On short two to three-day cruises from San Diego, you may be lucky enough to stop in Ensenada, Mexico, one of the finest places in Baja, California. Fine dining, authentic Mexican culture, and the rugged outdoors are some of the city’s biggest draws.
There’s a little something for everyone in the Ensenada cruise port. Shopping, adventures, and sightseeing galore await you in this exciting port city from when you first step off the ship.
Port Overview
The cruise and freight port accommodate cargo and container ships and cruise ships, making it a busy port of call. Boats and ships dock at Ensenada’s top-of-the-line industrial port, next to a tourist village, the main tourist street, and the waterfront promenade. There is so much to do and see within fifteen minutes of the dock, you may not even want to go beyond the first couple of blocks!
Best of all, once finished, you can simply walk back onto your ship: no complicated tendering, no shuttles. You can choose when you head back without worrying too much about scheduling or other concerns.
Sightseeing & Activities
Ensenada is close to Valle de Guadalupe, what is considered the Napa Valley of Baja, California. The wine there is some of the best in the world, and they have plenty of mouth-watering accompaniments to go along with it. Be sure to capitalize on some wine-tasting during one Esenada’s famous wine tours or on a visit to the Wine Museum.
Ensenada is also known for its surrounding rugged terrain, where you can go hiking, take an ATV off-roading tour, do horseback riding, or visit an adventure park for ziplining and other thrilling activities.
If you have some time left over from your rip-roaring and refined culinary adventures, take some time to explore within the city limits. There’s a marvelous promenade with a park that houses the supposed largest Mexican flag, although all Mexican cities have ones of similar sizes.
Shopping & Food
Ensenada offers more than fine wine and cheese plates; it is the rumored birthplace of Margaritas and fish tacos. You should stop by El Guerrerense, which serves the best authentic fish tacos in Ensenada, and possibly the world. The house specialty is the sea urchin ceviche taco, but come prepared to wait in line. This food stand is always packed.
Once you’ve filled up on delicious taco goodness, head down to the main shopping street, Avenida Primera, which hosts prime tourist shopping opportunities. If you’re looking for something more authentic, go to the end of Avenida Lopez Mateos, and you’ll find Calle Ruiz, with has more authentic local shops for you to peruse.
Nearby Beaches To Check Out
There are several beaches nearby to visit, offering beautiful water and a relaxing day in the sun.
The first is at the end of the promenade known as the Malecon. It starts right next to the port and stretches to Playa Hermosa, a twelve-mile stretch of paradise where you can work on your tan or try to catch some waves with the locals.
A short drive away is Rosarito Beach, a beach town with more beachy vibes and laid back atmosphere than Ensenada, where you can just sit back and relax.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try a horseback riding tour of La Mision Beach to experience the beach in an entirely new way.
Other Things To Do
Whale watching is a big draw between December and April, as gray whales come to the gulf of Baja California to breed. Spotting a cute calf with a mother is a surefire way to enjoy your time off-ship.
Or you can also check out La Bufadora, the second largest marine geyser in the world, which shoots over a hundred feet above sea level. The size and span of its stay will surely get you gawking if that doesn’t head over to El Parque de La Bandera, where the larger-than-life Mexican flag waves proudly over the city.
Finally, there are plenty of other sites in the city you’ll want to check out, like Rivera del Pacifico, which used to be a casino during prohibition but recently transformed into a cultural center and museum for the city. Plus, there are plenty of other museums and parks within walking distance of the port.
Currency
The accepted currency in Ensenada is the Mexican peso, which can be confusing because it has the same symbol as the American dollar. Places that take American money will display a ($) with two lines, or (US$).
The exchange rate is roughly 17 pesos to 1 American dollar, and credit cards are less widely accepted than in the US or Europe, or there may be a five percent charge to your card for each transaction.
How To Get To Ensenada From The Ensenada Cruise Port
One of the best things about the Ensenada cruise port is how easy it is to get to the city. The Malecon, Avenida Primera, El Parque de La Bandera, and more are all within steps of the port.
Moreover, there’s no complicated tendering process or other transportation to get from your ship to the port, you just have to walk off your boat onto the dock then you’ll have the city at your fingertips.
Cruise Lines That Sail Here
Most of the time, major cruise lines only stop if it’s a couple-day cruise. However, those that do offer a stop at Ensenada include:
Most cruises tend to skip the city on longer voyages of the Mexican Rivera, which can be quite a disappointment considering all Ensenada has to offer.
In Summary
Ensenada makes a fantastic shore excursion, whether you want to explore the rugged natural beauty of Baja California’s desert, learn about the city’s history and culture, or get a taste of what gormands travel the world for with some of the best food in Mexico.
This city has so much to taste, see, and experience, just within a couple of blocks of the Ensenada cruise port, with more museums than can be recanted and plenty of stores and beaches to satisfy even the most fickle of cruise guests. Ensenada is a city you should take advantage of if you’re lucky enough to stop there.
