Forget Napa! Ride California’s Exciting New Ferry Straight Into Mexico’s Wine Country
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At final! Californians have a brand new handy approach to attain Mexico with out the effort 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.
Lots may be mentioned concerning the border, however one facet is simple – wait instances are unpredictable, and after they’re dangerous, they’re actually dangerous!
It’s mentioned Tijuana is house to the busiest border on the 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 typically select to remain nearer to house 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
Azteca Ferries would be the operator for the one ferry connecting Californians to Mexico. Cruises are a special story, clearly.
For vacationers desirous to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, you must make an vital determination: Do you wish to threat getting caught in line coming again house for hours on finish?
No matter what number of TikToks you may scroll by way of for 3 hours, it is not time.
That’s why I’m further 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 instances, and by no means made it to Ensenada, one among Baja’s most neglected gems.
Reaching Ensenada is sort of truthfully a ache.
It’s so shut, but so far-off. Approximately 90 minutes from Tijuana, Ensenada is each a preferred 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 trip is such excellent news to flee the effort by departing from San Diego, fairly than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See for those who’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.
For the report, there isn’t any 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 yr.
According to San Diego Red, these would be the departure instances:
- 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
- Round-trip – $130
Although, kids and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.
Despite being out on the open sea, the very best perks might 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 way of Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most typically, folks start their journey by way of the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by way of pleasant small cities and beautiful wineries alongside the best way.
With the ferry, you may should do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your start line.
Ensenada itself is primarily referred to as a blip on cruise itineraries and an outstanding seafood vacation spot. Otherwise, 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. Just know regardless of Tijuana sketchy repute, the remainder of Baja could be very secure.
You’ll 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.
According 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 are simply as into beer as you’re wine, cease on the Tecate plant the place you are given a complimentary beer on arrival.
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This article 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, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.