Forget Napa! Ride California’s Exciting New Ferry Straight Into Mexico’s Wine Country
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Ultimately! Californians have a brand new handy solution 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.
Heaps may be mentioned in regards to the border, however one side is simple – wait instances are unpredictable, and once they’re unhealthy, they’re actually unhealthy!
It is mentioned Tijuana is house to the busiest border on the planet, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Relatively 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 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 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, you must make an vital choice: Do you wish to threat getting caught in line coming again house for hours on finish?
Irrespective of what number of TikToks you may scroll via 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, most likely crossed into Tijuana not less than 200 instances, and by no means made it to Ensenada, one among Baja’s most ignored 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 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 trip is such excellent news to flee the effort by departing from San Diego, reasonably than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See for those who’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.
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.
In line with San Diego Purple, these would be the departure instances:
- San Diego to Ensenada can be from 11:30am to three:30pm and from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
- Ensenada to San Diego can 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.
Regardless of being out on the open sea, the most effective perks can be wifi and foods and drinks service, which is able to certainly provide 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 achieve Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private choice was via Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, folks start their journey via the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing via pleasant small cities and lovely wineries alongside the best way.
With the ferry, you will 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. 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 could be very secure.
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 line with 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.
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