Baja overlanding itineraries?

I have a 2021 ORP and am seeking to take it to Tijuana over Labor Day weekend with my gf. Wondering if anyone who has done offroad camping/overlanding down there would be willing to share their itinerary? Looking to camp and surf, and stay safe. Any ideas or info appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

in my younger, more carefree years we would camp at Punta Colonett in the summer (Pacific Ocean side) and the Sea of Cortez side int the spring. It’s VERY hot on the Sea of Cortez side in the summer and early fall. Punta Colonett has a surf break but you also have miles of empty sandy beach you can ride and great surf fishing (if you’re into that). Note that a lot of the small fish camps on both sides of Baja are being run by Cartels, so be aware. If it don’t “feel” right go somewhere else. Don’t drive at night. Let people know your itinerary and maybe even invest in one of those Satélite GPS gizmo’s.
Also keep in mind the Cartels use 4 wheel drive vehicles to access remote beaches to unload and load up, most of the time late at night and they do have lookouts.
Personally I would not go solo, I would have to go with at least another vehicle. There are alot of Americans that still go down there to fish and camp without any issues, just be vigilant of your surroundings. 99% of people down there are the nicest people you’ll meet ever, it’s the 1% that give it a bad name. My own Opinion.

 

Tijuana? Hope you have international theft insurance? More vehicles are stolen in the SW and run through Tijuana than anywhere else in Mexico. Baja used to be reasonably safe and carefree. Not so much any more. I did a motorcycle trip from Seattle to Cabo and camped on beaches along the way. Amazing experience. Would I go now? Nope. It just isn't safe any more. Puerto Penasco (Rocky Pointe) on the NE corner of Sea of Cortez is safer, very westernized and has plenty of places to go disappear. Its only a few hours from Tucson.

If you go, confirm via email, so its in writing, that you have international coverage for Mexico. Some policies cover Canada, but not Mexico. I've been researching for my upcoming trip to Patagonia and only about 1/3 of the countries down there are covered by my insurer. I have to buy additional "itinerary" insurance so they know where I am going and when.

 

Id love to drive my turd down to Baja. I've been looking into crossing the boarder. Some say getting across is easy, its getting back in thats a bitch. Pass port, and if your rig isnt paid off, you need a note from the lender/bank, or whoever owns it. Was told you need permission to drive their truck across. Again, this is what i was told by some. Check this series out. Id love to take my pile, and drive it all the way to Baja, and camp on a beach somewhere. (Also, all the "fears" .... of Mexico, .... meh, i just dont really care, and think it get blown outta hand, not to mention, anywhere you go, theres dangers, it wouldnt stop me going)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV_7TVSIhgA



Edit- sorry, its this one. Watch the beginning of this one. My bad.

Especially at 3:15

https://youtu.be/PoVqpnczVm8

 

Just get Baja bound insurance. Don’t stay in TJ. I’d recommended going here.


Dropped pin
https://goo.gl/maps/4F53yiYjEaNqTVJHA

I usually go down for off-road races and I feel as safe as I do in the states. But I don’t stay in TJ long enough to smell the air.

 

I think my friend got kidnapped there.

 

They like held him for ransom or something.

 

“Think”, “ransom or something”

 

You know, cuz that thing with the guy?

 

Ugh. Seriously. Baja is great. The unofficial joke amongst Baja racers is “it’s too scary. Don’t come!!”

If my wife wasn’t due with our 2nd(and last) I would offer to drive down with you both and show you the way.

shoot me a DM and I’ll help you out. Baja is the best and I barely know it.

 

10 years ago we used to frequently drive down and park on the US side and walk across into Tijuana and spend the day walking around, shopping, visiting, and eating. Then walk back across in the evening and head home. Can one still do that safely?

 

I have friends who do it semi regularly. There is a water park down there my friends just went to last month.

 

I would be cautious about going to Mexico.
https://fox5sandiego.com/news/borde...uana-continues-amid-shelter-in-place-warning/

 

A little late...how was your trip? Any kidnappings or ransoms doled out?