Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Ensenada is a coastal city in Mexico, located on Baja California Peninsula.
Ensenada has a port that accepts cruise ships, navy base, army base, and Ensenada Airport.
The city also is known for its wine plantations.
Ensenada is part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network since 2015.
Travelers come here to see The National Park, Constitution of 1857, is nearby as are also the Sierra de Juarez and San Pedro Martir National Park, which maintain one of the best astronomical observatories in the country.
Ensenada’s area has many unique terrestrial or marine species inhabiting animals.
Guadalupe Island, nearest to the coast of the city, is one of the best places in the world for observing the great white shark.
Warnings & Dangers in Ensenada
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Ensenada is a calm and safety city in general. The crime risk is low and tourists here can feel securely. Police have a high level of trust among citizens.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transport in Ensenada is carried out by small buses called "micros". It's safe enough to travel by it. Taxi services work round the clock Passengers in a taxi are auto insured. It's recommended do not catch a cab on the street.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
The risk of being a victim of pickpocketing in Ensenada is low. But anyway travelers are recommended to keep their belongings in closet pockets and be aware of crowd places.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
The risk of tsunamis and tornadoes is high enough in this region of Mexico. Also, Ensenada often suffered from droughts.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging risk is low here and tourists can be safe till they avoid to show luxury belongings and are careful on the streets.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The city does not suffer from the cartels' showdowns, therefore terrorist attacks are unlikely here. It’s safe enough to be in the city both day and night. Nonetheless, tourists must take precautions and respond to police reports.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Auto theft from foreign tourists is common here. To avoid this risk park car only clearly visible parking areas, at night park vehicle on a security guard and use at least on anti-thief protection by car.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women traveling alone will feel quite safe in Ensenada. To avoid obsessive masculine attention, it’s enough not to stay too long in the bar here and not appear on the streets in defiant clothes.
So... How Safe Is Ensenada Really?
Ensenada has a regular port of call for luxurious cruise ships, which means a constant stream of tourists.
The city is generally secure, the index of crime is low, maybe the lowest in the whole of Mexico.
However, like anywhere, being safe means heading warnings and being aware of potential dangers in Ensenada.
As everywhere to reduce the chance of being mugged or cheated don’t talk to them who asking or offer help.
Always be careful when stepping out into a crosswalk – car drivers, not every time stop to pass pedestrians.
Ensenada is the city with the least crime out of other areas of Baja California in Mexico.
Citizens have a higher level of confidence towards the municipal police.
If you are stopped by the police, stand firm on a written citation and ask for details on how to pay the fine.
Women traveling alone will feel quite safe in Ensenada.
The main advice is not to drink much here and wearing modest clothes.
Travelers here may notice military checkpoints along the road or highways. Always stop at those places and follow instructions for cooperation.
Sometimes police can do random car selection for a routine search.
How Does Ensenada Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Ensenada | 90 |
| Playa del Carmen | 69 |
| Cabo San Lucas | 68 |
| Acapulco | 63 |
| Cancun | 71 |
| Guadalajara | 62 |
| Mexico City | 45 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
Useful Information
Visas
No visas required for tourist proposals to enter Mexico for many countries of Europe, US citizens and so on. You should have a valid passport and a tourist permit. The maximum possible of stay is 180 days. For a longer stay or other options, you should visit the Mexican embassy.
Currency
The Mexican peso - is the official currency in Mexico. There are one hundred Mexican centavos to every peso. The symbol for the Mexican Peso is $, so you can see MX$ or MN$ in banks and exchange points.
Weather
Location near the Pacific and a warm Mediterranean latitude create in Ensenada mild year-round weather. The rainy season is in winter. Sometimes here happen droughts, which can threaten its grape harvests. The best times to visit Ensenada for ideal weather are from March to December.
Airports
Ensenada has a public airport that function as commercial lines and that as the Military Airbase, operated by the Mexican Air Force. It is located 3 km south of Ensenada. It is an official airport of entry into Mexico. Currently, it only handles two regional commercial airlines, with flights within the region.
Travel Insurance
The medical insurance is recommended for travelers before the trip beginning. As well as in other countries, the customs officer can ask you to show travel insurance.
Ensenada Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 20 |
| Low °C | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 |
| High °F | 68 | 68 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 75 | 72 | 68 |
| Low °F | 45 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 54 | 57 | 63 | 64 | 61 | 55 | 50 | 45 |
Safest city in Mexico
It is the safest city in Mexico
NOT! Run.
No, Not Safe, over 200 murder’s this year alone 2021, its July. Police keep asking for bribes for traffic violations, they make up the violation. Extortion of cash is gained.
Avoid Visiting Ensenada in 2022
I agree, It is listed as a High Crime region and they have failed police operations. They drive around in Big Trucks, checking out the chicks, but fail to catch very few criminals. They keep demanding extortion of cash from anyone. If you have a problem or crime, they will not investigate it unless you pay them. Do you all get this? They don’t give a damn about tourists, only your money so read the rules by our USA govt about travelling to Mexico first before you go. The ctiy Council me3mbers and Mayor ignore this request for a hearing into corruption of police. They allow them to continue to ask for these bribes, no one stops them at all. President Obrador lied to the people when he said he will act upon this type of corruption, well he has failed us here.
You’re not good with stats. Baltimore with the same population ended 337 homicides and St Louis per 100,000 was higher. Also was Detroit.
No one goes to Baltimore, St. Louis or Detroit for a vacation, so whats your point.
So? Your point is? Baltimore, St Louis and Detroit are amongst the most dangerous cities in the world!
In the news a lot of death women bodies has been uncovered in the area,so the area is not safe at all.
Encinada @ cruiseport village
Encinada is definitely not safe. People get killed at the bars all the time at least once a month. Scams are super prevalent. Cruiseport village marina is a security joke where things are stolen and then camera footage is protected by staff. As a white American, you are ONLY welcome if you are spending money and even then you are not even considered a guest. During the day on “gringo gulch” the 10 blocks close to the marina is fine. I walk the streets during the day but I also in 220 pounds in covered in tattoos. In fact the few times I did go out at night to get some food and walk five blocks away from the marina I was told by locals that I am insane for doing that.
where is Encinada?
Ensenada it’s not safe at all, transportation like Uber taxis and others have connection with kidnappers ,scammers, slot a shooting in a public touristics áreas, I don’t recommend but if you visit Ensenada always wacht your backs ,don’t drink a lot and don’t trust no body, I k now Ensenada very well ,by my owned experience I can tell
What year did you go? I had a completely different experience in Ensenada. I mean you have to be cautious no matter where you go. Even here in the US there are people who will try to take advantage of out-of-country tourists. I have seen it first hand. People can be real nasty. I do agree with not drinking in excess though. You don’t want to do that anywhere while on vacation really.
corrupt police
completely sober and walking to the bank from the tourist area around 8:30 PM. A white pickup with 2 police stopped me and asked for identification. one stayed in front of me while the other was in back of me. the one in back took my billfold and said he needed to check for drugs. the one in front kept asking if I was drinking, etc. They gave me back my billfold and said I could go. I opened my billfold to count my money and see if anything was missing. I told them $400 pesos were missing. They didn’t agree and asked if I wanted to ride down to the police station with them. I was glad they didn’t clean me out and I was out about $40.00. I used to go down on the Baja regularly, but since then, I never returned.
You make you a target
Four hundred pesos is $20 usd. I have lived in Ensenada for 14 years. Yes I have been pulled over by the police but I did break a law. I was able to save money by paying a bribe. It is a great discount program.
As for safety, stupid is as stupid does. Walking in unlit areas, bad idea, going out alone also not smart.
The big no getting drunk in a bar, a big red light for problems. I look at things in this light, I don’t worry about a person coming into a store with automatic weapons shooting at people here living in Mexico. USA scares me. Here you make yourself a target. Don’t push American wealth into a face of a local. No fancy clothes, jewelry or a thick wallet. Stay in a group of trusted people and enjoy.
hello-
contemplating a return, of sorts, and just wanted to see about having a fellow american to confer with. (i am from l.a., maternal family is from ensenada.)
Ensenada is a dump. Locals and criminals who got deported from the US are working together trying to scam you. If you’re not a local, you have a target on your back. The local police are part of the scam as well. Big time tourist trap. They DON’T want you there, only your CASH. Only fools will think otherwise.
Still want to go? Travel at your own risk. You have been warned.
I have a friend that goes to ensenada all the time. He has a boat in a marina there. He tells me he has a great time. He walks around at night all the time to go to restaurants. He did get stopped by the police on the way down once and they stole something out of the back of his truck. Other than that he has had no problems. The worst part is coming back and crossing the border. I just completed my interview for my global entry pass card so it should be easier for me.
Scammers Galore
Came on a cruise Feb 2023, took shuttle from port, did La Bufadora, city tour, and ATV tour. They tell you one price and then when you’re ready to leave it’s suddenly $20 more…should have been my first clue. First stop was to the owners house to drop off a bucket (can’t make this up). Finished tour and was told I needed to pay extra $10 because I kept the driver all day. I complied because I was alone at night on a side street with owner and 5 other guys. I’m 6’4” 265 and can handle my own but not worth it to argue. Initial shuttle ticket was supposed to include return to port with shuttle running “every 5 minutes” until 9:00 pm. They were nowhere to be found by 6:30. Every place they take you they get a kickback, which is fine, but I would rather go on my own next time and be able to choose where to go, not just who they have deals with. Typical tourist shops with “name brand” bags, etc. at “discounts”. Bought a bag for $75…first quoted at $350 lol! Probably could’ve got on Amazon for $30 but I need something to carry around for the day. Felt mostly safe, obviously some no go zones. Overall had fun but if I did again, sad to say would absolutely NOT do a tour with the locals as they’re mostly all little bait and switch operations.