Tourism

Articles, Ensenada, Tourism

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.

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Viñedos en Flor 2025: Wine, Art & Causes Worth Toasting To
 Articles, Charities, Ensenada, Tourism, Wine

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.

Earth Works: The Cultural Evolution of Farm Workers (Future Thought Leaders Panel)

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.

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TianguisTuristico2025
 Articles, Rosarito, Tourism

Tianguis Turístico Welcomes Everyone

Baja California Throws Open the Doors

Since Friday, April 26, the Tianguis Turístico has been buzzing at the Baja California Center in Rosarito. And for the first time ever, it’s not just suits and business cards—the general public is invited too.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda announced the change, calling it a historic move to bring Baja’s magic closer to its own people and visitors. Let’s be honest—who better to celebrate Baja’s beauty than the people who live it every day?

At this year’s event, you’ll find:

  • Baja’s top wineries, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators all showing off their best.
  • Special buyer meetings and seminars that, frankly, sound way fancier than we’re used to.
  • Public spaces where you can taste, see, and experience Baja without a press badge.

The Baja California Center, perched between Tijuana and Ensenada, couldn’t be a more perfect spot to show off our beaches, wine valleys, art, and tacos… yes, especially the tacos.

Whether you live here full-time or you’re just Baja-curious, this is your chance to dive into what makes this place unforgettable.

And if you want to plan your visit like a pro, you can download the full schedule here:

🔗 Download the Program

Because this year, you’re not on the outside looking in—you’re officially part of the show.

Source: Tianguis Turístico 2025 Official

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Governor Marina del Pilar handed over ten electric carriages to local drivers
 Articles, Economy, Ensenada, Tourism

Ensenada Rolls Out Electric Carriages: Tradition Meets Innovation

Ensenada has taken a significant step toward sustainable tourism

On April 21, Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda gave out ten electric carriages to local drivers. These will replace the old horse-drawn ones.

The new rides carry four passengers. They’re quiet, eco-friendly, and best of all, no horses needed.

The state invested 2.75 million pesos through its Department of Economy and Innovation. Officials also plan to install charging stations across town.

#MarinaDelPilar And Claudia A

This move follows a new law in Baja California. It bans animals from pulling carriages for tourism. It also recognizes animals as living beings, not property.

“This is a big day,” said the governor. “We’re ending horse-drawn rides and moving to clean, modern transport—without losing our charm.”

The change didn’t happen overnight. Authorities worked with drivers to find solutions. Now, drivers get to keep their jobs—and horses get to rest.

Jenny de la Cruz, speaking for the group, thanked the state for helping them modernize. She said the change protects a tradition that’s been part of Ensenada for over 40 years.

So yes, you can still ride through Ensenada’s scenic streets. But now, the wheels are quiet—and the animals are free.

Here at the Gringo Gazette North, we love when old traditions meet new ideas. Especially when everyone wins—including the horses.

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