Forget Napa! Ride California’s Exciting New Ferry Straight Into Mexico’s Wine Country
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Eventually! Californians have a brand new handy approach 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 possibly can cross over both aspect all willy-nilly.
Heaps could be mentioned concerning the border, however one facet is simple – wait occasions are unpredictable, and once they’re dangerous, they’re actually dangerous!
It is mentioned Tijuana is house to the busiest border on this planet, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Fairly 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 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 desirous to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, it’s important to make an vital choice: Do you wish to danger getting caught in line coming again house for hours on finish?
Regardless of what number of TikToks you possibly can scroll by for 3 hours, it isn’t 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, in all probability crossed into Tijuana a minimum of 200 occasions, 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 strains are backed up.
That is why this ferry trip is such excellent news to flee the trouble by departing from San Diego, moderately than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See should 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 continues 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 quickly” teases us on Azteca’s web site. The nice factor is that Valle de Guadalupe is nice to go to any time of 12 months.
In keeping with San Diego Pink, 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
- 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 will likely be wifi and food 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 lots of methods to achieve Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private choice was by Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, folks start their journey by the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by pleasant small cities and beautiful wineries alongside the best way.
With the ferry, you will must do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your start line.
Ensenada itself is primarily often known as 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 possibly can go at it alone. Simply know regardless of Tijuana sketchy status, the remainder of Baja may be very secure.
You will 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.
In keeping 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 might be wine, cease on the Tecate plant the place you are given a complimentary beer on arrival.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.