By the Adventures of Ed and Serenity

—

⚓ Quick Facts

📍 Location: Baja California, Mexico

🛳️ Distance from San Diego: ~80 miles south

⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time

💰 Currency: Mexican Peso (💵 USD widely accepted)

🗣️ Language: Spanish (🇲🇽 English spoken in tourist areas)

☀️ Weather: Mild year-round

🚶 Port Access: Cruise ships dock directly



—

🌴 Welcome to Ensenada

Ensenada blends beautiful coastlines 🌊, authentic Mexican culture 🇲🇽, and fun excursions 🧭. Perfect for a mix of beaches, sightseeing, food, and relaxation.


—

🏝️ Beaches Near the Port

🏖️ Playa Hermosa

📍 ~2.5 miles (10–12 min drive)

🚖 Taxi recommended ($5–10 USD)

🏖️ Soft sand, snack stands 🌮, restrooms 🚻, lifeguards 👮‍♂️

💆 Optional massage $38/hour

💡 Bring sunscreen, towel, cash


🌅 Playa El Faro

📍 ~4 miles (15–20 min drive)

🏝️ Quieter, scenic, perfect for photos 📸

🍹 Small local bars



—

🌊 Top Attractions

💨 La Bufadora

📍 ~20 miles south (~45–60 min drive)

💦 One of the world’s largest blowholes

🛍️ Market with souvenirs 🎁, candies 🍬, crafts 🎨

🍍 Local treats like pineapple drinks 🍹

🌮 Lydia’s Tacos: some of the best tacos ever 😋🔥 — fresh and flavorful, perfect after seeing the blowhole

🍷 Valle de Guadalupe – Wine Country

📍 ~30–45 min drive

🍇 Wineries, tastings, vineyard views

🍷 Relaxing and scenic


🦭 Marine Life Tours

🐋 Whale watching (Dec–Apr)

🐬 Dolphins and sea lions year-round

🚤 Tours depart from the marina near port



—

🍽️ Food to Try

🌮 Fish tacos – Ensenada specialty

🥣 Ceviche tostadas

🌯 Quesadillas & burritos

🍹 Margaritas


💡 Tip: Street stands often serve the most authentic flavors.


—

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

🎨 Local markets 5–10 min walk from port

💍 Silver jewelry, ponchos, tequila, crafts

💰 Small bills for bargaining



—

🧭 Travel Tips

🕒 Be back on board 1 hour before departure

💧 Drink bottled water only

🪙 Carry small change

☀️ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

📱 Keep phone charged for photos and maps



—

🗓️ One-Day Itinerary

⏰ Morning: Downtown

🛳️ Walk 5–10 min into downtown

☕ Coffee or pastry

🛍️ Browse souvenirs & local art


🌊 Mid-Morning: Playa Hermosa

🚖 Taxi (~10 min)

🏖️ Relax, swim, or sunbathe

💆 Optional $38/hour beach massage


🕑 Late Morning / Early Afternoon: La Bufadora

🚍 Taxi or tour (~45–60 min)

💨 Watch the blowhole

🌮 Eat at Lydia’s Tacos — some of the best tacos ever 😋🔥

🛍️ Souvenir shopping


🕒 Afternoon: Wine Country or Marina

🍷 Valle de Guadalupe wine tour (~30–45 min drive)

🦭 OR marine life tour: dolphins & sea lions


🌅 Late Afternoon: Playa El Faro

🚖 Taxi (~15–20 min)

🌄 Quiet beach, scenic photos, small local bars


🕔 Evening: Return to Ship

🚶‍♂️ Back to port 1 hour before departure



—

💬 Final Thoughts

Ensenada offers beaches, blowholes, world-class tacos 🌮, and scenic adventures 🌊 all in one day. From Playa Hermosa massages 💆‍♀️ to Lydia’s Tacos 😋🔥 after seeing La Bufadora, this port is perfect for cruisers wanting a mix of relaxation, food, and adventure. ❤️🇲🇽