Making the most of Ensenada
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships dock in an industrial harbor, right by the world's largest Mexican flag, hoisted on an enormous flagpole on Ensenada's Malecon.
Ensenada's cruise dock features a market with numerous vendors. In addition to souvenirs, there's a pharmacy and liquor store.
The cruise ship pier is within easy walking distance of Avenida Lopez Mateos, the main tourist zone for shopping and dining. Alternatively, taxis and shuttles (3$ per person round trip) are available at the dock to take passengers on the short ride downtown.
Ensenada, one of Mexico's most successful cities, has grown from a sleepy fishing village to become a popular beach resort. This oft-visited Baja destination is a multi-faceted jewel. Among its most popular locations are the waterfront promenade, the fashionable shops of Avenida Primera, and the winery of Bodega Santo Tomas, founded by the Dominicans in 1888. La Bufadora, a natural sea geyser located nearby, puts on a highly dramatic show.
Ensenada, the third largest city in Baja California, boasts a protected harbor and modern port facilities, making it Baja California's leading seaport. In 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno sailed into the bay and was so taken by its beauty that he named it Ensenada de Todos Los Santos (inlet of all the saints). The scenic setting, beautiful beaches, numerous boutiques and restaurants, vast accommodations and excellent fishing make Ensenada one of the leading resort and commercial centers on the Baja peninsula.
Getting around
If you want to go to some wineries, consider a ship tour because Guadalupe Valley is about 1/2 hour away.
Nearby places
La Bufadora is the largest blowhole in the world, often shooting upwards more than 100 feet above sea level. $15 per person tour to La Bufadora - you can buy this excursion at the bus station in town) It can be a little disappointing depending on the sea conditions.
Food and shopping
Stroll Along Avenida López Mateos: This main shopping street is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a great place to buy local handicrafts, enjoy Mexican cuisine, and experience the lively atmosphere of Ensenada.
Money
The currency of Mexico is the peso (MXN). The symbol for pesos is the same as for US dollars, which can be slightly confusing. Prices in dollars (in tourist areas) are labeled "US$" or sport an S with a double stroke. There is about 17 peso to 1US$.
US dollars are widely accepted in the far north and in tourist locales elsewhere.
Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in Europe or the USA. Some companies make an extra charge of around 5% on such transactions.
Staying connected
Spanish is the main language. English is largely spoken in border cities with the United States as well as tourist destinations.
Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers in Ensenada are generally pretty cheap, running from $10 to $50 pesos per hour
Opening Hours and
Mon-Sun 1000/1100-2000/2200 (big towns and cities); Mon-Fri 0900-1400/1600 (rest of the country).