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Mexico · Mexican Pacific · Port guide

Ensenada

Ensenada is a major Mexican Pacific cruise port with a centrally located Hutchison Ports terminal, two cruise piers and current capability for ships up to about 350m LOA subject to operational approval.

Dock

Ensenada, on Mexico's Baja California peninsula, is one of the busiest cruise destinations on the Mexican Pacific coast. Ships use Ensenada Cruiseport Village (ECV), operated by Hutchison Ports close to the city centre.

The terminal has two cruise piers. Current US NGA Sailing Directions list ECV 1 for vessels up to 300m LOA, 36m beam and 9.0m draught, while ECV 2 is listed at 333.5m LOA, 41.4m beam and 9.0m draught. Hutchison subsequently upgraded Pier 2 and reported a new permitted maximum LOA of 350m, allowing the 348m Ovation of the Seas to berth in June 2025.

Hutchison publishes pier lengths of approximately 168m and 183m, with water depths of 10.5m and 11m respectively. A December 2025 Port Captain notice gives an official draught of 14.5m for Ensenada's main navigation channel and principal turning basin, although individual cruise-berth limits remain lower.

ECV is close to downtown Ensenada and provides passenger transport, tours, potable water, luggage scanning and 24-hour security. Popular excursions include La Bufadora and the Valle de Guadalupe wine region.

Planning your visit

Terminal information

Ensenada Cruiseport Village (ECV), operated by Hutchison Ports, is the city's principal cruise terminal. It sits in the heart of Ensenada opposite the Riviera cultural complex and a short distance from the city centre. Hutchison publishes two cruise piers, passenger and crew transport, tours, potable-water supply, luggage scanning and 24-hour security.

Docking and tender information

Cruise ships normally berth alongside at one of Ensenada Cruiseport Village's two piers. Current US NGA Sailing Directions list ECV 1 at 167m quay length with a published maximum vessel of 300m LOA, 36m beam and 9.0m draught, and ECV 2 at 185m with 333.5m LOA, 41.4m beam and 9.0m draught. Hutchison announced in June 2025 that operational work for Ovation of the Seas included new 200-tonne bollards at Pier 2 and an updated permitted LOA limit of up to 350m. Operational clearance therefore takes precedence over older tabulated limits.

Getting around

Passengers can use terminal transport, taxis, organised tours and local operators. Central Ensenada is close to the terminal, while excursions commonly travel to destinations such as La Bufadora and the Valle de Guadalupe wine region.

Accessibility

The terminal is a developed cruise facility close to the city. Passengers requiring wheelchair, gangway or other mobility assistance should confirm arrangements with their cruise line.

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