You may want to get some beach time on your cruise shore day, or after your massage excursion with my team. There’s nothing quite like the energy of the ocean—I moved to Playa Hermosa in Ensenada with my dogs so I could enjoy it almost daily. Here's my honest assessment to help you find the best option for your shore excursion day or weekend trip.

Is Playa Hermosa Open?

Updated 3/2024: Playa Hermosa is open and cleared for swimming. The pipe leaks have been repaired, and the waters have been tested.

Keep in mind, Ensenada is about an hour south of Tijuana and is not affected by the water treatment issues currently impacting beaches in Tijuana and Imperial Beach, California.

Surfing lessons have resumed at Playa Hermosa!

Previous Closures (for reference):

11/2023: Playa Hermosa was closed while the city repaired sewage pipe leaks.
4/9/22: Authorities temporarily closed Playa Hermosa due to contamination concerns. This affected beachgoers near the port and canceled some surf lessons. Beaches farther away—such as those offering horseback riding or kayaking to La Bufadora—were unaffected.

Alternative Beaches Nearby:

Estero Beach Resort: A private beach with a small parking fee. It has sun shades, nearby restaurants, and restrooms—great for a relaxing day.
Playa Pacifica: A cleaner public beach option, closer to town. It's near an Oxxo convenience store, but there are no facilities on-site.

Is there a beach in Ensenada, Mexico?

Yes, there are several great beaches in Ensenada near the cruise port and downtown, as well as a few just a short drive away. Some are ideal for sunbathing, others for surfing, and many are perfect for simply walking and soaking up the energy of the ocean and sun. The waters along the Baja coast are generally cool, at least until you get farther south near Todos Santos and Cabo.

What are the Best Ensenada Mexico Beaches?

According to Yelp, top beaches in the area include La Bufadora Beach, Playa Hermosa, Punta Banda, San Miguel, and La Jolla Beach near Bufadora and Estero.
However, for cruise ship visitors, I disagree. The beaches near La Bufadora are tucked below cliffs and not easily accessible for a short day trip—unless you're planning to climb down with the help of a rope!

San Miguel is an awesome surf break and campground, but it has a volcanic rock shoreline—no sand—and those rocks can definitely cut your feet.

Based on my experience living here, my personal beach ranking is: Playa Pacifica, Playa Hermosa, Estero Beach, and La Jolla—in that order.

Which Ensenada Beach is closest to downtown?

Playa Hermosa is the beach closest to the Cruise Port and downtown Ensenada. It marks the start of a two-mile stretch of beach with easy access. You'll find more visitors near town, and fewer people as you walk farther down. You can see the cruise ships from this beach at all times.

This is where our surf excursions take place, and it’s also a favorite local spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a beer on the concrete ramp and steps at the far end—just before my quiet spot.

If you're looking for a hotel right on the beach, MarVista is the best option on Playa Hermosa. It’s brand new, and their second-story bar patio is a great stop along a beach walk. They make excellent margaritas 😉

My other favorite spot for top-tier margaritas is Bar Andaluz, which I featured [here].

Compared to other cruise ports, Playa Hermosa offers a much larger and more accessible beach experience than what you’d find at Catalina Island.

Here’s the GPS link to the far end of Playa Hermosa—it’s an easy walk. Just exit the cruise port and head left along the divided road.

The ramp infrastructure is now fully completed, and the area is open to everyone.

Public bathrooms were rebuilt in 2023. They're sometimes open… and sometimes clean.

Pacifica Beach is about ¾ mile farther down from the start of Playa Hermosa. Because there’s a nature reserve and estuary in between, the two beaches have separate car entrances—but you can easily walk along the shoreline to get there.

Pacifica Beach sits in front of a luxury condo building and has just one convenience store nearby.

In the photo above, Playa Hermosa, the cruise port, and downtown Ensenada are visible in the distance—about 2 miles from Playa Pacifica to the port. When ships are docked, you can see them from the beach.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could Uber to Playa Pacifica, walk ¾ mile along the beach, grab a taco or beer, and then walk the last ¾ mile along the sidewalk back to the port.

For a Quiet Beach Experience Near the Cruise Port

If you’re looking for a peaceful beach day not too far from the cruise port and downtown, I recommend taking a private tour or Uber to Playa Pacifica.

Uber is still usable, but service has declined over the past year—so allow about 20 minutes for the car to arrive.
Alternatively, private transportation or tours are reliable options.
Ensenada Excursions and Tours offers great beach, taco, and margarita tours in this area.

You can relax at Pacifica Beach and see your ship in the distance. When you’re ready to head back, walk about 1 mile along the beach toward Playa Hermosa. There, you’ll find convenience stores, a hotel bar, and sidewalks—a good spot to grab some food.

For the Energetic Walkers

If you're up for a full walk back, you can continue another mile along the sidewalk back to the cruise port. It’s a straightforward and safe walk—just not the most scenic.

After passing the marine base and concrete plant, you’ll reach a more local area with restaurants and a few great mariscos (seafood) stands on the inland side of the divided road.

Local tip:
Try the "Especial"—an Ensenada original mix of several kinds of seafood ceviche. It’s a delicious local favorite!

Pacifica Beach Recommendation

I recommend grabbing your towel and taking a cab or Uber to Pacifica Beach. It’s a quiet, scenic spot next to a protected estuary, and you can even see your cruise ship in the distance. It’s great for relaxing or walking along the shore.

There’s a nearby Oxxo convenience store, but not much else—so plan accordingly.

For added peace of mind, we can arrange a timed pickup and drop-off. From there, you can walk back to Playa Hermosa, where it’s easier to catch a cab or Uber—or continue walking all the way back to the ship. You can also coordinate a return ride in advance.

Punta Banda / Playa La Jolla

Playa Punta Banda (also known as Playa La Jolla) is a stunning, quiet beach located in a residential area far from downtown Ensenada.

To get there, you’ll need private transportation for the day, as Uber drivers typically won’t pick up from that area—it’s out of range.

The beach is long, peaceful, and the waves are gentle—perfect for a remote beach day with hardly anyone around.

Address:
La Bufadora, La Joya Kilómetro 12, 22897 Ensenada, B.C., México

Are There Hot Springs at Ensenada Beaches?

Yes—Playa La Jolla has a unique natural hot spring feature!

You’ll need to dig into the wet sand (right where the waterline meets the beach) to feel the warm water. However, the experience depends on the tides:

At low tide, the warm water can be quite noticeable.
At high tide, the warm water mixes quickly with the cold ocean, making it harder to feel.

Many friends have visited and enjoyed the adventure. They loved the beach but said the hot springs were fun but a bit tricky to find and fully appreciate.

Estero Resort Beach is a small, secure beach located within a private resort, enclosed by rock walls on both sides. It’s perfect if you prefer a resort-style experience with pools, a hot tub, and a calm, private beach—ideal for families or groups who want a more relaxed and safe environment.

The resort sells day passes, and offers towels, a restaurant, and a bar—a great option if you want full-service comfort.

🛑 Important:
Private transportation is strongly recommended, as Uber won’t reach out there for pickup at the end of the day.

Cruise Tour Note

Before COVID, Carnival Cruises offered an excursion to Estero, but they’ve since partnered with Hotel Coral & Marina for their current Resort Excursion (link here). Unfortunately, this means Hotel Coral is no longer open to day-pass visitors, not even locals like me. 😢

Is there an Ensenada Beach Excursion from the Cruise Ship?

Getting to the Beach: Surf Lessons & Transportation Tips

There are surf lessons and board rentals available in Ensenada, but as of now, I haven’t seen any cruise ship-sponsored group surf excursions.

When I took a cruise in 2019 aboard the Carnival Inspiration (yes—I actually cruised to my own town!), I found myself over the crowds and long waits. That’s just the kind of independent traveler I am.

In Mexico, hiring a private driver is quite affordable—kind of a treat, similar to when I visited Bangladesh and did the same.

Best Way to Access the Beaches from a Cruise Ship

If you're visiting Ensenada on a cruise, I personally think the best way to reach the beaches is with a local private driver for the day.

You can often find drivers just outside the cruise port, depending on the day. Be prepared to haggle a fair price, and look for someone with a clean vehicle, who’s vaccinated and speaks enough English to make you feel comfortable.

While Uber does sometimes work, I’ve had mixed results—in December 2021, for example, pickup outside downtown took 25 minutes, which isn’t ideal if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, make sure you have mobile data service in Mexico to avoid being stranded.

For a more reliable option, you can book a bilingual private driver through Ensenada Excursions and Tours.

Full disclosure (as noted in my bio):
I helped build their website and I personally answer their email quotes—when I’m not working at the spa 😉

Does Uber work in Ensenada?

Yes, Uber and Uber Valle are available in Valle de Guadalupe and Ensenada. A few years ago, Uber was fast and cheap, but now it tends to take much longer—and prices have nearly doubled.

DiDi is often cheaper, but the wait times are about the same.

Where I live near Playa Hermosa, I’ve had pickups take 25 minutes, mostly because drivers kept canceling. It's something to keep in mind if you're on a tight schedule.

Pro Tips for Rideshare Use in Ensenada

Make sure you have mobile data and some cash on hand.
Large bills (USD or pesos) can be hard to break—many Ensenada businesses don’t have change.
Uber cannot enter the cruise port, so you’ll need to walk about 4 minutes to port security to meet your driver, just outside the ship terminal.

Can I take a taxi in Ensenada?

Yes, taxis are a reliable option for getting to the beach or around town in Ensenada. The large yellow cabs are often parked just outside the cruise port, especially in the morning.

You’ll need to walk past port security (about a 4-minute walk from the ship), and you’ll usually see them lined up early in the day.

Before hopping in:

Ask for the price upfront
See who speaks English
Check the cleanliness of the cab
If you prefer, ask if they’re insured

Best Way to Reach the Beaches

If walking a mile through town (each way) isn’t your thing, the most comfortable and flexible way to explore is by private transportation.

Here are a few options:

Uber one way, then walk back to the ship (or vice versa)
Hire a local driver for the day – they’ll be available when you’re ready to head back or if you want to change plans last-minute

You’ll often find drivers just outside the cruise port. Be ready to negotiate a price, and choose someone with a clean vehicle, and speaks enough English to make you feel comfortable.

For a more reliable and hassle-free experience, you can reserve a bilingual, vaccinated, and insured private driver through Ensenada Excursions and Tours.

Walk the Urban Beach: Playa Hermosa Malecón (Local Vibes)

For a walk with local flavor, head to the Playa Hermosa Malecón—about ¾ mile from the cruise port by foot, taxi, or Uber.

The beach begins just after the cement factory and marine base and stretches on from there. It’s a great place to:

Walk the shoreline
Grab a coffee or sushi
People-watch
Relax by the ocean

While there aren’t many souvenir shops in this area, you’ll find:

Cafés and convenience stores
A surf and boogie board rental spot (Spot Surfo)
A few palapas for shade
And if you’re in the mood for a drink…

The nicest spot nearby is Hotel MarVista, which has a second-floor bar with a great view and refreshing cocktails.

Or, if that’s not your style, just grab a cold beer from a convenience store and enjoy it by the sea—that’s totally the vibe here. 🍻

Ensenada Beach Guide: What to Expect

Lifeguards & Water Safety

Lifeguards are only present during the summer months, so you're largely on your own the rest of the year.
Ensenada waters occasionally have rip currents, but these areas are usually flagged and marked with warning signs.

Safety & Belongings

On Playa Hermosa, it’s wise not to leave your items unattended. There are some homeless wanderers in the area, and items can disappear quickly if left alone.

When I once camped in a more remote area, a bin of supplies was stolen from outside my tent. That said, I’ve never felt unsafe from people—no issues with muggings or aggression.

Remote Beaches: Playa La Jolla

Playa La Jolla is located inside a gated residential community, about 40 minutes south of town, on the way to La Bufadora. You’ll need private transportation to get there.

The beach is:

Very quiet and peaceful
Located in a protected bay with calm waters
Known for its hidden hot springs (you'll need to dig a bit, and timing with tides matters!)
Surrounded by homes, with no shops or services nearby

Beach Cleanliness

The beaches featured here—Playa Hermosa, Pacifica, Estero, and La Jolla—are generally clean and safe:

Minimal trash
No glass
Some seaweed, and occasionally, a deceased sea creature (it is the ocean, after all)
Playa Hermosa and Pacifica are combed almost daily, sometimes more often than city streets!

⚠️ Note: After heavy rain, it’s not recommended to swim at urban beaches due to runoff.

Water Temperature in Ensenada

Ensenada beaches have cool to cold Pacific water year-round. Think Southern California beach temps—not the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean or the Mexican Riviera.

The sand is coarse and tan, with some shells and seaweed
Playa Hermosa has a nice beach break for swimming and playing in the surf
Wetsuits are recommended outside of October and November—even I find the water chilly now, and I grew up in Wisconsin!

Are Ensenada Beaches Worth Visiting?

Yes—they’re clean, safe, and offer a real taste of Baja California’s natural vibe.
That said, they’re not the postcard-perfect white sand beaches of Cancun or Cabo. Expect:

Wind, waves, and cooler water
A more local and relaxed atmosphere

If you’re comparing:

Cabo is more commercialized and has cleaner, warmer beaches
Catalina Island offers better water sports (parasailing, jet skis, snorkel), but smaller beaches

Ensenada's strengths:

Kayaking
Horseback riding on the beach
Local surf culture
A laid-back, authentic experience

Snorkeling is limited—only available via tour to Todos Santos Island, and can be arranged through our excursions team.

Getting There: Best Beach Access

There are no official beach excursions offered by the cruise lines (that I’ve seen), so the best access is with private transportation:

Uber (less reliable now—longer waits and higher prices)
Taxis outside the cruise port (haggle, ask about cleanliness, insurance, vaccination, English level)
Or, book a bilingual, and insured driver through Ensenada Excursions and Tours

Breathe deeply & Travel slowly, Jesse in Ensenada

Other Blogs for Cruisers and Day Visitors:

Ensenada Beaches for Cruise Excursion and Day Trips