Forget Napa! Ride California’s Exciting New Ferry Straight Into Mexico’s Wine Country
Final Up to date
Eventually! Californians have a brand new handy solution to attain Mexico with out the effort of Customs.
As you’ve got absolutely heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors doesn’t suggest you possibly can cross over both facet all willy-nilly.
Heaps could be stated concerning the border, however one facet is plain – wait instances are unpredictable, and once they’re unhealthy, they’re actually unhealthy!
It is stated Tijuana is house to the busiest border on the earth, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Quite 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 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 Simple Route To Wine Nation
Azteca Ferries would be the operator for the one ferry connecting Californians to Mexico. Cruises are a special story, clearly.
For vacationers eager to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, it’s important to make an essential choice: Do you need to threat getting caught in line coming again house for hours on finish?
Regardless of what number of TikToks you possibly can scroll via for 3 hours, it is not a great 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, most likely crossed into Tijuana not less than 200 instances, and by no means made it to Ensenada, one in every of Baja’s most missed gems.
Reaching Ensenada is kind of actually a ache.
It is so shut, but so distant. 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 traces are backed up.
That is why this ferry trip is such excellent news to flee the effort by departing from San Diego, somewhat 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 Count on
Whereas Azteca Ferries’ web site continues to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.
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 yr.
In response to San Diego Pink, these would be the departure instances:
- San Diego to Ensenada shall be from 11:30am to three:30pm and from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
- Ensenada to San Diego shall 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
- Spherical-trip – $130
Though, kids and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.
Regardless of being out on the open sea, the very best perks shall be wifi and foods and drinks service, which is able to 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 lots of methods to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private desire was via Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, individuals start their journey via the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing via pleasant small cities and beautiful wineries alongside the way in which.
With the ferry, you will need to do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your place to begin.
Ensenada itself is primarily referred to 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 possibly can go at it alone. Simply know regardless of Tijuana sketchy fame, the remainder of Baja could be very protected.
You may 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.
In response 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 happen to’re 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 Journey↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Big Financial savings, Every day Offers, Members Discussion board & Extra!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: The place vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your electronic mail deal with to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below 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, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.