Ensenada Beach Excursion and Best Beaches Near Downtown Cruiseport

updated 5/2026

Playa Hermosa closed to swimming for pipe leak until at least July 2026. For safety, Surf Lessons in Ensenada are moved to Playa Pacifiac, but pipe leak does not affect Estero Beach Trip from Port, Snorkeling Arbolitos cove, Ensenada Fishing Charters for cruise ship passengers, and La Bufadora Kayaking unaffected.

Ensenada Beaches are definitely a top thing to do for Weekenders in Valley de guadalupe and driving from north from Tijuana. Cruisers love the beach too, but be aware if you stopping in Cabo, they have bigger and better beaches, and warmer waters compared to Ensenada. I love it here, but recognize beaches are better in Cabo and San Diego.

Travelers are often looking for a trip to the Beach, so here are my recommendations:

To simply sit on a beach alone, I recommend taking your towel and catching a cab or uber to Playa Pacifica Beach, you can see the ship, the beach is quiet and next to an estuary for walking as well. There is a convenience store, but not much else. For more security, we can arrange a timed pick up and drop off.

Walk on urban beach Malecon for local’s vibe, walk/taxi/uber about 3/4 mile, to Playa Hermosa Malecon. The beach starts there (after the cement factory and marine base) and keeps going. Near town, there are cafes, convenience stores. You can easily sit, walk, distract yourself with coffee and some sushi. There aren’t many souvenirs stores here. You will find a surf and boogie board rental place (Spot Surfo). There are a few palapas for shade. Hotel MarVista is the nicest place and has a 2nd-floor bar with drinks. yes, you can just get beers at the convenience store if that’s your vib.

Does Ensenada have Beaches? Yes, we have many beaches, typical of Southern California sand, generally cool waters and waves great for surfing. Not the white sand of Cancun or calm, waters of the Mexican Riviera.

Is there an excursion to beaches? There are surf lessons and rentals, but no large group bus excursion. Best way to access the beaches with private transportation - a local driver for the day with Ensenada Excursions and Tours, or you could try to grab your own Didi/cab, but be sure to haggle so they wait for you. I think Ensenada beaches are a good stop after tour or massage, but not an all day event if you are traveler looking to maximize your day.

Are the Ensenada beaches safe? There are only lifeguards in the summer months, so you are on your own. Ensenada has occasional rip tides, but they are often flagged, and signs indicate those areas. Check Ensenada Safety Download for info on riptides and other stuff.

On-Playa Hermosa, there are homeless wanderers that are happy to find unattended items. When I camped in a more remote area, I did have a plastic bin of extra stuff stolen in the night from outside my tent. I have never felt unsafe from people or muggings or anything like that.

Further Beaches like La Jolla are within a gated community. This is 40 mins from the city and on the way to the Bufadora. To access here, you will need a private driver. Beach is empty, calm waters since it is in a bay, and hot springs that are hard to find;) Residential area with no shops around.

The beaches I profile here are generally clean with little trash, no glass and just some seaweed and the occasional deceased animal.

Are the Ensenada beaches clean? Yes, relatively clean. Playa Hermosa is combed almost daily (more often than the streets!) So there is no trash, or much glass. There is some seaweed that is accumulates, but not much. The water is fresh ocean water. There was a serious black water leak in summer 2020, however this affected beaches further from town mostly. Of course, after a rain urban beach swimming are not recommended due to run off from the city.

Playa Hermosa is the city beach closest to the Cruise Port. It is the beginning of a 3 mile stretch of beach, with easy access and some visitors nearest in town, then fewer as you walk away. You can see the ships at all times from this beach. Here is where surf excursions happen, and locals come to watch the sunset and have beers.

The ramps infrastructure is under construction, so you will have to walk around the orange plastic fence. Public toilets are being rebuilt.

Playa Pacifica Beach is essentially just another 3/4 mile down from the beginning of Playa Hermosa. Because there is a nature reserve and estuary between, they have separate entrances. Pacifica Beach is in front of a luxury condo high rise and has only one convenience store. Are there hot springs? Yes, Playa La Jolla has hot springs, near best beach horsebackriding in Ensenada goes. On this beach, you will need to dig into the sand that is in the water to feel the warm water. However, access to heated water depends on the tide level. when tide is high, the warm water quickly mixes with ocean water and isn’t so awesome. Many friends have visited and enjoyed the adventure but remarked that the beach was great, the hot springs a bit hard to find and appreciate.

Estero Beach Resort

Small beach, great bathrooms for kids and ladies, food options.

Tres MMM

Tres Ms is actually a stone beach with a great surf break. It is in an industrial area, so it is not crowded. The shoreline is soft rounded stones and a bit of sand. This a nice place to escape just off the highway with port security nearby. As a bonus, Wendlant’s Brewery is across the street. One of Mexico’s top micro brews, the tasting room is open in afternoons and evenings.

Transportation and access: Just of the highway and not well labeled. Uber arrives and picks up here.

San Miguel Beach is best for camping and afternoon grilling, surfing advanced surfers, and beach drinks. The sand is on the estuary part great for kids. Our Ensenada Excursions manages an Ensenada Beach House Rental here near Valle de Guadalupe, that is great for 2 couples and small groups.

Transportation: From Port you need a Didi, Uber, or private driver for the day. Is on the way to Bajamar Golf Course and Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village, an easy stop at beach.

Access: With a 5usd or 100mxn entrance, it is semi private and clean. No homeless dudes, and clean bathroom and beach shower outdoor.