Forget Napa! Ride California’s Exciting New Ferry Straight Into Mexico’s Wine Country

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Finally! Californians have a brand new handy strategy to attain Mexico with out the trouble of Customs.

As you’ve got certainly heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors does not imply you may cross over both aspect all willy-nilly.

Tons may be stated in regards to the border, however one side is simple – wait occasions are unpredictable, and once they’re dangerous, they’re actually dangerous!

Women riding a ferryWomen riding a ferry

It is stated Tijuana is house to the busiest border on this planet, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.

Fairly than go to Napa Valley, the inarguable wine king of California, Southern Californians usually select to remain nearer to house by crossing into Mexico’s stunning 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 strains and take a straight shot to the Northern Baja port metropolis of Ensenada.

Azteca Ferry: The New Straightforward Route To Wine Nation

Young woman enjoying ferry ride on nice dayYoung woman enjoying ferry ride on nice day

Azteca Ferries would be the operator for the one ferry connecting Californians to Mexico. Cruises are a distinct story, clearly.

For vacationers eager to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, you must make an vital choice: Do you need to threat getting caught in line coming again house for hours on finish?

Regardless of what number of TikToks you may scroll by for 3 hours, it is not a very good time.

That is why I am further 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.

Aerial view of San Diego downtown marinaAerial view of San Diego downtown marina

Reaching Ensenada is sort of truthfully a ache.

It is so shut, but so far-off. Roughly 90 minutes from Tijuana, Ensenada is each a well-liked cruise port and gateway into Mexico’s underrated wine nation.

These 90 minutes again to the border can flip into 5 hours if the strains are backed up.

That is why this ferry experience is such excellent news to flee the trouble by departing from San Diego, reasonably than even stepping foot in Tijuana.

Tip: See in case you’re eligible for a SENTRI card, the kryptonite to bypass border strains. New appointment openings are launched between 10am – 11am, so refresh the web page when reserving!

What To Count on

Whereas Azteca Ferries’ web site continues to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.

Broadway Pier - San Diego, CABroadway Pier - San Diego, CA

For the report, there is no such thing as a official departure date. “Coming quickly” teases us on Azteca’s web site. The great factor is that Valle de Guadalupe is nice to go to any time of 12 months.

In response to San Diego Purple, 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 shouldn’t be official both, however these are the anticipated ticket costs:

  • Single journey – $70
  • Spherical-trip – $130

Though, youngsters and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.

Toasting wine glasses on ferry rideToasting wine glasses on ferry ride

Regardless of being out on the open sea, one of the best perks might be wifi and foods and drinks service, which can certainly 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 a lot of methods to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private desire was by Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.

Most frequently, folks start their journey by the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by pleasant small cities and lovely wineries alongside the best way.

Colorful Ensenada signColorful Ensenada sign

With the ferry, you may need to do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your place to begin.

Ensenada itself is primarily often known as a blip on cruise itineraries and an outstanding seafood vacation spot. In any other case, it is merely a gateway to Northern Baja’s famed wineries.

There are ample tour guides to rent or you may go at it alone. Simply know regardless of Tijuana sketchy fame, the remainder of Baja may be very secure.

You may discover some actually 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.

Wine glass in Valle de GuadalupeWine glass in Valle de Guadalupe

In response to TripAdvisor, these are the highest 3 wineries to go to proper now:

  1. Xecue Vinicola
  2. Monte Xanic
  3. L.A. Cetto Boutique Valle de Guadalupe

Tip: For those who’re simply as into beer as you might be wine, cease on the Tecate plant the place you are given a complimentary beer on arrival.

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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.



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