Ensenada Port of Call
Overview:
Ensenada, the low slung Baja city 70 miles (116km) south of the
US border, is mostly known as an quick tourist stopover. Although
not the most attractive port city there are a number of tourist
activities.
If lucky enough to be in Ensenada at the right time it can be a
great whale watching starting point in winter, and others can catch
the start of the infamous Baja 1000 race.
Many short cruises stop in Ensenada cruise port, often on short
trips from Los Angeles and on one day cruises from San Diego making
one of the Baja's busiest ports of call. Cruises berth at Ensenada
Cruiseport Village which is directly in the main port and city
centre.
Contact:
Tel: +1 (664) 682-3367
www.ecpvmarina.com or
www.enjoyensenada.com
jleonz@baja.gob.mx
A tourism office is located across from the Ensenada Cruiseport
Village
Transport:
Most of Ensenada is easily walked to from the Cruiseport
Village. Taxis line up on the adjacent street. Many passengers will
want to take the transportation provided by cruise line organised
shore excursion.
Attractions:
Timing Ensenada cruises correctly gives visitors the best
attractions including whale watching in the winter from November to
March, and the Baja 1000 race in December. In summer months
tourists can catch the wine festival which is celebrated in
Ensenada in August. Year-round attractions include visits to
wineries, the famous former bar Riviera del Pacifico, and several
surf and water recreation full beaches just outside of town. A
pretty hot nightlife is a bit infamous.
Restaurants:
- Black Market - A selection of great fish taco stands
- El Rey Sol - Popular tourist restaurant for French fine
dining
- Broncos Steakhouse - Big good steaks with buffet
Best dish: Fish Taco
Shopping:
There are heaps of junky souvenirs spilling out of stalls all
around town. It can be fun to peruse through it and buy some kitsch
gifts. Los Globos flea market can be a good place to sort through
the best of it. Avenida Lopez Mateos is great for better Mexican
crafts and jewellery and First Street is a mixture of the two.
Best buy: Low cost spirits
Excursions:
- See the famous blow hole La Bufadora
- Explore Laguna Hanson and the surrounding national park
- Be a vaquero (cowboy) for a day in a nearby ranch
- Golf in a seaside course
- Take a wine tour