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Cruises to Ensenada

388 Reviews
Ensenada (Photo:alysta/Shutterstock)

About Ensenada

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. Fishing, processing and shipping have made Ensenada Mexico's second busiest port.



It's quite a change from 1542 when Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into the sheltered bay in his quest for the mythical Northwest Passage, or sixty years later, when Sebastian Vizcaino named the area Ensenada de Todos los Santos after All Saints' Day. 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. In addition to expected attractions like the large tourist shopping area and fish market, Ensenada also offers the unexpected - an elegant Prohibition-era casino and a blowhole that spews water sixty feet into the air.

Ensenada is an informal city dependent on fishing, shipping and tourism. Among the highlights are fresh seafood, cantinas, crafts shopping, sport fishing and winter whale watching. Beaches are located north and south of the city.

  • More about Ensenada

  • Why go to Ensenada?

  • Ensenada Cruise Port Facilities?

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Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

16 Night
Hawaii Cruise

1,818 Reviews
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Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

7 Night
U. S. Pacific Coast Cruise

1,818 Reviews
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Regatta
Regatta

7 Night
Alaska Cruise

391 Reviews
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Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

5 Night
Mexican Riviera - Los Angeles

392 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Pacific Coastal Cruise

1,892 Reviews
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16 Night
Hawaii Cruise

1,818 Reviews
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5 Night
Mexican Riviera

823 Reviews
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7 Night
Mexico Cruise

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5 Night
U. S. Pacific Coast Cruise

2,187 Reviews
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16 Night
Hawaii Cruise

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16 Night
Hawaii Cruise

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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Pacific Coastal Cruise

1,892 Reviews
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4 Night
Catalina & Ensenada Cruise

2,263 Reviews
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4 Night
Catalina & Ensenada Cruise

2,263 Reviews
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7 Night
Transpacific Cruise

391 Reviews
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More about Ensenada

Why go to Ensenada?

Pros:

Ensenada offers a killer food scene if you know where to look, from ceviche carts to margarita joints

Cons:

Be wary: If you get dropped off at a local beach away from town, you might be walking back

Bottom Line:

The port's main shopping and dining district is full of diversions, if you don't mind a hard sell

Ensenada Cruise Port Facilities?

Ensenada's cruise dock features a market with numerous vendors. In addition to souvenirs, there's a pharmacy and liquor store.

Getting Around?

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.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Mexico's currency is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. In addition to the peso, US dollars are widely accepted in Baja, as are credit cards. ATM machines for withdrawing pesos are available in several downtown banks.

Language?

Spanish is the official language, with English spoken throughout the tourist areas.

Where You're Docked?

Cruise ships share an industrial harbor with commercial and sport fishing fleets, shipping containers and tankers.


Ensenada Cruise Reviews
We had a decent time in Ensenada, but the disembarkation people said we could rent a mobility scooter which you can't do. We only brought the fast scooter because of this we couldn't do much. The people in Ensenada Read More
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M1sskitty
Compared to Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada remains the sleepy little town. Plenty of shopping with the locals. Good restaurants and side trips to the Bufadora as well as local wineries.Read More
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jaychais
I've been to Ensenada a few times but it had been quite a few years so I opted for the La Bufadora trip. Read More
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labseldest
Unfortunately Ensenada was too cool for the beach, but it was still a great day to walk around! We walked all around the port and downtown area, had some good food, and saw some interesting sights.Read More
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wally4ever

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