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
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Ensenada, Mexico, is a unique city to visit.
Only a short drive south of Tijuana and Rosarito, Ensenada is one of the big tourist towns, with several ways to get there from San Diego.
Ensenada is in the state of Baja California, which is under a Level 3 advisory from the U.S. State Department.
This advisory means that travelers should reconsider travel because of the risk of cartel-related violence, kidnapping, and so on.
However, the tourist zones in Ensenada stand out as some of the safer places to go.
Risks always exist, and you’ll want to use common sense when traveling, even in those tourist zones.
But the city has a good police presence in those areas and tries to control problems.
Ensenada is just south of Valle de Guadalupe, which has become one of the better-known winery zones in the world.
It’s also near La Bufadora, a marine geyser that’s an easy day trip.
You can go fishing or wander through markets in town, taking in the sights.
Ensenada can be a fun trip if you take sensible precautions.
Warnings & Dangers in Ensenada
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Watch out for tourist scams, watch out for petty theft, and keep natural disasters in mind (you can't prevent them, but you can be aware of them). Ensenada is one of the cities in Mexico that's generally considered among the safer ones.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Unofficial taxi drivers can overcharge; it's often easier to use a service like Uber, where prices are set ahead of time. You may want to upgrade Uber rides for more comfort.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
The risk isn't zero, but if you stay in tourist zones, don't wander off alone, and keep a close grip on your belongings, you can reduce the chances of something happening.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Ensenada is prone to drought and excessive summer heat, like much of Southern California and the Baja Peninsula. Storms can lead to localized flooding, and the area has had some destructive brush fires in the past. And it's not immune to shaking from fault lines in the region.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Petty theft is definitely a risk, but armed robbery itself is generally a low risk. Although, of course, you should always be careful and not display really expensive jewelry, things like that.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
There's no specific global terror threat to Ensenada at this point, but there's always the risk that something could happen. Look out for anything out of the ordinary, and don't be too flashy and draw attention to yourself.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Tourists have to watch out for the usual tourist scams, from overcharging taxis to people trying to "help" you at ATMs. Exchange scams are common, and so is petty theft like bag snatching. Do what you can to make you and your stuff a harder target to deal with. Lock doors and windows in cars, hotel rooms, and so on.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Staying in the tourist zones, especially during the day, should be fine. You can never guarantee total safety, but in general, the tourist areas of Ensenada are considered relatively safe. There tends to be a pretty good police presence, and no one there really wants to mess around with the tourist industry, considering how important it is to the city's economy. That said, you still want to take general precautions, like not wandering off into dark alleys at night or going to bars with strangers. Watch your drinks, secure your belongings, lock doors and windows, and generally stay aware, as you would in any large U.S. city. Don't drive on deserted highways at night (and maybe just try not to drive at night at all; take a service like Uber). Don't go looking for trouble.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
The tap water in Ensenada is like much of the urban tap water in Mexico. It's treated before entering the city water delivery system, but that system offers many opportunities for the water to become contaminated. Stick with bottled water for any use that involves ingesting the water, including washing your face. You'll see posts online about people testing their water and getting good results, but those results may not apply to where you're staying.
Safest Places to Visit in Ensenada
Stick to the tourist zones in town.
If you want to go outside of town, Valle de Guadalupe can be a beautiful trip, especially if you like wine.
Ask your hotel’s concierge or front desk staff about reputable tours.
Places to Avoid in Ensenada
Areas outside tourist zones, and rural areas other than the wineries in Valle de Guadalupe.
Those areas tend to have higher crime rates or have a greater chance of something happening (e.g., driving on a deserted highway at night is inherently more unsafe than driving on a populated highway during the day).
Safety Tips for Traveling to Ensenada
- Sign up for the U.S. State Department’s STEP service. That’s the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and it lets you receive emails with updates about travel advisories. It also helps in emergencies.
- Watch your bags! Even safe cities can have petty theft.
- Stay alert. Ensenada is pretty, but it’s still not a place where you want to zone out in public.
- Take summer seriously. Bring a hat, and stay hydrated. You may be near the coast, but you’re also farther south than you realize.
- Pay attention to weather reports, especially in summer during hurricane season. Ensenada can get localized downpours from tropical remnants, and fires can be an issue.
- Don’t show off. Leave the fancy jewelry at home, hide your cash, and so on. Be a plain, uninteresting target for thieves.
- Take Uber around town, especially at night.
- Mexicans are helpful people in general, but watch out for overly helpful people around ATMs.
- Don’t exchange money on the street. Always, always exchange it at a cambio or bank.
- Stick to tourist areas, and don’t wander off in the name of adventure. Ensenada is nice, but non-tourist zones are going to have their own issues.
So... How Safe Is Ensenada Really?
Despite all the warnings about Mexico — many of which you want to listen to, of course — Ensenada is regarded as one of the safer places to be.
It’s a big tourist town with a noticeable police presence, and people there are usually friendly.
There’s a lot to do, and if you’re concerned about where to go that’s safe, ask your hotel’s front desk staff or concierge.
How Does Ensenada Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Ensenada |
78 |
| Reynosa |
30 |
| Durango |
75 |
| Puerto Vallarta |
72 |
| Cancun |
70 |
| Mexicali |
40 |
| Oaxaca |
78 |
 Lee’s Summit | 78 |
| Hazard | 78 |
| Moline | 68 |
| Atchison | 86 |
| Oshkosh | 83 |
 Amsterdam | 78 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. citizens don't need a visa for Mexico for trips shorter than 180 days. However, there is an entry permit and fee, and the requirements for those can be kind of confusing at first. The entry permit is called an FMM, and you can apply for it online or at a border crossing. Any U.S. citizen entering Mexico via air or port needs the FMM, no matter how short their stay is; however, if the stay is six days or fewer, no fee is needed. A U.S. citizen entering Mexico via a land border crossing needs the FMM and needs to pay the fee unless they're staying for six or fewer days and staying within a certain border zone. In that case, neither is needed. Ensenada is not within that border zone, so you will need an FMM. Whether you pay the fee or not depends on how you crossed into Mexico and how long your stay will be.
Currency
Mexico uses the peso (1 peso = 100 centavos). The peso uses the $ sign; however, so if you're not sure a price is in dollars or pesos, ask. As of late January 2026, the exhange rate was US$1 = MEX$17.48. Ensenada is a popular cruise ship destination, and a number of reports online state that people on cruises have been able to use U.S. dollars in Ensenada. However, you're better off getting pesos and using those. You can exchange pesos and dollars at a casa de cambio (you'll find these clustered around border crossings) or through ATMs. Use ATMs that are in banks and not random ATMs on the street. ATM skimming can be an issue. Never exchange dollars for pesos with people on the street.
Weather
Ensenada's location on the Pacific coast of northern Baja gives it a milder climate than many other Mexican cities. Winter high temperatures (in Fahrenheit here, but keep in mind that Mexico uses Celsius) average in the mid-60s, with average lows in the mid-40s. Summer highs average in the low 80s with lows in the lower 60s. The city doesn't get much rain, averaging around 8 to 9 inches per year (about what Tijuana and San Diego get). Occasionally, remnants of tropical storms will hit the city, as do the "pineapple express" rains that reach Southern California. Rarely do tropical storms reach that far north, although that did happen in 2023 with Tropical Storm Hilary. Dress warmly in winter; layers are best in case the days warm up a bit. In summer, you'll want short-sleeved shirts during the day and a light jacket at night; summer hats are a good idea, along with sunglasses.
Airports
Ensenada's airport situation is a little different compared to other major tourist destinations in Mexico. The main airport there is used for both military and some civilian flights, but the civilian flights tend to be private. Instead, you'd fly into either Tijuana International Airport (General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport) or into San Diego and then travel down to Ensenada. The city is supposedly getting an international airport at some point in the next few years, but there have been rumors about it going back to the 1990s. A ferry service between downtown San Diego and Ensenada is set to begin, too, but that service has been delayed numerous times. To get from Tijuana airport to Ensenada, you can rent a car, take a taxi, hire a car service, or take a bus service like the ABC bus, which travels down to Ensenada. If you choose to fly into San Diego, take a taxi or Uber/Lyft to the border, walk across, and then catch the ABC bus to Ensenada. There's a bus terminal near the border.
Travel Insurance
You really should have travel insurance, even though you're not required to have it just to enter Mexico from the U.S. Ensenada isn't that far from the border, but it can seem a world away if something goes wrong on your trip and you're facing a huge bill. Travel insurance can cover cancellations and other problems that occur on the trip. Medical insurance is a must as Mexican hospitals won't take your U.S. insurance. And you don't want to be stuck in the notoriously heavy U.S.-bound traffic at the San Ysidro border crossing if you're sick. Car insurance is required to drive in Mexico. Luckily, if you can't find insurance through your U.S. agent and aren't renting a car, there are offices on the U.S. side of the border that sell policies.
Ensenada Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 19 |
| Low °C |
8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 |
| High °F |
66 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 75 | 72 | 66 |
| Low °F |
46 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 54 | 57 | 61 | 63 | 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.
Not really worth the risk.
Been going to Ensenada alone since the 1980s and I always walk bar to bar including the very worst areas at night until closing time. Only once did I need to pay a bribe to a cop ($10). I’ve got some stories about doing this in TJ but by comparison, Ensenada is quite tame. Just be super alert, don’t drink too much and use your street smarts. If you lack street smarts, don’t go to foreign countries period. All that said, there really is no big attraction there and it is pretty much a hole.
Did you have any issues with safety while you were there, or did it feel pretty chill in the tourist areas?
It’s interesting to see how Ensenada balances its charm with the need for caution; I remember feeling a mix of excitement and awareness while exploring the markets and enjoying the local seafood. The vibes from the tourist spots felt pretty safe, but it’s always good to stay alert and make smart choices.
Did you feel like the tourist areas really felt safe, or was it more of a mixed bag while you were there?
Anyone else think La Bufadora is way louder in person and the markets felt surprisingly calm even with the police presence?