This Las Gaviotas FAQ answers the questions renters ask most often about booking a home, the HOA rules, the community and driving down from San Diego. If you do not find your answer here, email rentals@las-gaviotas.com.
Booking a Home
How do I reserve a home in Las Gaviotas?
Every home is privately owned. Open a home on our Houses & Rates page to see its photos, rates, amenities and calendar. Then send a request with the form on that page. The owner sets the rates and confirms each booking.
Who do I pay, and what is the cancellation policy?
You pay the homeowner, not this website. In addition, each owner sets their own deposit, payment schedule and refund policy, so check the Rates & Fees and House Rules on the home’s page.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is usually 3:00 PM and check-out is 10:30 AM, unless the home’s page says otherwise.
Can I rent for a month or longer?
Some owners offer long-term rentals. First, go to Houses & Rates. Then set the Long-Term filter to Available. HOA rules treat a stay of more than six months as a long-term rental.
Rules for Renters
Can I bring my dog or other pets?
No. Renters and visitors may not bring pets or animals into Las Gaviotas. This is an HOA rule. As a result, security will ask the pet and owner to leave.
Is smoking allowed?
No. Every rental home on this site is non-smoking.
How many people can stay in a home?
The HOA allows a maximum of 2 guests per bedroom, including infants and children, with no exceptions.
Can I invite friends to visit us during our stay?
No. Only homeowners may invite guests and visitors. In other words, renters may not have their own visitors in the community.
How many cars can we bring?
Each home may have a maximum of two vehicles, and each vehicle needs a windshield permit. Otherwise, extra vehicles must park outside the complex. However, the HOA never permits motor homes, boats, trailers or campers.
Are there quiet hours?
Yes. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM, with no outdoor gatherings during that time. Also, please do not take glass containers outside, and never set off fireworks. See all of the Las Gaviotas HOA Rules.
The Community
Where is Las Gaviotas?
Las Gaviotas is a private, gated oceanfront community at Km 41.5 on the free road between Tijuana and Ensenada. Also, it is just south of Rosarito Beach and about 35 minutes from San Diego.
Is Las Gaviotas gated and guarded?
Yes. Las Gaviotas is a gated community with bilingual security staff on duty 24 hours a day.
Is there a pool, spa and beach?
Yes. There is a community pool and spa, open 8 AM to midnight, and a private sandy beach with palapas, open 6 AM to midnight. However, children under 13 need an adult in the pool, and children under 15 may not use the spa.
Is there tennis?
Yes. The community tennis court is open 8 AM to 10 PM for tennis and pickleball.
Is Las Gaviotas good for surfing?
Yes. The Las Gaviotas surf break is one of the best known in northern Baja. See our surfing page.
Is there something for kids?
Yes. Besides the beach, pool and tide pools, there is a children’s playground and putting green, open 9 AM to 6 PM (7:30 PM during Daylight Saving Time). However, children need adult supervision.
What is there to do nearby?
Puerto Nuevo, famous for lobster, is just around the corner, and Rosarito Beach has restaurants and shops. Bajamar golf course is about 16 miles south, and whale-watching boats leave from Ensenada from December to April. See golfing and general information.
Getting There
How do I drive to Las Gaviotas from San Diego?
Take I-5 or I-805 south to the border, then follow the road toward Rosarito and Ensenada. Our Getting Here page and border crossing guide have step-by-step directions.
Do I need Mexican car insurance?
Yes. Mexican law requires drivers to show financial responsibility after an accident, and most U.S. policies do not fully cover you in Mexico. So, buy Mexican auto insurance before you cross. Our Mexican Insurance page explains why.
What do I need to drive back into the United States?
U.S. citizens need a WHTI-compliant document to re-enter by land, such as a passport, passport card or trusted traveler card. Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website before you go.
What if I get pulled over?
Stay polite and ask for a written ticket that you can pay at the city’s payment office. Above all, never hand cash to an officer. Our traffic tickets page explains what to do.
About This Website
Who runs las-gaviotas.com?
Las-gaviotas.com is a directory of privately owned vacation homes in Las Gaviotas, online since June 2002. However, we do not take reservations ourselves. Questions? Email rentals@las-gaviotas.com.
I own a home in Las Gaviotas. How do I list it?
Fill out the short form on our For Las Gaviotas Homeowners page.