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Many Ensenada attractions including excellent souvenir shopping, food and museums are within comfortable walking distance of the cruise ship terminal. In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Ensenada on a cruise, including shore excursions and inexpensive or free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the Ensenada cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions. Ensenada is a city of more than 500,000 people located in Baja California, Mexico’s west coast. It’s a charming Mexican city with great food and plenty of nightlife, but it’s also a cruise ship destination and a focal point for the Valle de Guadalupe, its nearby wine region. For a luxurious and unforgettable journey, choose to take one of the Panama Canal cruises offered by Holland America.
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Mercado de Mariscos (also called Ensenada Mercado Negro) is located next door to the large seafood market on the waterfront. Ensenada is known as the birthplace of fish tacos, so you won’t want to miss the chance to sample the famous local fare. There are food stands throughout Ensenada, but this street food stand, in particular, has the Anthony Bourdain seal of approval. There are several different packages for animal experiences, so be sure you purchase the correct ticket for the animal experience you want to have. You can book a package from Pai Pai that includes transportation from the cruise terminal, but be prepared that it takes minutes to get here.
Celebrity Cruises
Considered to be the country's wine capital, Ensenada has more than 25,000 acres of vineyards and is responsible for 90% of Mexico's wine production. With mild weather year-round, more than 70 miles of pristine beaches, world-class attractions, captivating arts and entertainment, and endless dining and shopping options, there’s plenty to see and do. Plus, the proximity of the cruise ship terminal, located on the Port of San Diego's dynamic waterfront, means that you’re within minutes of a host of great activities sure to please the entire family. San Diego offers a unique and extremely convenient airport-to-seaport experience. The San Diego International Airport is only three scenic miles northwest of the cruise ship terminal and the historic Santa Fe Depot is within walking distance for those arriving by train. Many hotels and businesses offer deals specifically for cruise passengers.
Try Famous Local Dishes at La Guerrerense
Ensenada, known as Baja's "Love Boat" port, is no longer a sleepy resort town. Each year, some 4.5 million visitors descend on this seaside city 68 miles from the border, joining 325,000 residents. Over the centuries, many have left their mark here, from Spanish missionaries and Russian settlers to gold miners and gamblers. The result is eclectic mix -- from Mexico's oldest winery and Baja's first cantina to a plaza featuring statues of national heroes. Among the highlights are fresh seafood, cantinas, crafts shopping, sport fishing and winter whale watching. This fishing town, just south of the border on the Baja California Peninsula, has become a primary port of call for three- and four-day cruises to Mexico.
Whale Watching Tour
We all gravitate towards the activities that help us disconnect from the stresses of life. Before you leave on your fabulous cruise, make sure to take some time to explore San Diego. The city is full of world class attractions like the San Diego Zoo (one of the best zoos in the country), Balboa Park, the LEGOLAND California.
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 are available at the dock to take passengers on the short ride downtown. Taxis are also available at corner stands along Avenida Lopez Mateos. Sailing to Ensenada is a fun, all-day sail from San Diego.
In addition to souvenirs, there's a pharmacy and liquor store. One of the top things to try in Ensenada is the Baja fish taco, which consists of deep-fried fish placed within a corn tortilla and topped with a tangy white sauce and a heap of cabbage. The secret to this simple yet delicious dish is in the white sauce.
Experience a taste of what it is like to be a Mexican cowboy at Rancho Los Bandidos. This excursion has amazing reviews and is located a short 20 minute ride from the cruise port. The best way to experience wine country is to take a full-day wine tour.
Disney Cruises to Ensenada
Beautiful historic neighborhoods like Gaslamp Quarter offer the perfect place to grab an excellent meal or a cocktail and some live music during your stay. Enjoying the streets of downtown Ensenada is a great way to spend time in this port. You can enjoy the atmosphere and spend as many (or few!) pesos as you’d like. If you love chocolate, come learn about the superfood for the ancient Mayans at the “Bean to Belly” workshop. For $35 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12 years, during this delicious excursion you can learn the history and origins of chocolate from cacao trees to beans to tasty treat. You’ll also get to make your own healthy dark chocolate drink.
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Most of the exhibits are in Spanish but tour guides are great at offering English explanations and hands-on learning opportunities. Entrance fees to Caracol are inexpensive (less than $5 per person, around 60 pesos). As anyone who’s been to Ensenada will tell you, one of the more memorable sights of the city is the enormous Mexican flag that flies near the harbor.
For those arriving by boat, Ensenada has two main marinas, Marina Coral and Cruiseport Village Marina. While we’ve enjoyed Marina Coral in the past, this time to Ensenada, we chose to stay at Cruiseport Village. Marina Coral is just north of Ensenada attached to a wonderful hotel with all the amenities of a resort. Cruiseport Village is inside Ensenada’s harbor right in the middle of town. This central location provides the ability to walk into town and explore the city just a few minutes away from your boat. If you’re looking for a beach experience during your time in Ensenada, Rosarito Beach is a great one to visit.
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A wide variety of shore excursions are offered in Ensenada. You will be able to see the port and the cruise ship from the interstate. Traveling From the North- Take Interstate 1 (I-1) Southbound. Sailing provides the time and space for reflection that we often struggle to find in our lives.
Like many Mexican towns, you can find just about anything by asking around for it. But in Ensenada’s case, you feel less like a tourist target walking around town. You are always invited in to just about every place you pass, but never feel dragged in or pestered. If you’re up for an active excursion, you’ll find plenty of adventure about 30 minutes south of downtown Ensenada.
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