ensenada mexico cruise port

17 Best Things to Do in Ensenada on a Cruise [Port Guide]

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If you’re visiting Ensenada Mexico on a cruise, you’re in luck. Ensenada, known for its delectable cuisine, warm climate, and friendly locals, is a popular cruise stop for both Mexican Riviera cruises as well as Hawaiian cruise itineraries.

This coastal city is located about 80 miles from San Diego in the northern part of the Mexican state of Baja California. It is Baja California’s only deep water port.

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Ensenada on a cruise, including shore excursions and inexpensive or free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the Ensenada cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions.

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Ensenada Cruise Port  

Cruise ships dock at the Naval Cruise Terminal in Ensenada’s industrial area. The pier is located near the Malecon boardwalk avenue, putting you within a quick walk to the heart of the city.

Cruisers docking in Ensenada have the benefit of a massive 300-foot flagpole with a Mexican flag to give you bearings for navigating the town. You can’t miss it!

After you get off the ship, look for the flagpole. Take a right at the flagpole and then a left at the second intersection you come to, and you’ll be downtown on Avenida Lopez Mateos.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Ensenada Cruise Port

Ensenada is located in Mexico, where the currency is the Mexican peso.

However, because it is a tourist destination, many vendors and small businesses will accept the United States dollar in small bills and debit or credit cards. There may be international transaction charge fees associated with debit or credit cards.

If you use USD instead of pesos, you might pay more overall because vendors have to exchange your dollars.

The official language spoken in Ensenada, Mexico is Spanish. However, many locals also speak English (at least enough to communicate with tourists).

Baja California, Mexico (including Ensenada) is in the Pacific Time Zone. The Eastern Time Zone is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time Zone.

Ensenada weather is almost always delightful! During the hottest months (July and August), the average high is 84-85 degrees F, with lows in the upper 60s.

The rest of the year, high temperatures in Ensenada range from 68-69 degrees F (December through March) and the low to mid-70s (April-June, October-November). Lows can be as cool as the 50s in the wintertime but are comfortably in the 60s in the summer.

Many Ensenada attractions including excellent souvenir shopping, food and museums are within comfortable walking distance of the cruise ship terminal.

Taxis and Uber will be your best bet for getting around beyond Ensenada downtown. If you want to head to farther away excursions like La Bufadora, wineries and Las Canadas adventure park you can easily grab a taxi or Uber.

Pro Tip: Taxis are supposed to be metered, but it is smart to negotiate your fare before you start your ride.

Best Ensenada Shore Excursions

There are many shore excursions available in Ensenada. From wildlife viewing, to nature and history excursions, to food and drink stops, you’ll wish you had more time at this cruise port.

Here are some of the best Ensenada shore excursions .

1. History Museum of Ensenada

If you want to learn about the town’s rich history from prehistoric times, during U.S. prohibition and to current days, this a great place to visit. The museum is housed in the old Rivera Del Pacifico building, which is an architectural monument in itself. 

Spend time touring the building, museum and the gardens and imagine the ghosts of yesteryear who came here when it was a casino. It was reportedly associated with Al Capone, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. 

2. Mexican Wine Tasting

The first vineyards in Ensenada were planted in 1703. The wine industry has continued to grow since then. The city of Valle De Guadalupe, a little over 12 miles from downtown, now boasts over 75 wineries. 

The best way to experience wine country is to take a full-day wine tour. Most excursions include a tour of several vineyards, snacks and a visit to the wine museum. You can learn about the evolution of Mexican wine country and taste the often riper and darker fruit flavor of Mexican wine. 

3. Whale Watching Tour

Between the months of December and April, gray whales migrate from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California to give birth to their calves. This makes for excellent whale watching experience for visitors to Ensenada. 

Whale watching excursions depart from Mercado Negro and travel around Isla Todos Santos. Along the way you might see dolphins, sea lions and other whales including humpbacks, sperm whales, finbacks, pilot whales and occasionally orcas. 

4. Adventure at Las Canadas Campamento

If you’re up for an active excursion, you’ll find plenty of adventure about 30 minutes south of downtown Ensenada. Las Canadas Campamento is a popular destination with a zipline canopy tour with five ziplines, multiple suspension bridges, and other activities, including swimming, biking, paddleboats, horseback riding, and ATV rentals.

You’ll need to book an excursion with transportation or take a taxi to get to Las Canadas. The canopy tour is an outstanding choice.

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

5. Pai Pai Ecotourism Park

This excursion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch and feed wild animals like big cats. Pai Pai offers 40 activities built around ecological and sustainable tourism. The biggest attractions here are wild animal feeding and interactions, but you can also participate in zip lining, tequila tasting, off-road Rzr driving, and Go-Kart Racing.

There are several different packages for animal experiences, so be sure you purchase the correct ticket for the animal experience you want to have. You can book a package from Pai Pai that includes transportation from the cruise terminal, but be prepared that it takes 35-40 minutes to get here.

6. Try Famous Local Dishes at La Guerrerense

Ensenada is known as the birthplace of fish tacos, so you won’t want to miss the chance to sample the famous local fare. There are food stands throughout Ensenada, but this street food stand, in particular, has the Anthony Bourdain seal of approval.

Try the sea urchin tostada, ceviche, and fish tacos for an unforgettable Ensenada experience.

7. Drink It Up at Hussong’s Cantina 

Hang out with locals and drink at Hussong’s, the oldest cantina in Baja, California. Open since 1882, this busy cantina is an affordable Ensenada favorite.

The bar serves large bags of peanuts to patrons, resulting in a unique peanut shell floor. Enjoy their famous margarita, listen to a Mexican band, or watch your favorite sporting event on the cantina’s big screens.

8. See the Power of Nature at La Bufadora 

One unique natural wonder in Ensenada is the world’s largest underwater blowhole.  La Bufadora is located on the Punta Banda Peninsula and spits water 100 feet in the air. 

There are excursions that include kayaking to La Bufadora or you can take a 45 minute bus or taxi ride from the cruise port. Be aware that you will have to pay to park or use the bathrooms here, but on the plus side there is a flea market onsite with food and souvenirs. 

9. Relax or Learn to Surf on Playa Hermosa

If the beach is on your priority list, one of the closest options to port is Malecon de Playa Hermosa. A short 9 minute taxi ride away, you’ll have a great time here snorkeling, learning how to surf, or just relaxing in the sun.

Food vendors walk the beach here and there are public bathrooms available as well as chairs and umbrellas for rent.

Related: 12 Tourist Scams that Cruisers Need to Know

10. Sample Superfood at Maya Cacao

If you love chocolate, come learn about the superfood for the ancient Mayans at the “Bean to Belly” workshop. For $35 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12 years, during this delicious excursion you can learn the history and origins of chocolate from cacao trees to beans to tasty treat. You’ll also get to make your own healthy dark chocolate drink. 

11. Horseback riding at Rancho Los Bandidos 

Experience a taste of what it is like to be a Mexican cowboy at Rancho Los Bandidos. This excursion has amazing reviews and is located a short 20 minute ride from the cruise port.

Your 1.5 hour long horseback ride will give you lovely views of the ocean and the rugged beauty of Baja, California. The guides are kind and informative, the horses are well cared for and helmets are included. Plus, this shorter excursion means you’ll have time to shop or sightsee before or after your horseback ride. 

12. Fish Tacos at Mercado de Mariscos/Mercado Negro 

Cruisers will not want to miss Ensenada’s fresh and tasty seafood at budget prices. Mercado de Mariscos (also called Ensenada Mercado Negro) is located next door to the large seafood market on the waterfront.

The market has multiple restaurants and street vendors serving up delicious mariscos including shrimp and fish tacos, ceviche, tostadas, whole fried fish and shrimp or mixed seafood cocktails. 

One fun element of this street market are the variety of tasty sauces, salsas and condiments on each table. If you love seafood you should definitely add this location to your Ensenada plan. 

Mercado Negro is about a 20 minute walk through downtown. If you are in a hurry grab a taxi or Uber, which will get you there in about 8 minutes. 

13. Golf by the ocean in Bajamar

Golfers will love the chance to play 9 or 18 holes at this gorgeous oceanside golf course dubbed “The Pebble Beach of Mexico.” Just a 40-minute taxi or Uber ride north of the cruise port, Bajamar is an inspiring place to spend a port day and get in a round of golf. 

14. Caracol Museum

Science lovers will enjoy visiting this unique natural history museum in the shape of a ship located at the harbor. The Caracol features exhibitions on earth, sea and art. Most of the exhibits are in Spanish but tour guides are great at offering English explanations and hands-on learning opportunities. Entrance fees to Caracol are inexpensive (less than $5 per person, around 60 pesos). 

Free Excursions in Ensenada

15. El Parque de la Bandera

As we mentioned earlier in this post, you can’t miss the giant Mexican Flag in Ensenada. The “Banderas Monumentales Project” flag pole is over 300 feet tall and the flag measures 50 meters (164 feet)  long by 28 meters (92 feet) wide.

The park surrounding the flag is a wonderful place to visit. It hosts a playground, a band shell with live music events and a giant fountain. After 8 p.m. the fountain dances to music (think a smaller version of the Bellagio show in Las Vegas). 

16. Downtown Ensenada

Enjoying the streets of downtown Ensenada is a great way to spend time in this port. You can enjoy the atmosphere and spend as many (or few!) pesos as you’d like. 

First Street Market: One block inland from the huge Mexican flag you’ll find First Street, a main shopping street in Ensenada. An outdoor market with street vendors selling Mexican cuisine and colorful souvenirs, the First Street Market is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

17. Plaza Civica Cultural Center

In Hispanic cultures, city plazas or town squares are a culturally significant place to gather. In the central area of Ensenada, the Plaza Civica Cultural Center has gorgeous ocean vistas and is a lovely place to people watch. 

A guided trip is a great option, where you can learn more about Mexico’s history as well as more information about three important figures honored in the plaza with golden busts: Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo, and Venustiano Carranza. 

Ensenada Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit ensenada .

Weather wise the best time of year to visit Ensenada is Late May to mid-October. This will give you the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor excursions. 

How far is downtown Ensenada from the cruise port? 

The main downtown area of Ensenada is an easy 15 minute walk from the cruise port. There are many taxis near the port area if you want to catch a ride and save your legs for walking downtown. 

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Final Thoughts On Things to do in Ensenada Cruise Port

Ensenada is one of the best places to get a glimpse of the beautiful Mexican culture as well as eat tasty seafood tacos, drink refreshing margaritas and experience exciting excursions.

Have you been to Ensenada, Mexico? If so what do you enjoy most? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Ensenada (Baja California Mexico)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Hawaii - Mexico - Panama Canal

Local Time 2024-04-26 17:51

Port Ensenada cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Ensenada, Baja California Mexico. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Ensenada is a port city in Baja Mexico, ranked 3rd-largest in the Mexican state Baja California Sur. The city covers a total area of 61 km2 (24 mi2) and has population around 0,52 million. It is located approx 125 km (78 mi) south of San Diego (CA USA) .

Ensenada is one of the first settlements established in the Californias. It has emerged as an aerospace center and later was developed as premier cruise ship travel destination. There is a nearby area (to the north-east) where wine grapes are grown. In 1703 were planted the first vineyards in the region (at San Ignacio Mission).

The municipality's main agricultural zones are three - Guadalupe-Calafia (to the north), Ojos Negros (to the east) and San Quintin (to the south). The region's main crops are grapes, olives, wheat, alfalfa, tomato, asparagus, green onions, broccoli.

In 2023, for the first time, Ensenada Port surpassed the 1 millionth cruise tourist mark.

Port Ensenada

Port Ensenada (locode MXESE) is on the coastline of Bahia de Todos Santos (inlet of the Pacific Ocean, on the peninsula's Gold Coast).

Ensenada is an important fishing, tourist and commercial (cargo/ containership ) port. It is also home to a Mexican navy base (serving the country's Pacific Naval Force / RN-2 region), Airport, military airfield (doubling as airport for entry into Mexico).

Port Ensenada has a major influence on the region's economy as it is Baja California's (and the Peninsula's) only deep-water port. The port is directly linked to several marine shipping routes connecting Baja California with La Paz , Manzanillo , Mazatlan , Acapulco , Lazaro Cardenas (Mexico's largest seaport), San Diego , Long Beach and Los Angeles , Puerto Quetzal , Valparaiso-Santiago , Yokohama Japan , Hong Kong China .

The Port's largest revenues are from cruise shipping/dockings, followed by commercial fishing. The most economically important fisheries are tuna, shrimp, lobster, abalone, sea urchin, sardine, mackerel, seaweed. Most of the catches are exported to East Asia (Japan and China). The local tuna farming industry exports the meat almost exclusively to Japan.

The Port has commercial, industrial and passenger (ferry and cruise) terminals. The Bahia de Todos Santos coast has numerous boat and yacht marinas. Smaller cruise vessels (including superyachts and pleasure craft) may also dock at the marinas Baja Fiesta, Cruiseport Village, Coral and Baja Naval. There also dock commercial and sportfishing boats.

Ensenada is often included in USA-based cruise itineraries (including to Hawaii) as nearest to USA foreign port. This is done in order the ships to comply with the US cabotage laws (restricting coastwise trade and passengers / goods transportation within the USA).

A "shore excursion" option from Ensenada is the bus tour to Valle de Guadalupe (approx 20 km / 12 mi north of the city). Valle de Guadalupe is increasingly popular among tourists for its wines and Baja Med (fusion) cuisine that combines traditional Mexican-Mediterranean-Asian food specialties.

Ensenada cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Ensenada dock at the Naval cruise terminal, located in the port's industrial area. The pier is located near the Malecon boardwalk avenue - famous with its enormous Mexican flag. On the terminal, there is a market with numerous shops (including for hand-made souvenirs, conveniencies, pharmacy, store for tobaccos and liquors). There is a taxi rank and a small parking area (also used by tour buses). Shuttle bus service between the terminal and the city is at extra charge.

The cruise ship terminal is located near Avenida Lopez Mateos (Ensenada's tourist area) with its numerous shops, bars and dining venues.

New Carnival cruise terminal

On February 10, 2018, Carnival Cruise Line revealed the company's multi-million-dollar Ensenada port development project. The news was announced at the re-opening ceremony for the Long Beach Cruise Terminal (Los Angeles). Currently, Ensenada is visited mainly on Carnival's short cruises (3-day and 4-day itineraries) leaving roundtrip from Long Beach.

The new port project will provide Carnival cruise passengers with unique dining and retail shopping experiences and attractions. Details on the port development are yet to be revealed.

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Cruise ships dock in an industrial harbor, right by the world's largest Mexican flag, hoisted on an enormous flagpole on Ensenada's Malecon.

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

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 (3$ per person round trip) are available at the dock to take passengers on the short ride downtown.

Printable map to take along on your cruise.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Ensenada Mexico

Sightseeing:

Ensenada, one of Mexico's most successful cities, has grown from a sleepy fishing village to become a popular beach resort. This oft-visited Baja destination is a multi-faceted jewel. Among its most popular locations are the waterfront promenade, the fashionable shops of Avenida Primera, and the winery of Bodega Santo Tomas, founded by the Dominicans in 1888. La Bufadora, a natural sea geyser located nearby, puts on a highly dramatic show.

Ensenada, the third largest city in Baja California, boasts a protected harbor and modern port facilities, making it Baja California's leading seaport. In 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno sailed into the bay and was so taken by its beauty that he named it Ensenada de Todos Los Santos (inlet of all the saints). The scenic setting, beautiful beaches, numerous boutiques and restaurants, vast accommodations and excellent fishing make Ensenada one of the leading resort and commercial centers on the Baja peninsula.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

If you want to go to some wineries, consider a ship tour because Guadalupe Valley is about 1/2 hour away.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

La Bufadora is the largest blowhole in the world, often shooting upwards more than 100 feet above sea level. $15 per person tour to La Bufadora - you can buy this excursion at the bus station in town)

Shopping and Food

The currency of Mexico is the peso (MXN). The symbol for pesos is the same as for US dollars, which can be slightly confusing. Prices in dollars (in tourist areas) are labeled "US$" or sport an S with a double stroke. There is about 17 peso to 1US$.

US dollars are widely accepted in the far north and in tourist locales elsewhere.

Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in Europe or the USA. Some companies make an extra charge of around 5% on such transactions.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Spanish is the main language. English is largely spoken in border cities with the United States as well as tourist destinations.

Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers in Ensenada are generally pretty cheap, running from $10 to $50 pesos per hour

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Mon-Sun 1000/1100-2000/2200 (big towns and cities); Mon-Fri 0900-1400/1600 (rest of the country).

Holidays in Mexico

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Ensenada Cruise Port Guide: Tips, Attractions, Weather

Ensenada cruise port is popular in part because it is convenient to reach for ships from San Diego. But it is mostly popular with short-term cruises.

Where is Ensenada? It is only 70 miles south of the U.S. border on the Baja California peninsula in Mexico and 81 miles south of San Diego. It also is 900 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, a major cruise port on the Mexican Riviera.

But unlike Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada is mostly popular with short-term cruises out of San Diego as well as Los Angeles. These shorter cruises may last only three to five days and visit just Ensenada or Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Seven-day cruises along the Mexican Riviera, the stretch of cruise ports along Mexico’s western coast, usually skip Ensenada and head for Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.

Quick Travel Tips

Attractions and shore excursions, walking around attractions, manzanillo cruise port map.

Cruise visitors will likely disembark at Cruiseport Village, which is a marina with shops, restaurants, plaza and craft market.

Avenida Lopez Mateos is the main tourist street of Ensenada. It is about a mile long between Avenida Ruiz and Avenida Blancarte with shops, restaurants and smaller points of interest.

Several streets also branch off the main featuring various variety shops, restaurants, etc. Trinkets to be bought in the area include crafts, postcards, beach gear and t-shirts to paintings.

Visitors who walk into town should look for Riviera del Pacifico, which is a little less than one mile north of Cruiseport Village. Riviera del Pacifico was a famous casino during the 1930s because of visiting Hollywood stars such as Lana Turner.

Shore Excursions

Cruise visitors can see Riviera del Pacifico on a guided city tour along with the photographic central plaza, the fish and seafood market and other city sites. These city excursions have a starting cost of $35 per person depending on the operator, sailing date and other factors.

A popular shore excursion is La Bufadora on the Punta Banda peninsula. La Bufadora is a blowhole that releases everything from small snorts of air to large spouts of seawater. Some of the water sprays can go as high as 20 feet depending on the swell. Prices start at $40 per person.

LasCañadas Camp is an extensive recreational facility 30 miles south of Ensenada. It offers tubing, a water park, zip lining, hanging bridges and more. This tour costs $100 or more per person depending on the program.

The area is also known for other water activities such as diving, surfing, fishing and kayaking. Land tours include exploring the area on horses and jeeps. Ensenada also is known for its wineries.

Prices for wine tours start at about $50 per person. Land adventure tours start at $70 and go higher depending on the length and type.

Grey Whale watching is a common attraction in Ensenada during the winter and spring. Every year Grey Whales come to the warm waters in the area to give birth to calves. The typical whale-watching excursion takes about four hours.

Shopping and Restaurants

Like many cruise ports, Ensenada has a bustling shopping and dining district for tourists. Here it is Avenida López Mateos, a tourist zone that is filled with many souvenir shops and handmade arts and crafts.

Ensenada is known for its food, especially the freshly caught seafood that tourists can see at the city’s famous fish market at the northern corner of the marina.

Quite a few wineries fill the area and are accessible via local shop offerings or a wine country route. There is even a local wine museum.

Beaches Near the Port

Ensenada has its share of beaches, but the best and most popular may require a taxi or other form of transportation to get there.

The most popular beach in the area is El Sauzal, located north of town. San Miguel beach, also north of Ensenada, is especially popular with surfers.

Two beaches lying south include El Faro and Baja Beach. El Faro is only eight miles from Ensenada and a convenient choice for cruise visitors. Others include:

• Estero Beach • La Misión • La Joya at Maneadero • Bahía de los Ángeles • Bahía de San Luis Gonzaga

Transportation

Some of the beaches and other popular attractions require transportation to reach them from the cruise docks if an excursion bus is not available.

Note that some taxis are metered and some are not. It is important to ask for the fare before getting in the cab and have exact change to pay for the trip.

Car rental companies in Ensenada include Hertz and Fiesta Rent a Car.

The city does not have a local bus system.

The best time to visit Ensenada is April through October during the dry season.

Ensenada’s climate is similar to San Diego. The summers are sunny with little rain and steady breezes. 

The fact that it lies along the northern part of Baja means that weather will not always be hot, especially during the winter. But unlike the Caribbean, the odds of rain are fairly low for most of the year.

As a result, Ensenada is a dry location with desert-like shore excursions for adventurous outdoor tourists while others can take advantage of the beaches, shopping, nightlife and restaurants.

Throughout the year, the city is one of the driest cruise ports on the Mexican Riviera. Rainfall averages about one to two inches a month from November through March and less than one inch from April through October.

It rains on average less than one day a month from June through August and about five to seven days a month from December through March.

Average high temperatures hover in the upper 60s Fahrenheit during the winter, mid to upper 70s during spring and fall, and the low 80s in the summer.

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Ensenada - Baja Cruise Port Guide

Ensenada is a coastal city in Mexico and a third-largest on the Baja Peninsula, California distanced 125 km south of San Diego, California. Locals call it La Cenicienta del Pacifico, which means “The Cinderella of the Pacific”. Among the first settlements in California, Ensenada became an attractive cruise destination, aerospace center and a starting point to the famous wine region, Valle de Guadalupe, in other words, Ensenada to the United States is what Napa is to Italy. 

This beach town is situated on the coastline of All Saints Bay (Bahia de Todos Santos) where the Port of Ensenada plays a very important role in the commercial, fishing and tourist domains. No doubt why it is the most visited tourist port in the Pacific, welcoming more than 700,000 cruise passengers a year (statistics prior to the pandemic). The warm weather throughout the year (only a short rainy season) has its own share in the attractiveness of this place. 

Ensenada has various things to offer to people with different interests, from surfing and sea kayaking to horseback riding and mountain biking. Ensenada's nightlife is also a big draw. The nearby vineyards offer wine tasting in a more traditional and serene setting for the vine lovers, but when it comes to the nature enthusiasts, the sight of gray whales and the underwater cave that randomly squirts water at onlookers are a perfect bite. The enchanting Ensenada never disappoints, no matter what the personal interests of the tourists are.

Places to visit: The Malecon and the Plaza Civica- a sunbathed boardwalk along the Ensenada’s Bay of All Saints to the Three Heads Plaza (Plaza de las Tres Cabezas), where tourist get a piece of Mexican’s history by getting to know these men, presenter on the three golden busts, startling display of pride. On this walk can also be seen the huge Mexican flag, which stands on a flag pole over 300 feet tall. It is said that it’s one of the world’s largest, but is similar to the flags that all Mexican states have. 

The History Museum of Ensenada-a place where the town’s history is presented, from the pre-historic times, European arrival to date. The museum has various displayed objects, recovered beads, pots, baskets, photo exhibits and religious objects. People can buy souvenirs and gifts from the quaint shop located in the museum.

Water Show at El Parque De La Bandera-near the flag pole is the dancing fountain, where the lit water is synced to the beat of the music playing. 

Caracol Museum is a modern science museum in a building designed in a shape of a ship, located on the harbor, so there is no way to miss it. Earth, sea and art exhibitions can be found inside this museum. A great place both for kids and adults. 

The Regional Museum-one of the oldest buildings in Baja, California dating from 1886. It used to be a court, fortress, military barracks, jail, school, and currently a historic museum.

Whale Watching-between December and April, can be seen the migration of grey whales, the friendly species from Alaska to Baja, California, in order to escape the winter on the north and to give birth to calves. These powerful animals, swimming and playing in the Bay of All Saints, as well as showing off their young ones. 

La Bufadora-the largest underwater blowhole in the world, located on the Punta Banda Peninsula. This marine geyser is a real wonder, an incoming tide is sucked in an underground cave, then spit out when releasing air up to 100 ft in the air. 

La Lobera and the sea lions-a sea cave with an open rooftop, a beautiful crater with a shape and size of a stadium, opened up to a beach, a home to the sea lions. This attraction is on 3 hours driving from Ensenada.  The Wine Country-20 km north of the city is the Valle De Guadalupe, featuring over 75 wineries.