Travel Guide
Forget Napa! Ride California’s Exciting New Ferry Straight Into Mexico’s Wine Country
Sep
Last Updated
At final! Californians have a brand new handy solution to attain Mexico with out the effort of Customs.
As you have absolutely heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors doesn’t suggest you’ll be able to cross over both aspect all willy-nilly.
Lots will be stated concerning the border, however one facet is plain – wait occasions are unpredictable, and after they’re unhealthy, they’re actually unhealthy!
It’s stated Tijuana is dwelling to the busiest border on the earth, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Rather than go to Napa Valley, the inarguable wine king of California, Southern Californians usually select to remain nearer to dwelling by crossing into Mexico’s lovely area of Valle de Guadalupe for world-class wineries and beautiful surroundings.
A new thrilling ferry makes the method a lot simpler.
Skip the daunting traces and take a straight shot to the Northern Baja port metropolis of Ensenada.
Azteca Ferry: The New Easy Route To Wine Country
Azteca Ferries would be the operator for the one ferry connecting Californians to Mexico. Cruises are a special story, clearly.
For vacationers desirous to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, it’s important to make an necessary determination: Do you need to threat getting caught in line coming again dwelling for hours on finish?
No matter what number of TikToks you’ll be able to scroll via for 3 hours, it isn’t a superb time.
That’s why I’m additional excited to find this new ferry, particularly as somebody who has lived in San Diego for 10 years, in all probability crossed into Tijuana at the very least 200 occasions, and by no means made it to Ensenada, considered one of Baja’s most neglected gems.
Reaching Ensenada is kind of truthfully a ache.
It’s so shut, but so distant. Approximately 90 minutes from Tijuana, Ensenada is each a preferred cruise port and gateway into Mexico’s underrated wine nation.
Those 90 minutes again to the border can flip into 5 hours if the traces are backed up.
That’s why this ferry experience is such excellent news to flee the effort by departing from San Diego, fairly than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See for those who’re eligible for a SENTRI card, the kryptonite to bypass border traces. New appointment openings are launched between 10am – 11am, so refresh the web page when reserving!
What To Expect
While Azteca Ferries’ web site continues to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.
For the document, there isn’t any official departure date. “Coming soon” teases us on Azteca’s web site. The good factor is that Valle de Guadalupe is nice to go to any time of yr.
According to San Diego Red, these would be the departure occasions:
- San Diego to Ensenada might be from 11:30am to three:30pm and from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
- Ensenada to San Diego might be from 7:00am to 9:30am and from 3:00pm to five:30pm.
Pricing is just not official both, however these are the anticipated ticket costs:
- Single journey – $70
- Round-trip – $130
Although, youngsters and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.
Despite being out on the open sea, the perfect perks might be wifi and food and drinks service, which can absolutely supply native wine aboard for a pattern of what you are getting your self into.
The boat will seat 300 passengers.
Ensenada To Tecate: Mexico’s Most Underrated Journey
There are some ways to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Before this ferry, my private choice was via Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most usually, folks start their journey via the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing via pleasant small cities and lovely wineries alongside the best way.
With the ferry, you will must do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your start line.
Ensenada itself is primarily referred to as a blip on cruise itineraries and an outstanding seafood vacation spot. Otherwise, it is merely a gateway to Northern Baja’s famed wineries.
There are ample tour guides to rent or you’ll be able to go at it alone. Just know regardless of Tijuana sketchy popularity, the remainder of Baja may be very secure.
You’ll discover some really superior locations to remain right here too just like the newly opened Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe or my private favourite Santuario Diegueño providing breathtaking views overlooking Tecate.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the highest 3 wineries to go to proper now:
- Xecue Vinicola
- Monte Xanic
- L.A. Cetto Boutique Valle de Guadalupe
Tip: If you are simply as into beer as you’re wine, cease on the Tecate plant the place you are given a complimentary beer on arrival.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your e mail tackle to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
