Forget Napa! Ride California’s Exciting New Ferry Straight Into Mexico’s Wine Country
Final Up to date
Ultimately! Californians have a brand new handy method to attain Mexico with out the effort of Customs.
As you’ve got absolutely heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors does not imply you’ll be able to cross over both facet all willy-nilly.
Heaps could be stated in regards to 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 dwelling to the busiest border on the planet, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Somewhat than go to Napa Valley, the inarguable wine king of California, Southern Californians typically select to remain nearer to dwelling 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 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 a must to make an essential determination: Do you wish to danger getting caught in line coming again dwelling for hours on finish?
Irrespective of what number of TikToks you’ll be able to scroll by way of for 3 hours, it isn’t a superb 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 least 200 instances, and by no means made it to Ensenada, one in all Baja’s most missed gems.
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 preferred 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 effort by departing from San Diego, reasonably than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See in the event 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 Anticipate
Whereas Azteca Ferries’ web site remains to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.
For the document, 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.
Based on San Diego Crimson, these would be the departure instances:
- 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
- Spherical-trip – $130
Though, youngsters and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.
Regardless of being out on the open sea, the perfect perks will likely 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 various methods to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private desire was by way of Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, folks start their journey by way of the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by way of pleasant small cities and lovely wineries alongside the way in which.
With the ferry, you will need to do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your start line.
Ensenada itself is primarily often called a blip on cruise itineraries and an exceptional 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’ll be able to go at it alone. Simply know regardless of Tijuana sketchy status, 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.
Based on 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 might be 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 adverts, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Large Financial savings, Each 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 e mail handle 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 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 throughout the put up.