BajaSurfAdventures.com Blog

Posted in Mexico

I will talk about how things have changed over the last 20 years here in Baja with the cops
and Feds and etc. You may have even come across them and They may have even stopped
you while driving down the Peninsula of Baja .

Years ago , it was a hot bed going through border towns to get somewhere of interest
and to a final destination, and wondering when you were going to get pulled over. Like
clockwork it would happen , especially if you had surfboards on top of the car or not being
cautious enough. Anyone out there have this happen to you? Hmm… I am guessing a lot for
sure, including me too. they would be waiting in some crack between houses and come out
of nowhere, Remember?

In the last three years things began to change, it was very slow , but I could see a change
while going through Tijuana to the toll road. Not so many motorcycle cops and UN marked
sedans every half a km that would be there to stop you before getting to the toll road. No
need to go over what they said to get there point across to us , just give me $40 and then
usually we only have $20 routine. But still we figured to have a kitty that each surfer would
put into it $5-10 dollars each, for the pull over that was going to happen .

In 2010 big changes happened. Street lights were installed all the way to the toll road, new
signs up for how fast you could go in section of the highway to the toll of each area. That
gave us the sign then that things were about to change here in Tijuana and they also told
the local Cops to back down as well. This was a welcome sign for me , and for travellers
from California or other states that the local government, local businesses here in Tijuana
and other border towns that have had enough of the policing and the “under the table”
things were going on here in Baja

For tourist visiting, this was the start to an easy and nicer experience to enter Baja through
the biggest gateway in the world.

On another subject. Crime in and around Tijuana, I haven’t come across or seen any at all
driving into Tijuana and while driving to the toll. All I can say is, its just very easy to do it now
with roads being redone and the flow of traffic is a bit quicker.

I generally have a lot of surfers past by my camp or see them on the road either going South
or North and I always ask how things are with their trip in general. 95% say all has gone well
so far and no troubles. This is a good sign and you all should pickup what they are saying.
The other cities like Ensenada, San Quentin are very easy and no hassle from the cops or
feds, unless you do something out of the ordinary. The army patrols are good for us and
their weapon and drug stops are very good for tourist s, From what I see and hear they have
been very nice to all when stopped.

In general now with feds they stop locals, for no plates and moving vans for a little pinch,
and will not stop tourist unless your breaking the law. The Marina’s and Army guys are there
to protect us and with their stops along the roadsides, they are very nice, they check and
send you on your way. However, when they see you in a remote place they will stop you
and search your car, and let you pass, if nothing of interest is found, In my opinion, it has
always been a good experience always.

There may be still a few bent cops in Tijuana or other cities that may stop you, just take
their name and report what the problem was and if they stopped you wrongly then tell the
Mexican tourist office about it and how much it cost you to get out of the jam. In most cases
you will get a refund.

Always report problems you have in Baja, it is the only way the government and tourist
offices will know what is going on out there. They want to weed out these problems, believe
me! to increase tourist traffic to Baja and beyond.

There will be people out there that say, there is still a lot of problems with surfers in general
getting into a lot of jams down there, 90% are trying to protect their surf spots and will say
anything to keep the average person from making the trip south of the border for some
fun and good surf. Just have a plan in mind and stick to it, and always be aware of your
surroundings while travelling along anywhere in a third world country. Good Carma is the
key!

To wrap this blog up, let me say, the government wants us to have a good time while in Baja
and make sure you leave with a good taste in your mouth . but remember this, try to buy
most items needed while here in Baja to help the local and national economy, they need
our support. Most travellers bring in all their stuff needed if travelling on a 2-3 day trip and
only buy beer and tortillas when needed. This isn’t good enough, so spend a Little and buy
there.

That’s it for this blog, hope it was helpful and see you in Baja soon I hope.

Baja Bill | Bajasurfadventures.com your travel company and keeping surfers stoked for 20
years now.

Up- coming in the next blog:
Planning a trip to Baja and how to be safe and not sorry.