Ensenada’s Tourism Boost: Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas Visit

If you thought Ensenada’s port had seen it all—piña coladas, mariachi send-offs, and sunburnt cruise tourists clutching giant margaritas—think again.

On Monday, June 2, Royal Caribbean’s “Ovation of the Seas”, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, officially became the biggest floating city to ever dock in Baja California. And it did so with flair, ease… and roughly 4,284 passengers and 1,500 crew members ready to stretch their legs (and swipe their cards).

Bigger Than Your Airbnb

Let’s break it down: this ship is 347 meters long (that’s more than three football fields), weighs over 168,000 tons, and is taller than a 16-story building. It’s got rock climbing walls, a skydiving simulator, and robotic bartenders—because who needs human hands when you’ve got sea views and a rum punch?

Ovation’s arrival is not just a tourism flex. It proves that Ensenada is now equipped to handle some of the biggest cruise liners on Earth, thanks to recent upgrades to its docking infrastructure by API Ensenada and SECTURE.

#Ovation of the Seas” docked in Ensenada on Monday, June 2, 2025—officially the biggest cruise ship ever to visit Baja California

Cha-Ching for the Local Economy

Let’s talk numbers. A ship like this drops serious pesos into the city—restaurants fill up, street vendors cash in, and tour buses do overtime. According to officials, each passenger spends an average of $75–100 USD during port calls. Multiply that by 4,000 and—yeah, let’s just say La Bufadora had a good day.

A Warm (and Foggy) Baja Welcome

Despite some light marine haze, the port crew pulled it off like pros. There were welcome committees, security briefings, and enough souvenirs on display to outfit a small country. Local artisans, food stalls, and city tours were ready and waiting.

Why It Matters

Tourism in Baja isn’t slowing down—it’s scaling up. With more megaships like this one already on schedule, Ensenada is carving out its name as a serious West Coast cruise hub, not just a sleepy tequila stop.

And hey, if you spot a floating city out your window this week, don’t panic—it’s just Ovation of the Seas reminding us that sometimes, size does matter.


📍 Docked at the Port of Ensenada, June 2, 2025

📷 Photo credit: Ensenada Cruiseport Village / Royal Caribbean Press Team

💬 Were you there? Send us your snapshots or best “cruise ship tourist caught buying a luchador mask” story—we might just print it.

Teachers Take the Street—but Not Your Wallet

The Battle for Fair Pay: Northern Baja Teachers Speak Out

This morning, if you were cruising along Ensenada’s blvd. costero and saw a long line of teachers with signs, chants, and serious determination—no, it wasn’t a school field trip gone rogue.

It was a coordinated protest involving thousands of CNTE (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación) members, all demanding something pretty basic: a paycheck that actually covers their monthly expenses.

What’s This All About?

Teachers across northern Baja California are asking for a salary adjustment. Right now, many of them earn 7,000 pesos a month—that’s around $400 USD. Their demand? 14,000 pesos per month, just to keep up with rising costs in this high-expense region.

Their argument is simple: border cities like Ensenada, Tijuana, and Mexicali are far more expensive than many other parts of Mexico. From housing to groceries to school supplies, teachers here are getting crushed by inflation, and the paycheck just doesn’t cut it.

As CNTE reps told El Imparcial, this isn’t just about salaries. It’s about ending systemic inequality between education workers in the north and those in less expensive southern states.

📷 Photo captured by the Gringo Gazette North team. Teachers Take the Streets in Ensenada Today

But Did They Block the City?

Not even close. And that’s important.

Unlike other protests that cause full shutdowns—or spark a flood of “¡Ya pónganse a trabajar!” Facebook comments—today’s protest in Ensenada was respectful and intentional.

Teachers formed a human chain along one lane only, letting traffic continue on the boulevard. No smoke bombs. Just messages, chants, and signs meant to be seen and heard without stopping the city cold.

Even at the toll booths in Rosarito and Ensenada, they made their point in true Baja fashion: they let drivers through without paying.

Yes, you read that right. Protest with a FastPass. Who knew civil disobedience could save you cash?

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a fight about teacher pay—it’s about regional fairness.

When national pay scales ignore the cost-of-living differences, the people on the frontlines of education suffer. These teachers aren’t asking for riches—they’re asking for the dignity of being able to buy groceries, pay rent, and support their families.

And they’ve made it clear: they don’t want to hurt the public. They’re targeting a system that, in their view, has left them behind.

Think of it as civil disobedience with a lesson plan.

What’s Next?

The CNTE says this protest is indefinite until the federal government responds. But so far, schools in the northern zone haven’t shut down. Most classes are running with modified schedules or online alternatives.

So if you spotted the protest this morning, maybe honk and wave next time. These teachers aren’t blocking your way. They’re clearing a path toward something better.


📍 Spotted on Blvd. Costero, Ensenada – May 28, 2025

🎥 Watch the video on our YouTube Shorts

Have a thought on this? Want to share your own teacher salary horror story?

Drop us a line—we’re listening (and grading on a curve).

He’s 21, He’s from Ensenada, and He’s Leading the Giro

Cycling’s New Prince Wears Pink—and He’s from Ensenada

From Ensenada to Italy: Isaac del Toro Paints the Giro Pink


If you needed a reason to scream “¡Viva Ensenada!” today, here it is. Isaac del Toro, a 21-year-old cyclist from Ensenada, Baja California, is wearing the pink jersey at one of the most prestigious races in the world: the Giro d’Italia.

Not familiar with the Giro? Imagine the Tour de France, but with more pasta, sharper hills, and Italian fans shouting things you don’t understand but somehow love. It’s one of cycling’s three “Grand Tours,” and Isaac is currently leading it.

That’s right. Not participating. Leading. And not just by a little.

From Baja to the Big Leagues

Isaac didn’t just show up. He’s earned every second of that lead. With mountain legs of steel and a calm head on chaotic roads, he’s currently 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Britain’s Simon Yates. Not far behind is his own UAE Team Emirates teammate, Juan Ayuso.

The race started on May 9 in Albania (yes, Albania), and will end June 1 in Rome. Between those two cities? 21 grueling stages and over 3,500 km of pure madness: cobblestones, climbs, descents, and enough drama to fill an Italian soap opera.

What Makes This Huge?

Simple. No Mexican has ever worn the pink jersey this long. Ever.

Not in a sport dominated by Europeans. Not in a race where altitude, weather, and road gradient are designed to break you. Isaac isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving.

And if you think this is a lucky break, think again. Back in 2023, he won the Tour de l’Avenir, aka “The Tour de France for future stars.” That was the first time a Mexican even came close to winning it. Now, he’s got a shot at making history on an even bigger stage.

The Team Is All In

Photo courtesy of @TeamEmiratesUAE on X:
The UAE Team Emirates–XRG lineup at the Giro d’Italia 2025, where Ensenada’s Isaac del Toro continues to shine in pink.
Photo courtesy of @TeamEmiratesUAE on X:
The UAE Team Emirates–XRG lineup at the Giro d’Italia 2025, where Ensenada’s Isaac del Toro continues to shine in pink.

UAE Team Emirates isn’t playing it safe. They’ve gone all-in on the Ensenadense. The team director, Joxean Fernández Matxin, didn’t mince words:

“Isaac has shown he’s the strongest in the race. He’s earned that jersey.”

Isaac, always the calm one, says he’s in the best shape of his life. And it shows. He’s already survived vicious climbs, brutal pace attacks, and the pressure of leading one of cycling’s toughest events.

But nothing quite matched the moment his mom appeared at the podium, full of tears and pride, waving a massive Mexican flag and probably making every viewer sob into their espresso.

A Win for Baja and Beyond

For us in Baja California—especially Ensenada—this isn’t just about sports. It’s a global mic drop. We export wine, we export sea urchins, and now we export world-class cyclists.

And let’s be real: how often does someone from your hometown lead a historic Italian race while draped in pink?

So whether you’re a casual fan, a Sunday cyclist, or someone who just likes seeing Mexicans win on the world stage, Isaac’s ride is one to follow.

The Final Push

With a week left in the Giro, nothing is guaranteed. The Alps are coming. So are the attacks. But if there’s one thing we know about Isaac del Toro, it’s this:

He doesn’t just ride—he climbs, he calculates, and he conquers.

We’ll be watching, cheering, and maybe, just maybe, learning how to pronounce “maglia rosa” properly.


🗞️ Watch the emotional moment with Isaac’s mom

Viñedos en Flor 2025: Wine, Art & Causes Worth Toasting To

Experience Viñedos en Flor: A Festival of Wine, Food, and Fun

“Terruño, Identidad y Vocación” (Which basically means: This land was made for wine—and we’ve got the talent to prove it)

This June 13 and 14, Ensenada will bloom—literally—with the 19th edition of Viñedos en Flor. It’s where wine, art, food, and social causes come together in the prettiest season of the year.

Hosted by the Provino Committee, the event will unfold at Rancho San Gabriel. Organizers describe it as a family-friendly festival filled with education, sustainability, and, of course, wine.

A Program with Purpose

On Friday, June 13, the event begins with Conferencias en Flor at CEVIT Auditorium at CETYS University in Ensenada, Baja California. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in both English and Spanish.

Speakers will explore topics like water conservation, migration, and land care. The lineup includes voices from the Berry Good Food Foundation, Capacity is limited to only 100 seats.

The main event takes place on Saturday, June 14, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Rancho San Gabriel. This celebration will feature:

  • 80 local wineries
  • 160 wine labels to sample
  • An ecological corridor and educational zones
  • Entry capped at 1,000 guests only

Tickets cost $950 pesos and include a wine glass and unlimited tasting. Kids under 18 enter for free.
🍇 Buy tickets here 🍇

Eat, Sip, Give

Chef Miguel Bahena leads the food section, joined by chefs who work by donation. In addition, organizers are seeking fruit and vegetable donations to support local, seasonal cooking.

Furthermore, dishes will highlight regional flavors and pair beautifully with the wines. You’ll eat well, drink better, and support a great cause—all in one bite.

Besides, a farmers market will showcase bread, cheese, honey, lavender, and more. Every product comes straight from the Ensenada valley.

Meanwhile, kids get their own fun:

  • Art workshops for ages 3–11 (Prisma Academy sponsor)
  • Kite-making
  • A mini zoo from Pai Pai
  • A child-friendly food area, thanks to La Canasta

Art With a Mission

The event’s signature fundraising moment is the “Artists & Kids” art auction. Proceeds will support schools, sports fields, and the Porvenir Fire Department, which received 96,000 pesos last year.

This year, organizers expect to raise over 735,000 pesos. This isn’t a commercial festival—it’s a community effort.

Who’s Running the Show?

The logistics are managed by Daniel Sánchez Olivares, who’s been coordinating the event for six years. His wife, Gaby Melchum of Hacienda Guadalupe, is also rumored to be lending her magic touch.

Viñedos en Flor isn’t just about sipping under the sun. It’s about roots—of vines, people, and purpose. And like a good vintage, this event just keeps getting better with time.

Ensenada just turned 143—and threw a party like it was her quinceañera.

Ensenada Turns 143 and Still Knows How to Party

Ensenada hit 143 this weekend—and threw a party loud enough to wake the whales.

On Sunday, May 18, more than 12,000 people packed the Riviera Cultural Center. From start to finish, it was one big community love fest.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz kicked things off at 2 PM. After that, the celebration rolled non-stop until 10 PM.

Meanwhile, three stages kept everyone moving. Takón Machín, Grupo Claytons, and Mariachi Ensenada played throughout the afternoon. Then, at 8:30 PM, Elefante brought the house down.

In addition, families enjoyed a kids’ zone, folkloric dancers, and DJ sets.

To top it off, 65 booths served Baja wine, craft beer, and enough tacos to fuel the whole city.

Early birds got commemorative cups and wristbands—because who doesn’t love free stuff?

“This celebration is for the people,” said Mayor Agatón. “And for the spirit that makes Ensenada unique.”

All in all, the city looked stunning, sounded great, and reminded everyone why we love living here.

Precision and Fire: Where Nigiri Meets the Flame

Sabor Patrol Finds Love at Yatai

Expect a Tent. Get an Experience.

When someone recommended “Yatai” to us, I expected a fancy restaurant tucked away in Ensenada’s downtown. Maybe soft jazz. Maybe a waitlist. Instead, I found a carreta—yes, a literal street cart. But don’t let that fool you. This cart packs more fire (sometimes literally) than many fine-dining kitchens.

Yatai, which in Japanese means “mobile food stall,” is led by chef David Lara and Marco Antonio Salinas. Although it may appear modest, what’s happening behind the counter is far from ordinary. Chef David trained in Mexico, but his culinary compass points straight to Japan. In fact, he’s even performed ronqueos—the knife skills required to break down a whole bluefin tuna. It’s not just impressive; it’s sacred in Japanese seafood culture.

Chef David Lara shows off his yanagiba—Japan’s blade of choice for slicing sashimi with surgical precision and serious style
Chef David Lara shows off his yanagiba—Japan’s blade of choice for slicing sashimi with surgical precision and serious style

One Meal, Many Surprises

My husband Oliver and I chose Yatai to celebrate our wedding anniversary. At first, we weren’t even sure we’d found the right place. After all, you don’t expect high-end omakase under a tarp. But there it was—and as soon as we sat down, the team welcomed us with a complimentary sake. A small detail, but a thoughtful one. And yes, it was real Japanese sake (they even showed us the bottle).

We ordered the omakase—a Japanese tradition where the chef decides what you’ll eat. It translates to “I leave it up to you,” and when you leave it to Chef David, you’re in expert hands. He watched us as we tasted, quietly noting our reactions to guide the next course. That night, I discovered I like sea urchin more than I ever thought possible.

For our third experience, we brought Chef David and Marco to our home for a larger family gathering. Since Yatai only has six seats and we were a group of ten, this setup made more sense. That time, we had tuna from Bluefina. Every dish felt intentional, fresh, and beautifully executed. Here’s what we enjoyed during that experience:

  1. Seaweed salad
  2. Oyster with negitoro (minced tuna belly + green onion)
  3. Kampachi nigiri
  4. Akami nigiri (lean tuna)
  5. Chutoro nigiri (medium fatty tuna)
  6. Truffled tuna tartare
  7. Seared salmon nigiri
  8. Toro nigiri with truffle paste
  9. Spicy onion hand roll
  10. Truffle hand roll
  11. Miso soup
  12. Eel with foie gras

Yes, you read that last one right. Eel. With foie gras. It sounds insane—but it tastes like silk and smoke with a hint of “this is your new favorite dish.”

The Secret Is in the Ingredients

While the presentation wows, it’s the ingredients that make Yatai unforgettable. Every element is fresh, often local, and carefully selected. Take the oyster, for example. It came from Bahía Falsa in San Quintín—a great origin on its own. But the way it was prepared? That turned it into the best oyster I’ve ever eaten. The tiny flower on top wasn’t just decoration. It was flavor. It was purpose.

Then there’s the value. In a town where food prices keep climbing “Valle-style,” Yatai remains grounded. Chef David delivers top-tier ingredients without the high-end ego. And when you’re feeding a family of six like mine, that matters.

A Gringo Gazette North special ops unit (armed with chopsticks, forks, and questionable self-control).

Chef David isn’t just slicing fish—he’s crafting memories, quietly building something special under that awning. So if you find yourself lucky enough to land a seat at Yatai, don’t ask for the menu. Just let go. Trust the chef. Let the food speak.

After all, not every treasure sparkles on the outside. Some smell like seared toro… and taste like love.


Welcome to Sabor Patrol—the section where we hunt down everything worth tasting in Baja and beyond. No five-star rating scales. No white tablecloth snobbery. Just real stories, unexpected finds, and flavor with zero filter.

Whether it’s sushi served under a tarp or ribeye that makes grown men cry, we’re chasing the unforgettable—one bite at a time. Sometimes it’s sizzling. Other times it’s hidden behind a handwritten menu taped to a cooler. Either way, we’ll find it.

Of course, not everything lives up to the hype. If it’s overrated, we’ll let you know—gently. (Maybe.)

So grab your appetite, some napkins, and a sense of adventure.
Stay hungry, amigos.
Your taste buds have been officially warned..
Sabor Patrol: Sabor Patrol Finds Love at Yatai

Ensenada Makes Important Overhaul on Main but Beat-Up Highway

Dust off your patience—roadwork is back in town. The City of Ensenada just kicked off a major pavement rebuild on the Ensenada-Tecate highway, right between the El Sauzal traffic node and Emiliano Zapata Street. And yes, it’s going to slow you down—but there’s light at the end of the construction zone.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz says the project will tear up and replace over 5,200 square meters of crumbling roadway with tough-as-nails hydraulic concrete. It’s the kind of stuff that lasts—and at 25 centimeters thick, it’s built to take a beating from Baja’s relentless traffic and heat.

The price tag? A cool 8.8 million pesos, coming straight from the federal fund known as FORTAMUN—the Fund for Strengthening Municipalities. And while detours and traffic jams are guaranteed, the city insists it’ll be worth it once the pavement’s done and smooth sailing returns.

In the meantime, the mayor’s asking drivers to take it easy, drive carefully, and expect slowdowns. With heavy equipment, lane closures, and inevitable backups, she recommends giving yourself a little extra time to get where you’re going—and maybe leave the road rage at home.

While this stretch is under the knife, the city says the long-term payoff is fewer potholes, smoother drives, and better flow between Ensenada and Tecate. So next time you’re stuck behind a bulldozer in Sauzal, just remember: you’re helping build a better commute. Eventually.

Got somewhere to be? Either leave early or bring snacks. This road’s not going to fix itself overnight.

Ensenada’s New Recycling Initiative: Turning Plastic Bottles into New Bottles

Ensenada is stepping up big time in the fight against plastic waste. On Friday, May 9, local officials and Coca-Cola México celebrated the grand opening of the new PetStar Collection Center, a project that could help keep up to 52 million plastic bottles a year out of landfills, the ocean, and just about everywhere they shouldn’t be.

The idea is simple but powerful: collect bottles here in Ensenada, send them off to PetStar’s state-of-the-art recycling facility in Toluca, and turn them into brand-new bottles—all without adding a single ounce of new plastic to the planet.

Jaime Cámara, founder and CEO of PetStar, explained that the bottles will be converted into food-grade recycled resin. That resin will then be used by Corporación del Fuerte, one of Coca-Cola’s bottling partners, to produce new bottles. The goal? A closed-loop system with zero carbon footprint and zero need for new plastic.

It’s a big win for Baja California’s environment and a proud moment for Ensenada, which is now part of one of the largest food-grade recycling efforts in Latin America.

This move isn’t just about cleanup—it’s about transformation. That empty soda bottle you toss into a bin today could be back on a store shelf tomorrow, fresh and ready for another round. It’s smart, sustainable, and exactly the kind of forward-thinking the world needs more of.

Recycling just got a lot more real—and a lot more local.

Ensenada 911 Line Drops

Ensenada’s 911 Line Drops the Ball

If calling 911 in Ensenada lately has felt like shouting into the void, you’re not imagining it.

The FGEBC (Baja California’s State Attorney General’s Office) confirmed on Thursday that the 911 emergency line is having technical issues. Calls may not go through, and if they do, don’t expect the usual speedy response.

The Citizen Security Secretariat says it’s working with C5 command centers to fix it. But until then, they suggest using the 911 Móvil BC” app. Here’s the catch: that app has a lovely 3.0 out of 5 stars on the App Store. So… good luck.

#911 Movil BC App
#911 Movil BC App

For now, authorities advise calling local emergency numbers directly if the line fails. And yes, they’re thanking you for your patience while they figure this mess out.

We hope nobody has to test this system in a real crisis, because a dropped emergency call and a buggy backup app isn’t exactly a confidence booster.

☎️ One job. Just one job.

Stay with Gringo Gazette North—because we answer when others don’t.

Aleta Azul (Bluefin)

Celebrate the Tuna: A Fun-Filled Day at Caracol Science Museum

Ensenada Celebrates Tuna Day with Free Family Event

This Saturday, May 3, Ensenada is throwing a party for one of our favorite sea creatures — the tuna.

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Caracol Science Museum will host a free event full of tasty food, hands-on activities, and cool facts. The star of the show? The bluefin tuna. The event also celebrates the reopening of the exhibit “Aleta Azul: El Atún del Pacífico.”

Aleta Azul (Bluefin)
#Aleta Azul (Bluefin)

One highlight is the ronqueo demonstration — the traditional art of filleting bluefin tuna. An expert from Baja Aqua Farms, along with chef Miguel Bahena, will show the process live. It’s a mix of tradition, precision, and culinary skill you rarely get to see.

filleting bluefin tuna
#filleting bluefin tuna

Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy educational talks, raffles, fun stations for kids, and plenty of food. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seafood fan, science lover, or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday.

The event is organized by the Caracol Museo de Ciencias, with support from Baja Aqua Farms and Bluefina. Best of all, admission is free.

🐟 Come celebrate one of Baja’s greatest catches — and yes, we mean that literally.