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

Women riding a ferry

Share The Article

Last Updated

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

As you have certainly heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors does not imply you’ll be able to cross over both facet all willy-nilly.

Lots might be stated concerning the border, however one facet is plain – wait occasions are unpredictable, and after they’re unhealthy, they’re actually unhealthy!

Women riding a ferryWomen riding a ferry

It’s stated Tijuana is dwelling to the busiest border on this planet, 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 gorgeous 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

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 unique story, clearly.

For vacationers desirous to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, you must make an vital determination: Do you need to danger getting caught in line coming again dwelling for hours on finish?

No matter what number of TikToks you’ll be able to scroll by for 3 hours, it is not 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, most likely crossed into Tijuana at the very least 200 occasions, and by no means made it to Ensenada, one in every of Baja’s most missed gems.

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

Reaching Ensenada is sort of actually a ache.

It’s so shut, but so far-off. Approximately 90 minutes from Tijuana, Ensenada is each a well-liked 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 journey 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 traces. New appointment openings are launched between 10am – 11am, so refresh the web page when reserving!

What To Expect

While Azteca Ferries’ web site remains 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 document, there isn’t a 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 12 months.

According to San Diego Red, these would be the departure occasions:

  • San Diego to Ensenada will likely be from 11:30am to three:30pm and from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
  • Ensenada to San Diego will likely be from 7:00am to 9:30am and from 3:00pm to five:30pm.

Pricing just isn’t 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.

Toasting wine glasses on ferry rideToasting wine glasses on ferry ride

Despite being out on the open sea, one of the best perks will likely be wifi and food 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 some ways to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Before this ferry, my private desire was by Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.

Most usually, individuals start their journey by the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by pleasant small cities and lovely wineries alongside the way in which.

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 exceptional 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 protected.

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.

Wine glass in Valle de GuadalupeWine glass in Valle de Guadalupe

According 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: If you are simply as into beer as you might be 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 writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *