Ensenada Cruise Port is one among Mexico’s hottest maritime gateways, positioned within the vibrant coastal metropolis of Ensenada in Baja California.
This bustling port welcomes cargo vessels and a gentle stream of cruise ships year-round. Regardless of the industrialized nature of the port itself, visiting presents cruise passengers an thrilling mix of cultural, culinary, and pure sights, all inside a captivating seaside setting.
Ensenada Cruise Port Location and Tackle
Ensenada’s port is strategically located on the Pacific coast of Baja California, so it’s an thrilling and close by vacation spot for cruise ships touring alongside the coast of Mexico from San Diego Cruise Port.
Geographically, the port lies within the coronary heart of Ensenada, a metropolis that boasts a wealthy maritime historical past, gorgeous views of the ocean, and a gentle local weather by Mexican requirements, which makes it a horny vacation spot for adventure-seeking vacationers, in addition to these seeking to get pleasure from some relaxation and leisure.
Sitting on the northern level of the Baja California peninsula, it’s sheltered by the Bahia Todos Santos, or Bay of All Saints. This implies the waters surrounding this deep-water port are comparatively calm, good for visiting cruise ships.
This location isn’t simply sensible for visiting cruise ships; it’s also shut to 2 main highways, making it accessible to these driving from San Diego.
Whereas it’s practically 70 miles south of Tijuana Worldwide Airport (TJI), a number of cruise strains provide shuttle providers to the port, making it doable to fly to your cruise.
Tackle:
Ensenada Cruise Ship Terminal, Avenida López Mateos S/N, Zona Centro 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Ensenada Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
Despite the fact that cruise ships go to the Ensenada Cruise Port dock inside an industrial harbor, the services are literally pretty spectacular. Cruise ships dock at one among two berths on the ‘C’ formed pier within the middle of the harbor. The primary, merely known as Port Ensenada Pier, is the smaller of the 2 cruise ship berths.
The second, Ensenada Cruise Ship Dock 2, can accommodate the biggest cruise ships, so it tends to be busier.
Whereas two cruise ship berths could appear restricted, it’s the solely deep water cruise ship port in Baja California, which implies it’s an especially busy port. In reality, in 2023, it was the second most visited port of name in all of Mexico.
Facilities and Amenities
I’ll begin by saying that the terminal itself is pretty underwhelming. The commercial environment and backdrop of cargo ships don’t actually scream tropical vacation spot.
With that stated, you may nonetheless discover spacious and indoor ready areas with ample seating and clear directional signage that makes it straightforward to know the place you’re imagined to go.
There are additionally quite a few restroom services, in addition to a vacationer info sales space. Whenever you disembark, you’ll discover just a few distributors and cubicles providing non-public excursions and different shore excursions.
The terminal constructing is straight in entrance of Cruise Ship Dock 2, and its darkish pink shade scheme makes it tough to overlook. Inside, you’ll discover just a few memento retailers and a number of ATMs that dispense each Mexican Pesos and USD.
Price Studying: Every part to Know About Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port
The pier and the terminal constructing are totally accessible, with ramps making it straightforward for vacationers with mobility challenges to navigate.
Whereas the cruise port part of the harbor dates again to 1983, the terminal constructing has since undergone important upgrades. You’ll discover digital shows with real-time updates on ship arrivals and departures.
Sadly, the port doesn’t provide free Wi-Fi, however there are just a few cafés a brief distance from it that do, together with a Starbucks and Xcaanda Espresso Bar. These espresso retailers will be discovered by following the palm tree-lined path that leads passengers from the port to the sting of downtown.
Cruise Traces that Go to Ensenada
Once more, Ensenada is a well-liked cease for itineraries headed south alongside the Mexican Riviera, so it’s no shock that a number of the most main cruise strains within the business make common stops there.
Listed here are just some of the cruise strains that function a cease at Ensenada Cruise Port of their itineraries:
- Carnival
- Royal Caribbean
- Princess Cruises
- Superstar Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Silversea Cruises
The best way to Get to Ensenada Cruise Port
Few ships use the port as a homeport, so it’s not a spot many itineraries checklist as the unique embarkation level, however some passengers will nonetheless select to affix a bigger itinerary by assembly a ship in Ensenada.
For these hoping to journey from California, Los Angeles, and even San Francisco, here’s a fast overview of essentially the most hassle-free methods to get to Ensenada Cruise Port.
Attending to Ensenada by Airplane
Tijuana Worldwide Airport sits adjoining to the Mexico-United States border, making it a foremost entry level for American vacationers into Baja California.
Whereas it takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Ensenada Cruise Port from the airport, the abundance of normal flights out and in of Tijuana make arriving by airplane a simple and inexpensive choice.
When you arrive, you may take a bus or shuttle service from the airport. Most have drop off factors on the port and quite a few different stops all through downtown Ensenada. These providers are dependable and fluctuate in value, with essentially the most inexpensive being about $15 per particular person.
Attending to Ensenada by Automobile
Given the relative proximity of the port to the border, loads of folks will select to drive down from San Diego, California. Whether or not you’re driving your personal automobile, or plan on renting a automotive, the 71-mile journey will take about two hours to drive.
When you arrive, ample in a single day parking is offered on the port itself and thru the various accommodations and resorts only a brief distance from the pier.
Virtually the whole drive is alongside the Mexico-1D Freeway, a scenic journey that hugs the shoreline. Not solely will having your automobile with you make it straightforward to discover Ensenada at your personal tempo, the drive down by means of Baja California will be one other memorable a part of your trip.
Attending to Ensenada Cruise Port from Downtown Ensenada
If you happen to’re already in Ensenada, you’ll discover getting round is comparatively straightforward. Not like a number of the bigger Mexican cities I’ve visited, I discovered Ensenada to have a compact structure that makes the world surrounding the port very walkable.
Nonetheless, for longer journeys or in the event you desire to not stroll in any respect, XMB is the identify of town’s public transportation community, and it operates quite a few micro-buses. With routes everywhere in the metropolis and fares lower than $1.50, it’s the most cost effective strategy to get round.
With that stated, taxis are all over the place and simple to flag. Simply be sure you by no means get in an unmarked cab, as all taxis within the metropolis have to be registered. There are three foremost taxi corporations it’s best to search for: Metro Ensenada, Radio Taxi, and Taxi Pioneros.
All three settle for Mexican Pesos or American {Dollars}. You will get to the port from just about anyplace within the metropolis for below $15, so taxis aren’t simply handy, they’re very inexpensive.
Uber not too long ago began working in Ensenada, so you may request a journey in the event you would like to go that route.
What You Can Do Close to the Port
You don’t need to go removed from the port to get pleasure from your self. If you happen to’re up for a brief stroll, the Centro Social Cultural Heart is simply 0.8 miles from the port. Initially inbuilt 1930 as a luxurious resort and on line casino, quite a few Mexican and American celebrities visited it in its heyday.
At this time, it acts as a cultural museum in addition to a completely purposeful arts faculty. I extremely suggest taking a guided tour of the historic constructing and its gardens.
No journey to Ensenada is full with out visiting the unique Hussong’s Cantina, the oldest bar and most well-known cantina in Baja California. Initially opened in 1892, it claims to be the place the place the margarita was invented again in 1941.
As if that weren’t motive alone to make your manner there, it’s solely a 1.2-mile stroll from the pier. Whether or not you’re hungry, simply desire a chilly beer, or wish to take within the ambiance, it’s nearly like a museum and a bar in a single.
Proper on the pier, you’ll additionally discover loads of tour operators providing strolling excursions, wine tastings, fishing journeys, and extra. Nonetheless, you don’t need to spend large to benefit from the space. Even simply taking a stroll across the port presents scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Proper on the finish of the pier you’ll additionally discover Avenida López Mateos, one of many foremost procuring strips in downtown Ensenada. Right here you’ll simply have the ability to store for souvenirs, like distinctive handicrafts, handmade silver jewellery, artisanal liquors, scorching sauces, espresso, and a lot extra.
Seashores Close to Ensenada Cruise Port
If exploring town isn’t your factor, you’ll be completely satisfied to be taught that Ensenada can also be dwelling to some picturesque seashores, making it the right place to get pleasure from some enjoyable within the solar. Listed here are just some of the seashores which can be accessible from the cruise port:
Malecon de Playa Hermosa
Positioned roughly 2.5 miles south of the port, Playa Hermosa isn’t simply accessible, it’s additionally some of the fashionable seashores within the space. Recognized for its mild waves and lengthy sandy shores, it’s the best spot for households touring with children.
If you happen to don’t really feel like strolling to the seaside, a brief taxi journey from the port is at all times an choice. It’s additionally enjoyable to hire a bicycle close to the port, then take the bike path to the seaside.
The seaside itself stretches practically three miles and has public restrooms and outside showers. With lifeguards on responsibility, volleyball nets, umbrella and seaside lounger leases, and all kinds of beachside distributors and eating places, there’s loads to do. The calm waters additionally make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa Guarnición Militar
A bit additional afield, Playa Guarnición Militar is about 5.5 miles south of the port. It’s clear, quiet, and has a small boardwalk lined with native musicians and road meals distributors serving tacos and seafood.
Whereas it’s not as instantly shut as Playa Hermosa, it’s a great choice in order for you extra of an genuine expertise and a vigorous coastal ambiance, because it isn’t fairly as touristy.
Needless to say the currents and countercurrents are fairly sturdy in the event you swim out too removed from the shoreline, so it may be fairly harmful in the event you’re not a powerful swimmer.
Whereas the currents are pretty sturdy, the waves make it a great place for browsing. In reality, a number of the browsing and jet ski excursions you may guide close to the port will take you to Playa Guarnición Militar.
Estero Seashore
If you happen to actually wish to get pleasure from a soothing day on the seaside, Estero Seashore is without doubt one of the quietest and calmest seashores within the space. Like Playa Guarnicion Militar, it’s not as fashionable with vacationers, so it has a extra secluded really feel.
The seaside itself options comfortable sands and the waves are often calm. There’s additionally a close-by estuary the place you may take a nature stroll and spot tropical birds.
It’s about 8.3 miles from the pier, so it’s a little bit of a journey, however it’s value it if you wish to get pleasure from a soothing day on the seaside. Plus, Estero Island Seashore Membership is close by, permitting non-overnight company to guide day passes to entry their swimming pools, eating places, and swim-up bar.
Eating in Ensenada
One of many foremost issues that retains me coming again to Mexico is the unbelievable meals. As you’ll rapidly be taught in the event you go to, Ensenada’s culinary scene is simply as vibrant and numerous as its cultural heritage.
I already talked about Hussong’s Cantina, which is a must-visit for chilly drinks and small plates, however there are a lot of different choices for these hoping to deal with their style buds.
Whether or not you’re seeking to strive a number of the native flavors otherwise you simply desire a easy meal close to the port, listed here are just a few of the highest spots I’d suggest:
La Ensenada Restaurante
Positioned simply half a mile from the pier, La Ensenada Restaurante presents upscale eating in a welcoming atmosphere. With a powerful deal with native substances and conventional recipes, it’s a superb choice in the event you hope to get a style of the native delicacies. For wine lovers, they import wine from all through Baja California and past.
Whilst you can’t go fallacious with something on the menu, the grilled seafood dishes are the actual spotlight. In order for you one thing a bit completely different, strive the octopus tacos.
Mercado Negro Seafood Market
If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing a bit bit completely different, Mercado Negro is positioned simply half a mile from the port. Distributors at this iconic meals market promote contemporary fish and different uncooked substances, however you’ll additionally discover an enormous number of ready seafood dishes, grilled meats, contemporary fruit, and extra.
The market is a must-see for meals lovers in search of out these genuine Mexican flavors. Even in the event you’re not overly hungry, it’s extremely colourful and has a vigorous ambiance, enhanced in the event you’re fortunate sufficient to go to whereas reside musicians are performing.
La Bufadora Tequila Grill and Restaurant
Practically 20 miles from the port close to Pai Pai Ecotourism Park, you’ll find La Bufadora Restaurant.
Whereas this will appear to be a far strategy to go only for a meal, the restaurant will get its identify from its proximity to the well-known La Bufadora Blowhole, one of many space’s most iconic vacationer websites. This implies you may mix visiting the location with a really unforgettable eating expertise.
The restaurant focuses on regional seafood, however presents a full menu of conventional dishes. To not be confused with the American chain La Bufadora Baja Grill, this family-owned restaurant is at all times value visiting.
La Guerrerense Carreta
If you happen to actually wish to deal with your self to some actually scrumptious meals, La Guerrerense Carreta has a number of the freshest and tastiest seafood you’ll discover anyplace in Mexico. These aren’t simply my phrases, this declare was initially made by Anthony Bourdain, who visited whereas filming one among his journey exhibits.
This unbelievable spot has blossomed from humble meals truck to some of the frequented spots in the whole metropolis. Better of all, it’s positioned lower than a mile from the port.
Town of Ensenada presents an unbelievable vary of pleasant procuring experiences, and also you don’t need to journey far to seek out them. In reality, the world across the port is dotted with markets, boutiques, and artisan retailers that cater to each style.
If you happen to stroll from the port into downtown Ensenada, you’ll see numerous shops carrying all kinds of souvenirs. If procuring is your factor, be sure you stroll alongside Avenida López Mateos, town’s foremost procuring strip.
I already talked about Mercado Negro, which is an effective choice in the event you’re seeking to buy gadgets the world is understood for, like its locally-made wine. If you wish to deliver again some wine, the market is great, as most distributors will give you a pattern glass of wine before you purchase.
Town can also be recognized for its silver jewellery, which will be discovered just about all over the place within the metropolis. In case you are on the lookout for silver gadgets and different souvenirs, Plaza Comerical Artesanal is simply steps away from the pier.
Right here you’ll discover vendor stalls, cafés, wine bars, and loads of eating places and meals stands. Keep in mind that most distributors solely settle for money, so that you’ll want to drag out American or Mexican foreign money.
Is Ensenada, Mexico, Protected?
Security ought to at all times be a high precedence, irrespective of the place you journey. That is significantly essential whenever you go to Mexico, which does have some harmful areas which can be finest averted by vacationers.
Happily, Ensenada is without doubt one of the safer areas of Mexico, particularly close to the port. You’ll discover a outstanding police presence there that helps maintain vacationers protected. The U.S. State Division doesn’t have any journey warnings for town or the encircling space.
Nonetheless, it’s at all times a good suggestion to test on this earlier than you go to, as journey advisories consistently change.
With that stated, the Canadian Authorities does suggest that its residents follow a excessive diploma of warning in Ensenada, with petty crimes, like pickpocketing and pretend tour scams being the first issues.
To make sure you stay protected throughout your go to, it’s a good suggestion to keep away from wandering off alone. If you happen to’re involved, I’d suggest preserving your valuables safe or leaving them on the ship. As talked about, utilizing respected transportation choices can also be a good suggestion, relatively than risking getting in unmarked taxis.
Greatest Time to Go to Ensenada
The local weather in Ensenada is nice year-round, however most individuals agree that the most effective time to go to is throughout early fall months. From September by means of November, the climate is heat, sunny, and dry, with out being overly scorching or humid, making it a a lot nicer time to discover town.
Learn Additionally: When is the Greatest Time to Cruise the Mexican Riviera?
The spring and winter months are additionally nice, however visiting in the course of the summer season will be extremely popular. One other benefit of visiting in the course of the fall is that crowds aren’t as intense as in the course of the winter, particularly close to the vacations.
If you happen to actually wish to benefit from the native tradition, the largest pageant of the 12 months is Carnaval Ensenada, which runs from the final week of February to early March. This pageant has been occurring for over 100 years and is widely known with parades, colourful costumes, seaside events, and rather more.
In case you have rented a automotive or have chosen to drive your personal automobile right down to Ensenada, it’s value preserving in thoughts that the site visitors will be fairly heavy throughout rush hour, which tends to run between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. within the mornings, and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. within the evenings.
Parking is fairly straightforward to seek out, however it may be a bit difficult close to the primary vacationer websites. This is the reason so many individuals will go for taxis relatively than driving their very own autos.
