BajaNomad - Rosarito on Labor day?

Rosarito on Labor day?

gmichael - 8-31-2010 at 05:18 PM

Hey guys and gals, my friends are planning a trip for just south of Rosarito for the weekend (Labor day) and I've been concerned about all the violence/crime I've been reading about.

I just about had myself convinced that the reports were just sensationalized media scare tactics, and I was wondering how the locals feel about it. Is taking a vacation in Rosarito unneccessarily risky, or am I being paranoid? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer

The Gull - 8-31-2010 at 05:56 PM

Yes. :lol:

DENNIS - 8-31-2010 at 06:57 PM

Just use common sense and you'll be fine. No isolated camping, etc.

Woooosh - 8-31-2010 at 07:03 PM

They pulled the Rosarito Beach police reports off the city website, so there must be no crime worth reporting. No tourists have been whacked by narcos. You're as safe as a cow in India and will be just fine in Rosarito.

gmichael - 8-31-2010 at 07:41 PM

Thanks for the input. With all the stories of police commanders being killed and tourists being kidnapped or missing, I was starting to get worried. But then I think that I would feel the same way if I researched crime in any major city.

Udo - 8-31-2010 at 08:07 PM

I have not read or heard of tourists coming up missing or kidnapped in Northern Baja.
Where did that come from?

I hang out between Rosarito and Punta Banda (Ensenada area) about every 2-3 weeks. :smug:

I'm not at all concerned. :no:

bajabass - 8-31-2010 at 08:46 PM

Want an even better time? Drive 15 more minutes and stay at Hotel La Mision, La Fonda, Pyramid Resort, Poco Cielo, ect. You can party hard, or just kick back, in a much more relaxed area! The beaches are better, and no nasty local cops!

gmichael - 9-1-2010 at 12:50 AM

I saw a couple people here posting about their missing family members and I saw a thread about the missing Mcstay family which concerned me regarding kidnappings. But then again, any major city...

Thanks for the hotel tips, but we already have a place just south of puerto nuevo; hopefully that isn't far enough from the "tourist zone" to be dangerous or a drug hot-zone. I read somewhere on this site that there are gangs disguised as police on certain highways...if there are things I should avoid such as this, I would appreciate a heads up. Thanks again.

[Edited on 9-1-2010 by gmichael]

David K - 9-1-2010 at 03:57 AM

With so much beautiful country, why pick a city near the border if you have these concerns? Drive a little and see more of Baja!

woody with a view - 9-1-2010 at 05:06 AM

"No isolated camping, etc. "

c'mon D, he's asking about rosyrita..... but i agree. never camp in isolated areas near the beach. that's where i'll be and i don't need the company! :light:

wilderone - 9-1-2010 at 07:33 AM

I think the real risk is being a gringo in a car anywhere around TJ and Rosarito. Take the Mexicoach bus at the border straight to Rosarito and avoid the biggest risk.

cjesme - 9-1-2010 at 07:42 AM

Please! Be sensible and everything will be fine. Respect the rules and people. Stay out of bad areas, just as you would in the states. Go south to K52-K58. Lot's of beautiful places and people. You will totally enjoy your time in Baja.
I am tired of hearing all the bad things. Just puck up the paper in the states, it's just as bad!

k-rico - 9-1-2010 at 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
I think the real risk is being a gringo in a car anywhere around TJ and Rosarito. Take the Mexicoach bus at the border straight to Rosarito and avoid the biggest risk.

I live in Playas de Tijuana and drive around TJ (west side) almost every day (CA plates, real nice car). I'm not the least bit worried. But hey, what do I know, I only live here.

I was stopped by a cop a couple years ago for speeding, I was, by a lot. He let me go with a warning.

[Edited on 9-1-2010 by k-rico]

DENNIS - 9-1-2010 at 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gmichael
I read somewhere on this site that there are gangs disguised as police on certain highways...if there are things I should avoid such as this, I would appreciate a heads up. Thanks again.

Another caveat to remember.....Never, but never pull over for flashing red lights on a vehicle unless you are convinced that vehicle is a proper police car.
On the toll roads, only federal police in well marked cars will be on patrol.
On city streets, only well marked city cop cars.
Never pull over for an unmarked car even if it's lit up like a Christmas tree.

When you've heard all the warnings and they start to get repeatedly redundant, pack up, take off and enjoy your trip. :biggrin:

gmichael - 9-1-2010 at 12:26 PM

Well we are driving, with gringos (dwg?) and we are taking 2 cars. But we don't plan on driving late at night or in remote areas, and will stick to toll roads whenever possible; I think thats about all we can do.

Thanks for the tip about the marked cars, though I don't know if I can follow through fearing failure to comply type charges. Is flashing lights on an unmarked car a sure sign of foul play?

I would love to check out more of Mexico, maybe once I'm more comfortable with it's people/customs.

Thanks for all the advice. If you have any more safety tips, I would love to hear them. Or maybe even things to look forward to, that I should check out? :coolup:

[Edited on 9-1-2010 by gmichael]

mtgoat666 - 9-1-2010 at 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gmichael
Thanks for all the advice. If you have any more safety tips, I would love to hear them. Or maybe even things to look forward to, that I should check out? :coolup:

[Edited on 9-1-2010 by gmichael]

rosarito is not very pretty or interesting town (i think it is really ugly, and very unappealing).
you will like ensenada much better. if you are already booked for rosarito hotel, then make sure to take day trip to ensenada area.

[Edited on 9-1-2010 by mtgoat666]

KASHEYDOG - 9-1-2010 at 01:01 PM

Ensenada is a great day trip down the toll road. Beautiful drive.
You're probably as safe in the Baja as you are in most of San Diego. I'm down there all the time from Point Loma and planning to join K-rico in living in the Playas area soon.
Stop by the Rosarita Beach Hotel and have a "fresh" margarita from the best bartender around, "Ferdando". Tell him you know Richard from Point Loma and he'll fix you a special one... :yes:

.. Don't drink more then 3 or you WILL be in trouble. :yawn:

He only works the day shift from 8am to 4pm. Ask him to show you his pet mouse.... :bounce:

[Edited on 9-1-10 by KASHEYDOG]

Woooosh - 9-1-2010 at 01:33 PM

I know how you fell about non-complying with flashing lights in your rear view mirror. Just as in the states- no officer will fault you for driving to a safe, lighted place to stop and discuss why he is pulling you over (preferably the front door of a busy store). I got passed by a white-unmarked-christmas-tree-on-wheels just yesterday, lot's of yahoos in a hurry. The police agencies don't all know each other's uniforms, so you can't be expected to. The locals can tell who is who, and who is real- by the type of guns they are carrying. Do not be alarmed if you see lots of military guys with guns riding around in trucks- that's the new normal. Remember- all the lobster is frozen as lobster is out of season so consider the other more creative menu options. Enjoy the trip!

[Edited on 9-1-2010 by Woooosh]

Woooosh - 9-1-2010 at 01:36 PM

wait a minute.. when DOES lobster season start up again?

desertcpl - 9-1-2010 at 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
wait a minute.. when DOES lobster season start up again?

I think it might be Oct

Udo - 9-1-2010 at 04:50 PM

Muy funny!!

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG Ask him to show you his pet mouse.... :bounce:

[Edited on 9-1-10 by KASHEYDOG]

k-rico - 9-1-2010 at 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
YOUTH and SKILL will always be overcome by OLD AGE and TREACHERY

ya got that backwerds

KASHEYDOG - 9-1-2010 at 06:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
YOUTH and SKILL will always be overcome by OLD AGE and TREACHERY

ya got that backwards. ????

Just try me, K....
But a warning, "don't start something you can't finish". Just an old lesson my Daddy taught me 50 years ago. And if you want to try, you just go outside and practice falling down for a while. When you think you've got it mastered call me and I'll come out and help you perfect it..

Youth and skill will "always" be overcome by old age and treachery. Don't ever forget it.

[Edited on 9-2-10 by KASHEYDOG]

KASHEYDOG - 9-1-2010 at 08:55 PM

Hey,Udo....... no really, he has a pet mouse, really... :yes:

Udo, you and I have to have a shooter together......

wilderone - 9-2-2010 at 08:17 AM

"...last Labor Day weekend the border was a nightmare getting back to the US"

another reason for taking the bus. It drops off/picks up at the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

shari - 9-2-2010 at 10:25 AM

you'll have fun...just dont drive at night...hang at a hotel bar or beach or something like that...

lobster season here starts sept.15...the coops are getting rid of all their frozen lobster from february and last night we had a feast of it...not at all bad for frozen bugs...kinda whet our appetite for this season!!! yummy

Mexicorn - 9-2-2010 at 10:32 AM

Traffic will be backed up getting into Mexico on Friday as it always is on a holiday weekend.
Might be a good idea to get down here early-

fdt - 9-2-2010 at 11:06 AM

the best part of all is that if you stay at any of the participating hotels for the paella fest they will give you free, Yes, Free tickets for the event.
http://paellafest.com

gmichael - 9-2-2010 at 12:17 PM

Thanks folks. We're leaving tomorrow, and I appreciate all the tips.

One quick question about entry/re-entry. One in our party doesn't have a current passport, and will be trying to use a recently expired passport, normal license, social security card, etc to get in and out of Mexico. With all the new rules, is this possible?

Terry28 - 9-2-2010 at 12:22 PM

That should not be a problem. They will still accept a D.L. with a Birth certificate, and an expired passport is still a valid I.D......

gmichael - 9-2-2010 at 03:24 PM

Muchas gracias nomadas de baja. :coolup:

[Edited on 9-2-2010 by gmichael]

Bajafun777 - 9-4-2010 at 08:32 AM

Been down living part of my bucket list for over a month and a half staying in Las Gaviotas and they have a number of rentals here for a day, two, one month or more time for longer stays like mine.LOL The people are very friendly, the staff working as security and maintance are also very friendly and helpful. I am renting over looking Terry28's place that is also very nice and I believe he rents it at certain times. The pool and jaccuzzi that is really hot day or night is very inviting. Nice walkways all the way around the cliffs and to the beach. I sure you will love it as I have now gotten to, I go eat at Ruben Palms & Grill right as you get to stop sign at Cantamar, Bobby's Spa for food,drinks, and humorous talks with Bobby, Splash for the fish tacos,shrimp c-cktails and great bartender Nick with lots of retirees or vistors staying doing the same everyday,LOL. Go into Rosarito as needed and probably once or twice a week, and also eat at Tampanco just as you get past the military check when going south from Las Gaviotas. Las Gaviotas is about 8 miles north of Rosarito. Take care and travel Safe Nomads--------- No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN, oh yea----- bajafun777

Bajafun777 - 9-4-2010 at 08:37 AM

I have some very nice photos of Las Gaviotas and will try to post them. I also have some good directions to Fast Trac for tourists wanting to get back in hurry with doing the line but you need to spend some money as tourist down here. You can U2U me for this information on Fast Trac this is if you have no Sentri pass on your card or visitors that go to see you without Sentri pass or cards. "No Hurry, No Worry, Just Fun" bajafun777

Debra - 9-4-2010 at 07:29 PM

Yikes, nobody told him to get Mexican auto ins. Hope he knew that.

woody with a view - 9-4-2010 at 07:32 PM

Quote:

Go into Rosarito as needed and probably once or twice a week, and also eat at Tampanco just as you get past the military check when going south from Las Gaviotas. Las Gaviotas is about 8 miles north of Rosarito.

makes PERFECT sense to me.?.?.?... :?:

Woooosh - 9-4-2010 at 09:06 PM

OK- So much for a narco free Puerto Nuevo this Labor Day weekend. 605 Kilos of Pot seized from a boat off the coast. One guy detained. Water traffic into Popotla must have been backed up.

http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/informacion/noticias/1/22/poli...

=====

TIJUANA.- Efectivos de la Secretaría de Marina - Armada de México aseguraron un cargamento de 605 kilogramos de marihuana que era trasnportada en una embarcación atracada en las costas de Puerto Nuevo, en el municipio de Playas de Rosarito.
La droga estaba almacenada en cerca de 40 paquetes debidamente confeccionados y que en total arrojaron un peso de 605 kilogramos. En la acción una persona fue detenida y la embarcación asegurada.

La persona detenida y la droga fueron presentadas hace unos momentos en las instalaciones militares de esta ciudad.

had to wait for a table!!! Tapanco totally packed

skipowell - 9-5-2010 at 07:51 AM

This was a first for us in long time.
2 people ahead of us on the wait list and then another threesome came in while we were waiting. So at one time three groups waiting for a table!!!
As much as we want to see Rosarito get busy again we have been spoiled just expecting to walk in and get seated immediately. Worth the wait though!!!

SDRonni - 9-5-2010 at 10:45 AM

I'm sure Alfredo is happy with the increase in customers. Tapanco is one of our favorite places in Rosarito. We moved in to our condo in December, so pretty much have had Tapanco to ourselves........spoiled, yes......but good news for Alfredo and his family!

Bajafun777 - 9-6-2010 at 09:46 PM

Stand corrected and typing too fast I guess. From Las Gaviotas going NORTH just past the military inspection looking to your left as your driving you will find Tapanco, sorry to confuse you Woody my mistake,LOL. Still as SDRonni says a great place to eat and that is correct!!

Terry28 - 9-7-2010 at 12:23 PM

We crossed at San Ysidiro on friday afternoon around 12...no line at all,
crossed back early monday morning 9am...15 minute wait....and everything was great!! AND Las Gaviotas is SOUTH of Rosarito Gary......

gmichael - 9-7-2010 at 12:42 PM

I'm back in one piece (more or less) and I had a blast! We went just south of Puerto Nuevo to a little beach town named Cantamar(?). We had lobsters in Puerto Nuevo, tacos in Rosarito, several types of local tequila, and even a few surf perch I managed to snag just feet from my backyard. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful, and it's too bad Mexico sometimes gets such a bad wrap in the States. Thanks again for all your advice, and I'll see you next time! :cool: