Preparing for a long-range Baja cruise

by Capt. Nicole Sours Larson on 2 Sep 2017 If you’re considering cruising the Baja peninsula and, perhaps, beyond to mainland Mexico this autumn, now is the time to focus on planning and preparing your vessel for a potentially rigorous 750 nautical mile voyage to Cabo or about 900nm if you’re continuing on to La Paz.

Most people have some initial concerns. The first question I usually hear is whether it’s safe to travel by boat to Mexico. The answer is definitely “yes.” Arv and I go to Baja regularly, by foot to Tijuana, where we enjoy dining, and by car or boat to Ensenada. We always enjoy Mexicans’ friendliness, warmth and hospitality.

Do we have qualms about our personal safety? No more so than at home. As long as you use common sense and behave normally, you are as safe as, and possibly safer, than at home. By 'common sense' I mean: stay in well-lit, populated areas; always be respectful of others; don’t flash wads of cash or lavish jewelry; don’t buy illegal drugs; leave guns at home, and – most important! – comply with all Mexican laws.

If you need help, flag down the special tourist police in towns or telephone the Mexican tourist assistance hotline at 078 (it’s operated by the Secretary of Tourism).

If you’d like to make the trip but hesitate to go on your own, consider joining CUBAR (Cruise Underway to Baja Rally; see cubar.sdyc.org). The San Diego Yacht Club organizes this powerboat flotilla, which departs this year and odd years in early November, while Baja Ha-Ha (baja-haha.com), the annual sailboat rally, leaves in late October. Both groups still have space for this year’s cruise and both offer the camaraderie and support of a large group in making the voyage, although only CUBAR offers the benefit of mechanical and medical professionals accompanying the fleet.

Read more here