BajaNomad

Is it safe?

AspenMeadowRanch - 1-13-2009 at 05:00 PM

As many of you no we plan to go down to Baja at the end of this month.I found a 24 foot boat in San Diego to buy and bring down with me .
The gentleman who has this boat said it is to dangerous to go there at this time.To many people getting getting robed and killed. He said you could not pay me to go there at this time.He said he been there before ,but now is not the time to go.Said there last trip there they were hit buy a local and it was his fault , but they were the ones to go to jail. He said it cost 1500 dollars when it was done.
Is this true about the crime. Here in Montana they do not talk much about the crime in Mexico. After I heard this I am all very apprehensive and nervous.
We have been looking forward to this trip for a long time. We are almost packed for this trip of a lifetime. I met many nice people on this site. What's the truth here?
John

fishbuck - 1-13-2009 at 05:12 PM

There are many opinions on this issue.

If you are well informed and follow some basic safety principles it is very unlikely you will have any problems.
1) Don't drive at night.
2) Make sure you have mexico insurance for both you car and boat.

There are more but that will get you started.

burnrope - 1-13-2009 at 05:14 PM

It's not safe. You'll be kidnapped by a kindly gentleman and he'll perform painful dental work on you.

k-rico - 1-13-2009 at 05:24 PM

I live in Tijuana, the most violent place in all of the peninsula. The violence is between the drug dealers and the cops. Occasionally other people are involved, but truthfully, the last time I heard of a tourist getting in trouble was over a year ago. The violence involves Mexicans fighting each other over drug money.

I also just drove to Cabo and back in December. I had no problems at all. Know where you're going to spend each night while on the road and get there before dark. Don't plan on just finding someplace.

Woooosh - 1-13-2009 at 05:28 PM

They are using lots of small boats to move drugs up to san diego. A nice 20' boat with trailer that the narcos could drive up to their ranchito to modify for drug hauling- would go unnoticed by no one.

Sail it down- it's not Somalia YET.

[Edited on 1-14-2009 by Woooosh]

[Edited on 1-14-2009 by Woooosh]

AspenMeadowRanch - 1-13-2009 at 05:29 PM

Thank You K-Rico
Just use common sense.

Bajahowodd - 1-13-2009 at 05:32 PM

Other than the indignity of getting robed(nudity be damned) There is not any more risk, or perhaps less, than in the states.

my take

desertcpl - 1-13-2009 at 05:34 PM

I have been going to Baja since early 1950,, and I am still going,, yes we all have heard about whats going on in TJ,but for the most part they are gang related, not directed to tourists,
always make sure you have MX insurance on your truck and boat and trailer,
never drive at night\
you will find the People of Baja to be very friendly , just use your common since when staying some place , just as you would in the states

tripledigitken - 1-13-2009 at 05:44 PM

Be prepared as others have said, take it slow, and you should have your trip of a lifetime.


I too have been going to Baja for decades and really the only thing that has changed for me based on the current events, is that we wait until sunrise to cross the border at San Ysidro.

Make sure you have spare wheel bearings for the boat trailer, and the means to change them if needed!

Ken

David K - 1-13-2009 at 06:11 PM

Be affraid.... Be VERY affraid!:o:o:o

Just kidding! :lol::lol::lol:

CortezBlue - 1-14-2009 at 11:30 AM

I found this on the sanfelipe.com web page and I thought it was informative:

Safety

The overwhelming number of enquiries that we now get concern the safety of travelling to San Felipe because of the publicity on the drug wars that are raging in Tijuana (and also in Ciudad Juarez).

What is important to understand is that this activity is limited to a very small area of Tijuana that is not a region where tourists would normally go. Virtually all the roads and towns of Baja California are very safe and have essentially zero small crime rates compared to anywhere in the USA. The local Mexican population is just as upset as you would be to hear of the very negative publicity in their towns and villages and its devastating effects on the tourism industry.

Here, however, are our specific recommendations for travel to San Felipe:

Cross the border at Calexico/Mexicali, at Tecate or at Los Algadones. Avoid the crossings between Tijuana and Otay Mesa and San Ysidro because these will route you east through areas that are seeing gang, military and police activity. The road south to Ensenada is safe and from there the route to San Felipe is in good condition. However, it is a very lonely road and we recommend the route only if you are travelling with two or more other vehicles.
Travel only during daylight hours and plan to be in San Felipe before nightfall. This is because there is a lot of construction traffic on the roads and the heavily overloaded Mexican trucks sometimes lose bricks, blocks or scrap as they go over bumps. You absolutely do not want to run over any such object on a deserted road at night and have a burst tire or bent axle. In addition, there are extensive roadworks underway in Mexicali and you need to watch carefully for the detour signs. For the most relaxed driving experience, travel Tuesdays-Thursdays when the traffic flow is very light - often less than 30 vehicles/hour. This is also the time when you are likely to encounter the fewest number of inebriated motorists.
Activate your cellphone for roaming in Mexico!!! You will have best luck with ATT and T-mobile, which have coverage throughout Mexico on the GSM networks. Verizon and Sprint will work along the border but you will find big gaps in coverage. Be sure that you instruct your carrier to allow both international dialing and international roaming. If you have any concerns while on the road, call the tourist department hotline 078. This will connect you with friendly, bilingual operators from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the calls are free. They will help you with directions or send help if you need it. For any emergency dial 066 and you will get the police who can send federal or state units to help you. Remember that if you want to call back to the USA, dial 001+ (Area Code) +7 digit number.
Once you leave Mexicali city limits, do not stop unless you have an emergency. The soft shoulders of the roads out in the country may be too unstable to safely park on and we have seen vehicles slide down the slopes into the desert sand. If you see stranded vehicles by the side of the road, use your cellphone to call 078 or 066 and get help sent to the unfortunate vehicle - note the kilometer marker by the road for better location of the breakdown.
Roadworks to upgrade the carriageway to four lanes are in progress south of the Ensenada Road junction. Be very careful driving on this stretch of highway as the road width is very restricted and there are no shoulders for emergency use.

Bajahowodd - 1-14-2009 at 11:41 AM

Gee. Whoever wrote that the road between Ensenada and San Felipe is very lonely must never have traveled very far South.

[Edited on 1-14-2009 by Bajahowodd]

David K - 1-14-2009 at 11:48 AM

Well, I didn't say it, but once past Ojos Negros, you don't pass many other cars... so compared to other highways, I would rate it lonely... Except during a Baja race!:light:

Phil S - 1-14-2009 at 11:54 AM

I just met yesterday with a friend that lives in Nopolo/Loreto who has a 20.4 cabin boat with a rebuilt outboard. I've been in this boat, and it is ideal for cruising in, but might not appeal to the avid fisherman. He is asking $16,000 including trailer & trolling motor. They were honda motors the last time I had seen it. You can email him at HarSchum.com (he's given permission) Save you much frustration in bringing one down. and the engine was recently rebuilt. I believe it was a 115HP. Small one might have been 8.0 Has built in fuel tanks.
Enjoy

[Edited on 1-14-2009 by Phil S]

[Edited on 1-15-2009 by Phil S]

Bajahowodd - 1-14-2009 at 12:02 PM

Isn't "lonely" sort of the reason we go?

mtgoat666 - 1-14-2009 at 12:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch
"Is it safe?"


"Is it safe?" Have you seen Marathon Man? Do you need a tooth extraction?

Free teeth extraction!

Live fast, die young!

Yes we can!

Peace out!

wilderone - 1-14-2009 at 01:53 PM

Try to get your visas the day before so you don't have to find a parking spot for that thing. Make sure the trailer and tires are in good shape, with a spare trailer tire. Be aware you'll make slow progress the first 200 miles since you go through small towns and over several mountain passes and you won't be able to pass 18-wheelers. Be aware there is no shoulder and it will be a white-knuckle drive. Be sure you have plenty of insurance for everything - car, trailer, boat - and permits as well - fishing. The first day will be the worst, then you'll settle in and enjoy it.

805gregg - 1-14-2009 at 07:56 PM

Are you safe? Probably, the only problem is if you look like you have a lot of money, remember the cops, the military and the gov officials can all be bought. Make sure you have all the proper insurance, and the one thing I know is true, If you have a problem, don't call the police, bolt for the border.

Safe?

msawin - 1-14-2009 at 09:15 PM

Aspen M. Ranch,

Hello welcomb to the best web site of Baja....

I have pulled my 28' Cabo down twice. I have pulled a travel trailor 29' once. Twice this year I pulled a single axel 6' x 10' enclosed trailor stuffed.... Safe? the road, you need to be very allert. It is narrow , but alot better than what we had 20 years ago. You do not say where your heading. but that doesn't really matter. It is a heavly driven Hyw. #1. Someone will drive past at least every 15-20 minutes.

I have only driven, to Loreto, 12-15 times. I have seen very bad accidents. Tractor trucks drive fast and long hours...

The max speed is 80 KM. Thats 48 miles an hour. You can not drive the speed limit. You will be run off the road. Tractors go about 60-65 mph average... Busses 70-75'ish.

You can use a 50 MPH as an average speed. Some spots you can move a little bit faster. Pulling a trailor I go About 60-65 MPH. Slow in the curves.. some 15-25 MPH

OK . If you are talking about "safe" as in killing. drugs. robbery...

You have been reading the stuff we hope all Norte's read. We do not want you down here. raising the costs of our living. Raising the price for land and house, cost of labor per hour. the cost for a cold beer...... Stay home... its all bad..


The safest place on the planet earth is Baja Sur...

Just get south of the boarder.....


martin-o

Bajahowodd - 1-15-2009 at 12:08 AM

Huh?

oxxo - 1-15-2009 at 07:34 AM

Wife and I drive border to Los Cabos at least twice a year for the last several years. Very safe, very fun, very beautiful. Just follow all the tips above.

mulegemichael - 1-15-2009 at 08:36 AM

My bride and I made the drive three times last year and twice this year to mulege...we take 3 day trips all the time up and down the peninsula...NEVER any problems; only beautiful country and lots of fun...

baron - 1-15-2009 at 10:07 AM

One thing not addressed here has been what kind of car/truck/rig you are driving down to interior Baja. We just bought a ford high top van used for $8 k. Not really so extravagant or even expensive but it IS a bit high profile in terms of the ugly american factor.
I feel a bit wierd giving the image of this concept and what was never a factor down there for me now has me wondering if there are road targets for seemingly ugly americans. Too bad fear has come into my world and I will have to deal with it but I worry about putting my wife and 5 yr old in a bad situation. Maybe we should just drive down in our '90 Buick sedan! We sure would be more incognito.

oxxo - 1-15-2009 at 10:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by baron
We just bought a ford high top van used for $8 k. Not really so extravagant or even expensive but it IS a bit high profile in terms of the ugly american factor.


Just buy some of those bullet hole stick-ons and apply to the side of the vehicle. Then get one of those stick family decals with Jesus, Maria, Junior, Lupita, and Mango (that's the stick dog) and put it in the rear window. Remove one hubcap from each side of the vehicle. Drive through some mud and don't wash the vehicle. Make sure one headlight and one tailight isn't working. You'll fit right in.

[Edited on 1-15-2009 by oxxo]

AspenMeadowRanch - 1-15-2009 at 10:24 AM

Thank You for all the replies.
I was addressing the crime.
From what I see here on this site Baja is rural like Montana where I live.Lots of city people and locals come here every year and do foolish things and get killed . We just has 11 people killed in a avalanche last week.Usually we have at least 2 or so a year run out of gas or get stuck and die up in the mountains. Also a few that get lost while hunting or hiking.
The closest red light is 121 miles. I think nothing of driving up over a pass which is gravel ,chain up , to save 50 or so miles.Its rural and rustic , like the old west. Thats why we live here.Its not for everyone , but we like it like that.
I forgot to mention the bears , they have to eat and they take there toll to.
We cant wait to go down there and spend a few weeks in the Mulege area.We live February 1st. Everyone here one this site seem very nice and friendly.We plan on seeing you down.
Thanks Again, Have a good day
John

DianaT - 1-15-2009 at 10:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch
I forgot to mention the bears , they have to eat and they take there toll to.
John


Do remember that if you carry any protection with you because of some of those big ole bears, leave it at home. Do not take it to Mexico----that could cause you BIG trouble. :yes:

Diane

Bajahowodd - 1-15-2009 at 11:18 AM

Ditto on the protection thing. On your trip to Mulege, you will encounter at least three, possibly four Army roadblocks. Their primary mission is to search for weapons. They find any, and you're toast.

Apparently only the narco-thugs are allowed the privilege of importation.

AspenMeadowRanch - 1-15-2009 at 06:25 PM

I was aware of that Bajahwodd..I have a flare gun for the boat.I did a test shot , with plenty of clothes on it just bounces off.But it does look intimidating.
I also have a spear gun , but out of water they only shoot about 8 feet , and they drop substantively, but they too do look intimidating.But they are useless as far as knockdown power.
I do not no the rules as far as a flare gun goes.I will do as search and see what I come with.I do not want any problems with the police.
I write Bail Bonds here in Montana and I am aware of all the B.S.charges the police they come up .When it is all said and done at least 1/3 of the Bonds I write get dismissed.(There are 3 parts to a bond and one is a release form that the court fills out so I no what happens.) , but in the meantime you go to jail and it cost you a lot of money to get Bonded out and hire a attorney.
John

DENNIS - 1-15-2009 at 06:34 PM

Nothing's safe nowhere. Why do you think there's so many cops in Disneyland?

Bajahowodd - 1-17-2009 at 12:13 AM

Best practice is to not carry anything that could be construed as a weapon.

vacaenbaja - 1-17-2009 at 02:09 AM

Stop at TJ get a bull whip and lasso and LEARN HOW TO USE THEM.
Works for Zorro. Good against most agressors that do not have a gun.

Bob and Susan - 1-17-2009 at 05:56 AM

vacaenbaja...don't you remember the first part of
"raiders of the lost ark"???:lol:

BajaGringo - 1-17-2009 at 09:44 AM

You are going to make me take it out now and play it just to see...

DianaT - 1-17-2009 at 10:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch
I was aware of that Bajahwodd..I have a flare gun for the boat.I did a test shot , with plenty of clothes on it just bounces off.But it does look intimidating.
I also have a spear gun , but out of water they only shoot about 8 feet , and they drop substantively, but they too do look intimidating.But they are useless as far as knockdown power.
I do not no the rules as far as a flare gun goes.I will do as search and see what I come with.I do not want any problems with the police.


John,

If you look at the member list and find bajagypsy, you can u2u them about the rules for the spear guns --- they know.

Anyone know about the flare gun?

We are still trying to find out the rules regarding pepper spray, small and bear size.

Diane

shari - 1-17-2009 at 10:37 AM

flare guns can be kept in the boat tucked away...no problema with spearguns either...juan looks forward to spearing some grouper with ya...he got a nice one yesterday but it took him down into a cave where he had to abandon the gun and fish and retrieve it later at low tide...rats, the fish was gone but he got the gun back.

driving south

msawin - 1-18-2009 at 09:53 PM

Aspen Meadow...

The drive south of Ensenada is a great drive.. There is a lot of "negatives" to look out for, posted here, only to make you look out for propblems we have seen or had ...

It will be one of the most memrable drives to take... I promise.


It is not complicated nor a scary trip....

It is a safe drive. watch the road. the white lines.....respect the trucks / busses...


We will be heading down in a few weeks if you want to go with...


enjoy the drive....

vacaenbaja - 1-24-2009 at 11:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
vacaenbaja...don't you remember the first part of
"raiders of the lost ark"???:lol:


If you mean the part where Indy shoots the guys after his aggressive display, of course. But like I said good for most things SHORT of a GUN.