Safety Information

"Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. " U.S. Department of State website

(To have this issue in prespective, please also read the recent article from CNN "Why You Should Go To Mexico" and this from BAJA INSIDER)

If you have not recently visited Baja California you may be concerned by the reports gang related violence near the borders of Mexico. Here are a few things it may help to know.

1.) The violence is mostly among drug cartel members fighting for power and territory. Residents and visitors with no relation to drugs or law enforcement are not the targets of those acts.  While the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel warning as a result of these events, we believe that traveling through the border region of Tijuana is safe, provided that basic precautions (such as you would observe in any large U.S. city) are taken. 

Our company's policy, as well as Mexico's policy on illegal drugs is "zero tolerance" Do not attempt to bring, request, sell or buy any illegal drugs.

2.) Most of our trips begin in San Diego. You will be traveling with an experienced, bi-lingual guide, so you don’t have to worry about crossing the border on your own or getting lost in the wrong part of town.

3.) We hire experienced, professional drivers who bring tourists across the border on a daily basis. We drive on the toll road, which is modern, well maintained, and patroled regularly by authorities. Our vehicle is a minibus U.S. DOT certified, and insured.

4.) In Ensenada, we will be flying out of a military airport. We fly on commercial flights of a fleet of several planes, including 3 Grand Caravan, which is our preferred plane and we request unless is under maintenance. Their safety and operation standards are followed and dictated by the federal agency Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil de Mexico (Civilian Aeronautical Agency) which oversees and regulates the operation of every commercial airline.The company follows scheduled plane checking and maintenance, which for the Grand Caravan is made in San Diego, CA. They also comply with quality programs and training for their pilots.The owner of the company is a pilot himself.

5.) The places we host trips to are mostly smaller communities.  For example, the population of Cedros Island is about 4000 people, most of whom are related. It is a quiet, friendly rural community. Cars are parked outside with the keys left in them, and kids run and play everywhere without the need for concern.

6.) The boats we use are certified safe and are licensed for use in tourism. We always carry communication devices and let others know about our destination and schedule. Most fishing is done within a few miles from the island, and for trips to other parts of the island, for hiking and other activities, we travel near the coast. Life jackets are provided.

7.) We at Cedros OUTDOOR Adventures are among those who live and work in both Mexico and the U.S., crossing the border on a regular basis. We have a choice in this and you can be sure we would not choose to be here ourselves if we didn't feel safe. We invite you to come experience the magic of the real Baja California and see for yourself!

We are doing everything possible to provide a safe, enjoyable experience. Please let us know if you have any questions not addressed here - We will be happy to discuss your concerns!