Peñasco was built by its fishing industry and continues to be sustained by it. Another concern includes the increased disparity in wealth between locals and tourists.

Proponents of the port say that the project would not only benefit the local economy, but could positively impact other nearby regions outside of Rocky Point, including additional parts of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Baja California, with routes even expanding as far as central Mexico and up to the United States. In the meantime, the Coordinator of the State Office on Tourism Promotion, Antonio Berumen Preciado, has said that trial runs of smaller tourism vessels of one hundred to three hundred passengers could begin departing from Rocky Point and travelling to other ports on the Sea of Cortez.

FMI Rentals – Your Gateway to the Best of Rocky Point

Contact our reservations team to learn more about the city’s cruise ship home port and other exciting attractions and activities that you can expect to encounter all around Rocky Point when you book your trip accommodations in one of the lovely vacation rental properties that are available for your stay through FMI Rentals today!

The post Rocky Point’s Cruise Ship Port to Renew Construction in 2017 appeared first on .

Vuelos comerciales desde Puerto Peñasco serán a Ciudad Juarez, Hermosillo, Tijuana a partir de los finales de julio.

La información sobre las reservaciones ya se encuentran publicadas en la página de la empresa que abrirá los vuelos Tarmexico.com

Héctor Vázquez del Mercado presidente de la Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes  confirmó que los vuelos a los tres destinos serán una realidad y que el Gobierno del  Estado  trabaja en la promoción y detalles para dar a conocer en forma este nueva oferta de conectividad con ciudades importantes.

Las salidas para las tres ciudades serán los jueves para regresar el domingo si se trata de viajes redondos.

En la página de la empresa que promueve los vuelos aparecen incluso algunas fechas saturadas para salidas a Hermosillo y Ciudad Juarez.

Los  costos   de los tickets  que van desde los dos mil pesos por viaje redondo en el caso de   Hermosillo pueden consultarse en el espacio  donde aparecen algunas promociones por inicio de nuevos vuelos.

The post Vuelos comerciales desde Puerto Peñasco apartir del 21 de Julio! appeared first on .

Jazz originated in New Orleans within African American communities, but quickly spread to be integrated into many other cultures, including Latin jazz fusion and European free jazz. This is an eclectic genre providing a diverse palate of styles you can be sure to hear at Puerto Peñasco’s music festival. While vacationing in Mexico, you can taste not only the culture of Mexico, but of the jazz icons present.

This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a cross-cultural event. Not only does jazz involve many cultures, but participating in the International Jazz Day speaks to unification amongst diversity. Bring the whole family to provide learning opportunity for the kids, or just come yourself and soak in the good vibes. Get ready for a great time and get your jazz on.

For more information, Click here for our “Contact Us” page.

The post International Jazz Day: What Does It Have To Do With Rocky Point? appeared first on .

Sun Tips

The sun is hot and packed full of UV rays. This is great for tanning, but damaging to skin as well. Commonly linked to skin cancer, it’s important to prevent excessive exposure of your skin to the sun. Apply a light coat of sunscreen every couple hours on the beach to make sure your skin stays healthy for years to come. A small amount of SPF30 on your skin will go a long way. Plus, it will help prevent sunburn that will lead to an uncomfortable trip.

Stay in a Group

It may sound like common sense, but in the fun of vacation it’s easy to forget. Because you’re away from home, it’s important to treat traveling the Rocky Point area with care. Stay in well-lit areas and avoid travelling at night alone. It’s not that Rocky Point is unsafe, it’s just that you never know what might happen. These small things can have massive implications on safety.

Drink Plenty

No, we aren’t talking Coronas and margaritas. Drinking plenty of water is important to hydration, especially if you are hanging in the hot sun on the beach; water shouldn’t be taken for granted. Hydration is essential to cognition and the immune system, helping to keep you feeling healthy and vitalized during vacation.

Keep in Touch

It might seem unnecessary to let family know where you are going, but this small step is important if any vacation complications were to arise.  Leave a copy of your passport and any other essential information with your home contact in case you lose yours on your trip.  Especially while being out of the country – Rocky Point is in Mexico, after all – having someone back at home looking out for you goes a long way.

Vacation Fun

As you can see, these tips aren’t tough and won’t interfere with your Spring Break fun. Despite how benign they may appear, these tips will help you have a great time for years to come.

For more information, Click here for our “Contact Us” page.

The post Spring Break Safety in Rocky Point: All The Info You Need To Know appeared first on .

Though Mexico gets thousands of tourists every year, it’s common for people to continue to wonder if the country is really safe to visit. Of course, the answer will probably vary depending on who you talk to, but those really interested in a Mexican getaway shouldn’t allow themselves to be dissuaded. Instead, do some research on the area in question to really learn about the culture and its tourism safety.

One popular vacation destination in particular, Puerto Peñasco, is doing everything they can to put travelers’ minds at ease. This fishing village on the Sea of Cortez is also well-known to locals and the numerous southwest United States residents that frequently drive right across the border to enjoy the white sands and aqua blue waters by its nickname in translation, Rocky Point.

Just in time for spring breakers and other visitors to start filling the streets and beaches with excitement, Rocky Point community leaders have initiated a new program, referred to as the Tourist Assistance Unit, meant to keep vacationers safe and informed. It is also the intent of this safety initiative to let it be known how much the thriving tourism industry is valued in the small town, no matter the season.

What is the Tourist Assistance Unit?

The Tourist Assistance Unit is comprised of a total of 20 bilingual, gender-diverse people, with four of them being women and 16 being men. Patrolling the beaches and other areas of town, these sworn-in unit members will be able to offer Rocky Point tourists quite a bit of knowledge on the history of the village, directions, and recommendations for their stay, as well as safety defense and first aid services if needed.

The men and women of the Tourist Assistance Unit will be in uniforms that consist of white shirts that say Auxiliar Turistico on the back, khaki pants, and safari hats, making them quickly recognizable as they keep watch on foot, bikes, and quads. The unit will be dispersed throughout the town, helping visitors, residents, and the local police wherever they can.

Safety Tips to Travel By

As with any travel destination, it’s best for tourists to keep these common sense safety tips in mind at all times while in Rocky Point to avoid any problems. Refrain from allowing any strangers into hotel rooms or vacation rentals, and don’t go off anywhere alone. Keep doors and windows locked, put valuables somewhere out of sight when venturing away from home base, and strictly obey all traffic laws.

With safety always being on the mind of travelers, Rocky Point is using this program as the first step of many to show the world it is not only a safe place to visit, but also a top resort destination.

The post Tourist Welfare And Peace Of Mind Is Top Priority in Rocky Point appeared first on .

Located just 60 miles away from the United States border, Rocky Point has made a name for itself as one of Mexico’s premier travel destinations. Also known by its more formal name, Puerto Peñasco, the lively fishing town is situated right on the Sea of Cortez, giving visitors a true taste of paradise. There is plenty to see and do in Rocky Point between all the beautiful beaches and desert adventures, but perhaps, one of the best things you’ll find about vacationing here is experiencing some of the best food you’ve ever had. Even better is sitting down to a good meal right near the crystal clear water accompanied by a breathtaking view. Below are the top waterfront restaurants to try during your Rocky Point getaway.

Wrecked at the Reef:

For more casual dining, Wrecked at the Reef is a pirate-themed beach restaurant that promises not to disappoint in either the food or the fun category. A wide variety of options are available, ensuring you’ll find something delicious no matter what you’re in the mood for. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can’t go wrong making this one of your eating, drinking, and dancing spots.

The Point:

You can’t get much closer to waterfront dining than what The Point has to offer. Situated on a dock right above the ocean, this seafood and Mexican restaurant has something to please everyone’s palate. Sunset dining is popular here since guests have a front row seat as the sky is painted brilliant colors over the water.

Mary’s Sea Food:

Your trip to Rocky Point wouldn’t be complete without dining on fresh seafood. This is exactly what you’ll find at Mary’s Sea Food in the city’s malecon. If you’re looking to try a variety of flavors, the seafood combo sampler will surely suffice, which includes garlic butterfly shrimp, breaded shrimp, Cajun butterfly shrimp, grilled fish, Cajun fish, and breaded fish. Look to snag a table on the second floor of the restaurant where you can look out over the Sea of Cortez.

Mare Blu:

Consistently rated at the top of the list when it comes to Rocky Point restaurants, Mare Blu offers an impressive Italian menu for those wanting something different from the village’s plentiful Mexican fare. Take your pick from traditional manicotti and lasagna dishes or order one of the many seafood pasta options. Live music in the evenings combined with a more elegant setting overlooking the ocean waters will make this a dining experience to remember.

With any of these top-notch waterfront restaurants on your agenda, you’re sure to feel extremely satisfied with your Rocky Point vacation in more ways than one.

The post Grab a Bite Next to the Beach at These Top Waterfront Restaurants in Rocky Point appeared first on .

In contrast to the stories that Rocky Point is big on drug trafficking and other crime, the Mayor argues that Rocky Point is plenty safe and shouldn’t affect vacations.  There’s a separation between crimes in Mexico, and those that happen specifically in Rocky Point, the latter being unknown of as of late, he argues.

In February certain steps are being implemented to ensure this, including having “tourist police” help visitors on the streets. This helpful force will assist people in find their way around Rocky Point as well as knowing about the city’s history.  This is a move the Mayor describes as keeping up with the times.

The Mayor’s presence in Tucson will hopefully increase tourism and job growth in Rocky Point, pushed forward not only by his friendly face and interpersonal skills, but also by the steps he is taking to ensure Rocky Point is a safe vacation destination. The biggest obstacle to safety according to tourists in Rocky Point is driving at night, as road hazards are hard to see.

If you are still uncomfortable, there are certain tips that can be followed to contribute to a trouble free trip.  Things like leaving a copy of travel documents with your friends in the State’s in case something were to happen to your copy. Letting your credit card company know your travelling will reduce the chance of your card being blocked, and it’s always a good idea to carry cash, just in case. Simple tips like these will help you have a good trip, but they are more about planning than avoiding crime.

When it comes to actual worries about being robbed or attacked, simple tips like not travelling alone at night and sticking to well-lit areas go a long way.  It’s all about being smart and preparing for what you might not expect. Most important of all, no matter where you are, never put yourself in a position that you’re uncomfortable with. Your gut instinct can tell you a lot!

All of this is to say, Rocky Point is still a great vacation spot, as the Mayor says. He lives in the town after all!

The post Rocky Point’s Mayor Addresses Tucson About Tourism And Safety appeared first on .

If you’re ready to escape from the cold temperatures of winter and get a jumpstart on your summer tan, there’s no better time to schedule your visit to Rocky Point, Mexico than now. Also known as Puerto Penasco, this quaint seaside village offers vacationers numerous things to do and see aside from relaxing in the sun on the beautiful sandy beaches that overlook the Sea of Cortez. Outlined below, you’ll find some of the area’s best events taking place in the next few months, as well as activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Upcoming Events

This February 20^th marks the CBSC 8^th Annual Golf Tournament, held at Las Palomas Resort & Spa. With an entry fee of just $85, you can take part in the four-person scramble and show off your skills for a chance to win one of five different prizes.

Throughout the last weekend of February, Rocky Point locals and visitors get to revel in the three-day celebration of Carnival Viva Peñasco, Party & Culture 2016. People of all ages are welcome to join in the fun as the streets fill with marching band presentations, rides, plays, and local artists showcasing their talents.

If you’re up for making the trip to Rocky Point during one of the busiest times of the year, Semana Santa provides a week full of energetic holiday festivities. Running from March 26-April 3 this year, travelers will encounter performers, beach concerts, and the traditional Stations of the Cross reenactment.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to compete in the annual Rocky Point Triathlon held April 30^th. Open to both novices and experienced athletes, the course includes a swim portion in the Sea of Cortez, biking on resort roads, and running along the golf course path, before reaching the finish line only yards from the beach.

Things to Do

If you want to make the most out of your vacation time, and explore all there is to do at Rocky Point, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary.

Daily tours are offered to San Jorge Island, where you can go kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and paddle boarding in the clear ocean water. Some are even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins and sea turtles in the area around this Federal Nature Preserve.

Thrill seekers have the opportunity to jump on ATVs and venture out onto the challenging sand dunes of the Altar desert, which reach up to 300 feet high in some places.

Sunset sails are a favorite activity for many who come to Rocky Point. Going out on any one of the catamarans, sailboats, or party cruises is a great way to end a day in paradise, with the vibrant colors of the setting sun creating a remarkable view.

So pack your bags, because no matter what you decide to do on your trip to Rocky Point, you’re sure to make everlasting memories.

For more information, Click here for our “Contact Us” page.

The post What Visitors Can Look Forward to in Rocky Point in the Coming Months appeared first on .

Atlantic farmed Salmon

The border of Mexico is a sensitive area, and not just in terms of politics, especially when it comes to vacation and holiday. It’s common that families want to bring food across the border to allow for the greatest of feasts, but some foods aren’t allowed from country to country. This guide by us at FMI will work to prepare you, so you know what items you can bring across the border.

The Food List of Dos and Don’ts

Food control is managed by a group called SENASICA, which stands for National Service of Health, Food Safety, and Quality; they make the rules. You can hop on their website and check out the list of approved items at any time. Generally, a little food is allowed, but with some restriction on quantity and fresh meats.  The spreadsheet offered on their website is especially helpful for quick reference when you are packing a meal to take on vacation or holiday.

There are two main factors that effect if food is allowed: is it for human or animal consumption, and is it originally sealed?  Regarding animal products intended for humans, the only things fully banned as of the list in January 2016 are crustaceans of any type, and nearly all fresh or frozen meats; these cannot come across the border, in or out. If you are bringing food intended for animals for some unlikely reason, the list is a little stricter.

Cured meats, like cured pork, are okay, as wells as thermally pressed sausage and dried foods. The quantity permitted varies, but averages around 1 to 2 kg per family. This means you can have a good amount of cheese, butter, and meat, provided it’s appropriately sealed. However, some of these allowed foods are only allowed from approved countries. For example, it’s mainly meats from Canada, Spain, America, and Italy allowed to be taken across the border. Non-animal products such as tobacco, nuts, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, and teas are less of a big deal, but they are subject to inspection.

Enjoy Yourself

Taking foods across the border doesn’t need to be a big deal, just follow the rules and always be upfront and honest. The rules are created for not only your safety, but others as well. For example, some countries don’t treat their crops the same way as others, and this restriction prevents foreign pests from wiping out crops unexpectedly, among other reasons.  Enjoy your holiday across the border, and if you need a hand, remember we can help with any rental needs you may have.

For more information, Click here for our “Contact Us” page.

The post What Food Can you Bring to Beautiful Rocky Point Mexico? appeared first on .