Ensenada Cruise Port is one of Mexico’s most popular maritime gateways, located in the vibrant coastal city of Ensenada in Baja California. This bustling port welcomes cargo vessels and a steady stream of cruise ships year-round. Despite the industrialized nature of the port itself, visiting offers cruise passengers an exciting blend of cultural, culinary, and natural attractions, all within a charming seaside setting.
Ensenada Cruise Port Location and Address
Ensenada’s port is strategically situated on the Pacific coast of Baja California, so it’s an exciting and nearby destination for cruise ships traveling along the coast of Mexico from
San Diego Cruise Port . Geographically, the port lies in the heart of Ensenada, a city that boasts a rich maritime history, stunning views of the ocean, and a mild climate by Mexican standards, which makes it an attractive destination for adventure-seeking travelers, as well as those looking to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Sitting at the northern point of the Baja California peninsula, it is sheltered by the Bahia Todos Santos, or Bay of All Saints. This means the waters surrounding this deep-water port are relatively calm, perfect for visiting cruise ships. This location isn’t just practical for visiting cruise ships; it is also close to two major highways, making it accessible to those driving from San Diego. While it’s nearly 70 miles south of Tijuana International Airport (TJI), several cruise lines offer shuttle services to the port, making it possible to fly to your cruise.
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Ensenada Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
Even though cruise ships visit the Ensenada Cruise Port dock within an industrial harbor, the facilities are actually fairly impressive. Cruise ships dock at one of two berths on the ‘C’ shaped pier in the center of the harbor. The first, simply called Port Ensenada Pier, is the smaller of the two cruise ship berths. The second, Ensenada Cruise Ship Dock 2, can accommodate the largest cruise ships, so it tends to be busier. While two cruise ship berths may seem limited, it is the only deep water cruise ship port in Baja California, which means it is an extremely busy port. In fact, in 2023, it was the
second most visited port of call in all of Mexico.
Amenities and Facilities
I’ll start by saying that the terminal itself is fairly underwhelming. The industrial surroundings and backdrop of cargo ships don’t really scream tropical destination. With that said, you can still find spacious and indoor waiting areas with ample seating and clear directional signage that makes it easy to know where you’re supposed to go. There are also numerous restroom facilities, as well as a tourist information booth. When you disembark, you’ll notice a few vendors and booths offering private tours and other shore excursions. The terminal building is directly in front of Cruise Ship Dock 2, and its dark red color scheme makes it difficult to miss. Inside, you’ll find a few souvenir shops and multiple ATMs that dispense both Mexican Pesos and USD. The pier and the terminal building are fully accessible, with ramps making it easy for travelers with mobility challenges to navigate. While the cruise port section of the harbor dates back to 1983, the terminal building has since undergone significant upgrades. You’ll find digital displays with real-time updates on ship arrivals and departures. Unfortunately, the port does not offer free Wi-Fi, but there are a few cafés a short distance from it that do, including a Starbucks and Xcaanda Coffee Bar. These coffee shops can be found by following the palm tree-lined path that leads passengers from the port to the edge of downtown.
Cruise Lines that Visit Ensenada
Again, Ensenada is a popular stop for itineraries headed south along the Mexican Riviera, so it’s no surprise that some of the most major cruise lines in the industry make regular stops there.
How to Get to Ensenada Cruise Port
Few ships use the port as a homeport, so it’s not a place many itineraries list as the original embarkation point, but some passengers will still choose to join a larger itinerary by meeting a ship in Ensenada. For those hoping to travel from California,
Los Angeles , or even San Francisco, here is a quick overview of the most hassle-free ways to get to Ensenada Cruise Port.
Getting to Ensenada by Plane
Tijuana International Airport sits adjacent to the Mexico-United States border, making it a main entry point for American
tourists into Baja California . While it takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Ensenada Cruise Port from the airport, the abundance of regular flights in and out of Tijuana make arriving by plane an easy and affordable option. Once you arrive, you can take a bus or shuttle service from the airport. Most have drop off points at the port and numerous other stops throughout downtown Ensenada. These services are reliable and vary in price, with the most affordable being about $15 per person.
Getting to Ensenada by Car
Given the relative proximity of the port to the border, plenty of people will choose to drive down from San Diego, California. Whether you are driving your own vehicle, or plan on renting a car, the 71-mile journey will take about two hours to drive. Once you arrive, ample overnight parking is available at the port itself and through the many hotels and resorts just a short distance from the pier. Almost the entire drive is along the Mexico-1D Highway, a scenic journey that hugs the coastline. Not only will having your vehicle with you make it easy to explore Ensenada at your own pace, the drive down through Baja California can be another memorable part of your vacation.
Getting to Ensenada Cruise Port from Downtown Ensenada
If you’re already in Ensenada, you’ll find getting around is relatively easy. Unlike some of the larger Mexican cities I’ve visited, I found Ensenada to have a compact layout that makes the area surrounding the port very walkable. However, for longer journeys or if you prefer not to walk at all, XMB is the name of the city’s public transportation network, and it operates numerous micro-buses. With routes all over the city and fares less than $1.50, it’s the cheapest way to get around. With that said, taxis are everywhere and easy to flag. Just make sure you never get in an unmarked cab, as all taxis in the city need to be registered. There are three main taxi companies you should look for: Metro Ensenada, Radio Taxi, and Taxi Pioneros. All three accept Mexican Pesos or American Dollars. You can get to the port from pretty much anywhere in the city for under $15, so taxis aren’t just convenient, they’re very affordable. Uber recently started operating in Ensenada, so you can request a ride if you would prefer to go that route.
What You Can Do Near the Port
You don’t have to go far from the port to enjoy yourself. If you’re up for a short stroll, the
Centro Social Cultural Center is just 0.8 miles from the port. Initially built in 1930 as a luxury hotel and casino, numerous Mexican and American celebrities visited it in its heyday. Today, it acts as a cultural museum as well as a fully functional arts school. I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the historic building and its gardens. No trip to Ensenada is complete without visiting the original
Hussong’s Cantina , the oldest bar and most well-known cantina in Baja California. Initially opened in 1892, it claims to be the place where the margarita was invented back in 1941. As if that weren’t reason alone to make your way there, it’s only a 1.2-mile walk from the pier. Whether you’re hungry, just want a cold beer, or want to take in the atmosphere, it’s almost like a museum and a bar in one. Right at the pier, you’ll also find plenty of excursion operators offering walking tours, wine tastings, fishing trips, and more. However, you don’t have to spend big to enjoy the area. Even just taking a stroll around the port offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Right at the end of the pier you’ll also find Avenida López Mateos, one of the main shopping strips in downtown Ensenada. Here you’ll easily be able to shop for souvenirs, like unique handicrafts, handmade silver jewelry, artisanal liquors, hot sauces, coffee, and so much more.
Beaches Near Ensenada Cruise Port
Malecon de Playa Hermosa
Located approximately 2.5 miles south of the port,
Playa Hermosa isn’t just accessible, it’s also one of the most popular beaches in the area. Known for its gentle waves and long sandy shores, it’s the ideal spot for families traveling with kids. If you don’t feel like walking to the beach, a short taxi ride from the port is always an option. It’s also fun to rent a bicycle near the port, then take the bike path to the beach. The beach itself stretches nearly three miles and has public restrooms and outdoor showers. With lifeguards on duty, volleyball nets, umbrella and beach lounger rentals, and a wide variety of beachside vendors and restaurants, there’s plenty to do. The calm waters also make it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa Guarnición Militar
A bit further afield, Playa Guarnición Militar is about 5.5 miles south of the port. It’s clean, quiet, and has a small boardwalk lined with local musicians and street food vendors serving tacos and seafood. While it’s not as immediately close as Playa Hermosa, it’s a good option if you want more of an authentic experience and a lively coastal atmosphere, as it isn’t quite as touristy. Keep in mind that the currents and countercurrents are pretty strong if you swim out too far from the shoreline, so it can be pretty dangerous if you’re not a strong swimmer. While the currents are fairly strong, the waves make it a good spot for surfing. In fact, some of the surfing and jet ski excursions you can book near the port will take you to Playa Guarnición Militar.
Estero Beach
If you really want to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, Estero Beach is one of the quietest and calmest beaches in the area. Like Playa Guarnicion Militar, it’s not as popular with tourists, so it has a more secluded feel. The beach itself features soft sands and the waves are usually calm. There’s also a nearby estuary where you can take a nature walk and spot tropical birds. It is about 8.3 miles from the pier, so it’s a bit of a journey, but it’s worth it if you want to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Plus,
Estero Island Beach Club is nearby, allowing non-overnight guests to book day passes to access their pools, restaurants, and swim-up bar.
Dining in Ensenada
One of the main things that keeps me coming back to Mexico is the incredible food. As you’ll quickly learn if you visit, Ensenada’s culinary scene is just as vibrant and diverse as its cultural heritage. I already mentioned Hussong’s Cantina, which is a must-visit for cold drinks and small plates, but there are many other options for those hoping to treat their taste buds.
La Ensenada Restaurante
Located just half a mile from the pier,
La Ensenada Restaurante offers upscale dining in a welcoming environment. With a strong focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes, it’s an excellent option if you hope to get a taste of the local cuisine. For wine lovers, they import wine from throughout Baja California and beyond. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the grilled seafood dishes are the real highlight. If you want something a little different, try the octopus tacos.
Mercado Negro Seafood Market
If you’re looking for something a little bit different,
Mercado Negro is located just half a mile from the port. Vendors at this iconic food market sell fresh fish and other raw ingredients, but you’ll also find a huge variety of prepared seafood dishes, grilled meats, fresh fruit, and more. The market is a must-see for food lovers seeking out those authentic Mexican flavors. Even if you’re not overly hungry, it is incredibly colorful and has a lively atmosphere, enhanced if you’re lucky enough to visit while live musicians are performing.
La Bufadora Tequila Grill and Restaurant
Nearly 20 miles from the port near Pai Pai Ecotourism Park, you can find La Bufadora Restaurant. While this may seem like a far way to go just for a meal, the restaurant gets its name from its proximity to the famous La Bufadora Blowhole, one of the area’s most iconic tourist sites. This means you can combine visiting the site with a truly unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant specializes in regional seafood, but offers a full menu of traditional dishes. Not to be confused with the American chain La Bufadora Baja Grill, this family-owned restaurant is always worth visiting.
La Guerrerense Carreta
If you really want to treat yourself to some truly delicious food,
La Guerrerense Carreta has some of the freshest and tastiest seafood you’ll find anywhere in Mexico. Those aren’t just my words, this claim was originally made by Anthony Bourdain, who visited while filming one of his travel shows. This incredible spot has blossomed from humble food truck to one of the most frequented spots in the entire city. Best of all, it’s located less than a mile from the port.
Shopping in Ensenada
The city of Ensenada offers an incredible range of delightful shopping experiences, and you don’t have to travel far to find them. In fact, the area around the port is dotted with markets, boutiques, and artisan shops that cater to every taste. If you walk from the port into downtown Ensenada, you’ll see countless stores carrying all sorts of souvenirs. If shopping is your thing, make sure you walk along Avenida López Mateos, the city’s main shopping strip. I already mentioned Mercado Negro, which is a good option if you’re looking to purchase items the area is known for, like its locally-made wine. If you want to bring back some wine, the market is excellent, as most vendors will offer you a sample glass of wine before you buy. The city is also known for its silver jewelry, which can be found pretty much everywhere in the city. If you are looking for silver items and other souvenirs,
Plaza Comerical Artesanal is just steps away from the pier. Here you’ll find vendor stalls, cafés, wine bars, and plenty of restaurants and food stands. Remember that most vendors only accept cash, so you’ll need to pull out American or Mexican currency.
Is Ensenada, Mexico, Safe?
Safety should always be a top priority, no matter where you travel. This is particularly important when you visit Mexico, which does have some dangerous regions that are best avoided by tourists. Fortunately, Ensenada is one of the safer areas of Mexico, especially near the port. You’ll notice a prominent police presence there that helps keep tourists safe. The
U.S. State Department does not have any travel warnings for the city or the surrounding area. Still, it’s always a good idea to check on this before you visit, as travel advisories constantly change. With that said, the
Canadian Government does recommend that its citizens practice a high degree of caution in Ensenada, with petty crimes, like pickpocketing and fake tour scams being the primary concerns. To ensure you remain
safe during your visit , it’s a good idea to avoid wandering off alone. If you’re concerned, I’d recommend keeping your valuables secure or leaving them on the ship. As mentioned, using reputable transportation options is also a good idea, rather than risking getting in unmarked taxis.
Best Time to Visit Ensenada
The climate in Ensenada is pleasant year-round, but most people agree that the best time to visit is during early fall months. From September through November, the weather is warm, sunny, and dry, without being overly hot or humid, making it a much nicer time to explore the city. The spring and winter months are also pleasant, but visiting during the summer can be very hot. Another good thing about visiting during the fall is that crowds are not as intense as during the winter, especially near the holidays. If you really want to enjoy the local culture, the biggest festival of the year is
Carnaval Ensenada , which runs from the last week of February to early March. This festival has been going on for over 100 years and is celebrated with parades, colorful costumes, beach parties, and much more. If you have rented a car or have chosen to drive your own vehicle down to Ensenada, it is worth keeping in mind that the traffic can be pretty heavy during rush hour, which tends to run between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the mornings, and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the evenings. Parking is pretty easy to find, but it can be a bit tricky near the main tourist sites. This is why so many people will opt for taxis rather than driving their own vehicles.
