Ensenada MexicoCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
Ensenada's main tourist area, Avenida Lopez Mateos, is within easy walking distance of the cruise pier. Alternatively, shuttles and taxis are available directly at the dock to take you downtown for a short ride, costing $3 per person for a round trip.
For attractions further afield:
- Guadalupe Valley Wineries: Located about 1/2 hour drive from the port. Due to the distance, booking a ship-organized tour is often recommended for convenience to explore the wineries.
- La Bufadora: A tour to La Bufadora can be purchased at the bus station in town for $15 per person.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore Avenida López Mateos: This is Ensenada's primary shopping and dining street, easily accessible by foot from the port or via a $3 round-trip shuttle/taxi. It's a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and bars, perfect for finding local handicrafts and enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine.
- Visit La Bufadora: Discover the world's largest blowhole, a natural sea geyser that can shoot water over 100 feet into the air. This natural wonder is located nearby, and a tour can be purchased in town at the bus station for $15 per person. Be aware that the display's impressiveness can vary depending on sea conditions.
- Wine Tasting in Guadalupe Valley: Venture about 1/2 hour inland to the Guadalupe Valley, a renowned wine region. Here, you'll find historic wineries like Bodega Santo Tomas, founded in 1888. Due to the distance, a ship-organized excursion is often the most convenient way to experience the region's vineyards.
Dining & Shopping
Directly at the cruise pier, you'll find a market area with numerous vendors selling souvenirs, alongside a pharmacy and a liquor store.
For a wider selection of dining and shopping, head to Avenida López Mateos, the main tourist street. Here, you'll find an abundance of shops offering local handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as various restaurants and bars serving Mexican cuisine. Cafes offering free WiFi to customers are generally inexpensive, with hourly rates typically ranging from $10 to $50 Mexican pesos.
Weather
Ensenada has a Mediterranean climate on Baja California's Pacific coast with mild temperatures of 55°F to 72°F (13°C to 22°C), making it a comfortable year-round destination. The cruise season peaks from spring through fall, with June through September being pleasantly warm and dry. Pack light layers for the coastal breeze, sunscreen, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The peso symbol (S with a single stroke) can look similar to the US dollar symbol, which may cause confusion. In tourist areas, prices in US dollars are typically marked as "US$" or with an "S" with a double stroke. The exchange rate is approximately 17 pesos to 1 US dollar.
US dollars are widely accepted in tourist destinations like Ensenada. While credit cards are accepted in many places, they are not as universally used as in Europe or the USA, and some businesses may add an extra charge of around 5% for credit card transactions. Spanish is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.