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Enseneda

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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