Driving Directions

Directions to Las Gaviotas, Baja Mexico;

Getting to Las Gaviotas is really easy! Take either Interstate 5 or Interstate 805 south towards the Mexican border. Make sure you exit the freeway at Via San Ysidro, about a mile before the border, for Mexican Insurance, if you have not already purchased insurance.

As you cross the border, a red or green light will be activated.  This is done completely randomly.  Green means proceed, while if you get a red, you will be directed to a customs-inspection area. Don't be nervous. Just roll down your windows and let the officials take a peek. They might want to look inside your trunk or under the seats. This is quite normal. When they are satisfied that you have no guns or drugs in your vehicle, they will wave you through. 

As you depart the customs-inspection area, keep right, look for the exit sign that says Ensenada/Rosarito as the turn-off exit for the Toll Road is quickly on the right. Loop over to the right making sure you follow signs that say "Ensenada / Rosarito". You will be traveling west along the US Border Wall towards the beach. You will go up and down a few hills and make a few turns, just stay on the highway and follow signs. After passing the "Playas" sign the highway makes a left and will continue south along the coastline. You will soon see the first tool booth, pay the toll (about $2.50) and continue south.

This is a great road & well worth the money. 15 miles from that toll, you will encounter the second toll booth — same price.

Go thru the second toll for approximately 8 miles. Exit at the first exit saying "Puerto Nuevo/Calafia". Turn right, go approximately 1 mile. You are now going north (the way you just came from). Las Gaviotas is a walled community and will be on the left (ocean side). Across from the entrance are pottery shops and liquor store — White Horse.

Caution: When making a left into Las Gaviotas, if someone is following or approaching you, pull off the road and wait till they have passed, don't signal, stop and wait to turn. In Mexico, when someone has stopped with a left turn signal on, it means anyone can pass you on the left side. Accidents and deaths have occurred because American's do no understand this law! Also, the left lane on the highway is a passing lane in Mexico. Use that lane for passing only or you might be pulled over and given a ticket.