We took turns keeping watch throughout the night, navigating the open waters as the full moon fought to break through the overcast sky. It was a serene evening on the water, with only three other vessels visible in the distance throughout the night. Since navigation lights and AIS is proving to be less common on other boats than back home, relying on our radar and maintaining a vigilant watch was crucial during the nighttime hours. As we cruised along the Mexican coastline, the twinkling lights of Tijuana, Rosarito, and other coastal towns shimmered in the distance.

After a long yet gratifying journey, we finally arrived at the Cruiseport Marina in Ensenada, 11 hours later. As we approached our designated slip (E3), we were greeted with warm smiles from the local liveaboards and the attentive marina staff, who instantly made us feel at home in this lively port. Once we secured our lines, our anticipation built as we headed straight to the marina office, ready to complete the necessary paperwork and officially check into the country, signaling the exciting new adventures that lay ahead.

After a couple of days exploring the town, we decided to take the dinghy and cruise out into the bay for some off shore exploration. Mid-morning, we set off from the marina, breaking in our new Suzuki outboard as we glided through the shimmering waters toward the renowned La Bufadora, one of the largest blowholes in the world. Approaching Banda Point, we were greeted by jagged rocks emerging from the water, while the shallows offered a breathtaking view, reminding us to stay vigilant for underwater hazards. As we exited All Saints Bay, passing the Islas de Todos Santos and rounding the point into the vast Pacific, we marveled at the powerful waves crashing against the shore.

Upon reaching La Bufadora, we witnessed an incredible display of water shooting skyward. We enjoyed a delightful picnic lunch while floating just off the coast, taking in the magnificent sight. On our return, the waves assisted us, providing a smooth ride as we spotted local fishermen and trappers while weaving around freighters entering and leaving the harbor.

Our 45-kilometer round trip took an unexpected turn when we encountered uniformed authorities who spoke only Spanish, underscoring the importance of improving our language skills. After a brief and somewhat tense exchange, they waved us on, and we continued our journey back to the marina, basking in the warm sun. It was a perfect day on the water, teeming with excitement and lasting memories.

Tip: When visiting a location where a Port Captain has jurisdiction you are required to inform them of your arrival or departure. By following this procedure it might have saved us a visit from the authorities out in the bay 😉

Our unexpected adventure to Tijuana was an experience filled with both hurdles and victories. We set off at sunrise, driving through quaint towns along the highway with a focus on resolving our passport issues. As we approached Tijuana, the streets became increasingly busy, and the street signs seemed to disappear. I took on the role of navigator while Alex handled the driving, skillfully circling exit ramps in our search for the Consulate. Despite our best efforts, we inadvertently took a wrong turn, landing us in a border line that headed back to San Diego, the city we had just departed days earlier. The border crossing itself was a chaotic ordeal, but we managed to break free after deftly avoiding some pylons and appealing to a guard who graciously let us out of the line. Amid Tijuana’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse crowd, we navigated through one-way streets in search of the Consulate, only to discover that parking was nonexistent. The public parking garage was overflowing, with many vehicles seemingly abandoned at the entrance, leaving little room for others. Despite encountering some bureaucratic challenges, our trip turned out to be successful, and now we are simply waiting for our paperwork to be processed. It turns out one should not be outside the country when applying for a son’s passport renewal – who would have guessed! This journey not only addressed our passport issues but also provided us with a fascinating glimpse into the lively spirit of Tijuana.

Ensenada enchants visitors with its stunning coastal scenery and rich cultural heritage, earning its title as the Cinderella of the Pacific. Once a prominent port during the gold rush, this vibrant city seamlessly blends traditional Mexican charm with Mediterranean flair, evident in its remarkable architecture and mouthwatering dishes. Among its many attractions, Casa Pedro Domecq stands out as the oldest winery in Mexico, renowned for crafting exceptional wines since 1888. Nature lovers flock to the awe-inspiring La Bufadora, where the ocean spectacularly erupts in a magnificent display. The lively local festivals, infused with music, dance, and culinary wonders, invite visitors to experience the authentic spirit of Ensenada and explore the intriguing layers of Mexico’s history and culture.