driving to mexico to surf

by **nikolade** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 1:25 am

We are three guys in california going to buy a car and drive down to mexico to surf for about two months. Can anyone recommend some good spots? We are beginners by the way,, And any safety / behavoir advices when staying and driving in mexico?
We are doughting if driving to mexico is the way to go, or maybe rather go by plane to costa rica..
Hope some of you can help us, thanks!

by **billie_morini** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 3:50 am

My wife and I used to go deep into Mexico Baja and mainland from California for many weeks at a time using our 4-wheel drive. We had wonderful times and met wonderful people. The last trip we made was around 1993. Before this, I lived right on the north side of the Rio Grande River in New Mexico. Based on today's news and conditions, I wouldn't go. About 6 months ago, I posted something to this affect and some one else said I was foolish. Well, since then there are 1 kayak tour operator and 1 surfing tour operator in my town (Santa Barbara) that each decided not to take people to Mexico any more. Each of them had intense experiences that they didn't think they'd live through. And, these are guys that had been going for 20 and 25 years annually, respectively. Even if I hadn't read their statements that they will not go again, I would not go.

If you insist on going:
1) do not drive on rural roads at night
2) do not bring or buy any drugs of any kind
3) do not take any guns (you'll want them, but it's a very big deal to get caught with them)
4) know that automobile accidents are against the law in Mexico, so if you are in a crash you will go to jail
5) good luck

by **tony g** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:21 pm

Hello Nikolade,
With everything going on in Mexico now, I would have to agree with the last post. Plan a surf trip somewhere else. Is it worth the risk? I know the waves are good and most likely uncrowded right now. But things are not good down there right now. Be careful! I would take the advice of those who have experience down there!

by **billie_morini** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 2:29 am

You can read it for yourself (advisories, that is)
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/04/26/me ... index.html
http://www.examiner.com/airlines-airpor ... o-vallarta
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/ ... CJ20110426

by **needawave** » Sat May 14, 2011 7:56 pm

If you havent gone yet, please contact me on yaho. I am in baja every south swell, including this coming week. Thanks, theskivagrant

by **scamdalous** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 8:21 am

Hello,

Bunch of canadians are planning the same sort of trip despite potential danger. trip starts in the San Blais area, works south to oaxaca and hopefully further. we're wondering if anybody has any experience with buying, selling or insuring cars, as an expat in mexico. we are also planning to drive further south into central america and have no idea how boarder crossings would go and how insurance would work.

Cheers,

Sam

by **IMinCA** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 4:53 am

scamdalous wrote:Hello,

Bunch of canadians are planning the same sort of trip despite potential danger. trip starts in the San Blais area, works south to oaxaca and hopefully further. we're wondering if anybody has any experience with buying, selling or insuring cars, as an expat in mexico. we are also planning to drive further south into central america and have no idea how boarder crossings would go and how insurance would work.

Cheers,

Sam

You can buy insurance near the border or you can google MX auto insurance. AIG Mexico is one, you will also need a permit to drive your car down there.

by **DingBat** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 4:44 pm

Great feedback.