What To Do at The Ensenada Mexico Cruise Port
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At the Ensenada Mexico Cruise Port, enjoy brewery tours, wine tastings, beach relaxation, shopping for souvenirs, and thrilling excursions to nearby attractions.
Cruise Port Ensenada Guide: (Jump To)
Things To Do at the Ensenada Cruise Port
These activities in Ensenada will easily fill a fun day off the ship. It’s easy to explore Ensenada on your own from a cruise ship.
La Bufadora
One of the best cruise excursions from Ensenada, Mexico, this trip is also easy to do on your own.
Map: Google Maps
Visit this natural blowhole, one of the largest in North America, where ocean waves create an impressive water spout. This attraction is about 45 minutes by car from the cruise port and is best visited with a pre-arranged excursion. Our partner Viator has great options for cruise ship passengers.
Wine Tasting
Visiting a winery in Mexico is a popular shore excursion at the Ensenada Port.
Ensenada is part of the Baja California wine region, known for its delicious wines. Consider taking a wine tour to explore local vineyards and taste some excellent Mexican wines. Read below for information on specific wineries.
Hussong's Cantina
Hussong’s is one of the best bars at the port of Ensenada.
Map: Google Maps
Established in 1892, Hussong's Cantina is one of the oldest bars in Baja California. Enjoy a lively atmosphere, live music, and the chance to try their famous margaritas. The cantina is an easy 20-minute walk from the Cruiseport Village.
Cultural Center of Ensenada (CEARTE)
If you’re looking to learn more about the local customs and culture, CEARTE is a museum at the port of Ensenada worth a visit.
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
If you're interested in arts and culture, visit CEARTE to explore exhibitions, galleries, and performances by local artists.
Mercado Negro (Black Market)
This is one of the best places to shop near the Port of Ensenada if you’re looking to get on and off the ship quickly.
Map: Google Maps
This bustling seafood market is an excellent place to sample fresh seafood and local dishes. Despite its nefarious name, you don’t have to worry about being arrested at customs when you buy something at the "black” market. Many restaurants in the area serve dishes prepared with ingredients from the market.
San Miguel Beach
This popular beach is close to the Port of Ensenada, though you’ll still need to get a cab.
Map: Google Maps
Relax on the sandy shores of San Miguel Beach, located about 20 minutes from the cruise port via taxi. It's a great spot for sunbathing and swimming. More on local beaches below.
Ensenada Mirador
If you’re looking to burn off those buffet calories, this hike near the Port of Ensenada rewards you with a great view.
Map: Google Maps
Take a rewarding walk/hike to the Ensenada Mirador. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of All Saints Bay and the entirety of the city of Ensenada. From the ship to the highest viewpoint should take less than an hour by foot.
Mexican Cuisine
Finding the best restaurants near the Port of Ensenada will reward you with much deliciousness.
Ensenada is known for its delicious seafood and street food. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like fish tacos, ceviche, and tostadas.
Adventure Tours
Finding the best shore excursion from the Port of Ensenada depends on what your tastes are. If you like outdoor adventure, Ensenada has a lot of great choices.
If you're looking for more active pursuits, consider activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, or ATV tours, which are often available for cruise visitors.
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Port of Ensenada Beaches
Ensenada Municipal Beach
Map: Google Maps
Ensenada Municipal Beach is about 40 minutes from the cruise port on foot or, a better choice, a 7-minute taxi/rideshare trip. The sandy beach has plenty of space to spread out. It’s popular for sunbathing, swimming, walking, and horseback riding.
Pacífica Bay Beach
Map: Google Maps
Pacífica Bay Beach is located a bit further south. The wide open sandy shore is much less crowded than other area beaches. Dogs are allowed.
San Miguel Beach
Map: Google Maps
As mentioned above San Miguel Beach, located about 20 minutes from the cruise port via taxi, Is a great spot for sunbathing and swimming. The round rocky beach has plenty of sandy spots. The beach is popular with surfers.
Best Wineries Near Ensenada
Ensenada is part of the Baja California wine region, and there are several excellent wineries in the vicinity. The Valle de Guadalupe, often referred to as the Napa Valley of Mexico, is the primary wine-producing region in Baja California.
Adobe Guadalupe Vineyards & Inn
Map: Google Maps
Known for its picturesque setting and quality wines, Adobe Guadalupe offers tours and tastings. The winery is located in the Valle de Guadalupe, approximately a 30-40 minute drive from the port.
L.A. Cetto Winery
Map: Google Maps
L.A. Cetto is one of the most renowned wineries in the region, producing a variety of wines. It's a bit closer to Ensenada, about a 20-30 minute drive from the port.
Shopping at the Ensenada Cruise Port
Ensenada offers a variety of shopping options near the port, where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Mexican goods. The main shopping area is along Avenida López Mateos, commonly known as Calle Primera. Here are some recommendations for shopping near the port:
Calle Primera (Avenida López Mateos)
Map: Google Maps
This bustling street is lined with shops, boutiques, and street vendors selling a variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It's a popular destination for cruise visitors looking for unique items.
Plaza Ventana al Mar
Map: Google Maps
This plaza is a scenic spot near the port with shops and cafes. It's a pleasant area to stroll and shop for local goods. Vendors set up tents selling local souvenirs and food items when ships are at port. The open spot also includes a massive flagpole and sound fun fountains for cooling off on a hot summer day.
The plaza is also the doorway to the Malecon walkway along the marine harbor. The boardwalk includes many shops, bars, and restaurants.
Fausto
Map: Google Maps
A unique art and antique store, Fausto has a great selection of authentic Mexican art pieces and furniture. Much of the furniture would be too large to get back on the boat, but the smaller art pieces, at affordable prices, are perfect unique souvenirs.
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Map of the Ensenada Cruise Port
Map: Google Maps
Best Breweries in Ensenada
Ensenada is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, offering a variety of breweries that cater to different tastes. The majority of these unique brewery experiences would require a cab or rideshare from the cruise port.
Agua Mala Cervecería
Map: Google Maps
Agua Mala is a popular brewery in Ensenada, famous for its creative beer names and unique flavor combinations. They specialize in brewing artisanal ales and often experiment with unconventional ingredients to create distinctive brews.
Cervecería Transpeninsular
Map: Google Maps
Transpeninsular Brewery is known for its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. They produce a diverse selection of beers, from traditional styles to experimental brews, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Wendlandt Casa de Cerveza
Map: Google Maps
This is the second location of Wendlandt Brewery, situated in downtown Ensenada. It offers a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a wide selection of Wendlandt beers alongside tasty food pairings.
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What is the Best Time To Go To Ensenada?
The best time to visit Ensenada is typically during the spring and fall months, from April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. This period offers comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with less chance of rain compared to the winter months. Additionally, these shoulder seasons avoid the peak tourist crowds and prices of the summer months while still providing an enjoyable experience in Ensenada.
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Ensenada or Mexico!
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
Should I Worry About Crime in Ensenada, Mexico?
You should exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings like you would in any unfamiliar destination. While Ensenada is generally considered safe for tourists, rare petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
To minimize any potential risks, it's advisable to take common-sense precautions such as:
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or valuables openly.
Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Stay in well-lit and populated areas.
Use reputable transportation options, such as taxis arranged by your cruise ship or reputable ridesharing services.
Stay informed about the local conditions and any potential safety concerns by consulting with cruise ship staff or local authorities.
Overall, by staying vigilant and following basic safety guidelines, you can enjoy your visit to Ensenada while minimizing any potential risks.
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Things To Do in Ensenada With the Whole Family
Ensenada offers a variety of family-friendly activities that cater to different interests. Here are some suggestions for things to do with the whole family:
La Bufadora
Visit the famous blowhole, La Bufadora, where seawater shoots high into the air. It's an impressive natural phenomenon that the whole family can enjoy. Save money by taking a cab from the cruise terminal, or make it an easy day by booking a shore excursion to the famous blowhole.
Cultural Center of Ensenada (CEARTE)
Explore Ensenada's history and culture at this iconic building, which hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events suitable for all ages. More information about the center is above.
Eco-Adventures
Consider booking a family-friendly eco-adventure, such as whale watching tours (in season), horseback riding, or zip-lining in the nearby mountains. We were able to book a 30-minute whale-watching cruise in the harbor for just USD$6 per person at the marina near the ship. The no-frills tour was a perfect length for a family.
Museo Histórico Regional
A free museum located just a few blocks from the marina, the Museo Histórico Regional has a brief but comprehensive history of the region starting with samples of fossils found nearby and ending with recent history. The museum is housed in a former prison, kids will enjoy checking out the prison cells on display.
Things To Do at the Ensenada Cruise Port
See La Bufadora, the giant sea blowhole
Taste wine at a nearby winery in the famous Mexican wine region
Visit one of the oldest bars in Baja: Hussong's Cantina
Learn about local culture at the Cultural Center of Ensenada
Shop for seafood and souvenirs at Mercado Negro
Hike to see the view at Ensenada Mirador
Visit a local beach like San Miguel or Pacifica Bay
Taste local Mexican cuisine
Shop and explore along Calle Primera
Have a few cervezas at a local brewery
Learn the region’s history at Museo Histórico Regional
Take a local eco-tour or whale-watching cruise
