The Ensenada Bay Village, a joint project led by port operator Hutchison Ports ECV, Carnival Corporation, and the ITM Group, is set to become one of the region’s most ambitious tourism infrastructure investments in decades. The landmark waterfront complex is designed to elevate the port into a premier destination for cruise lines and their passengers.
The development aims to draw up to 9,000 visitors per day and includes a new cruise terminal capable of accommodating two large ships simultaneously. Officials estimate the project will create more than 1,800 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.
Andrés Martínez Bremer, president of Proturismo de Ensenada, said the project marks a “new dimension” for Ensenada’s presence in international tourism and will fundamentally reshape the port’s competitiveness. He emphasized that developments of this scale expand the port’s appeal to new cruise routes and larger-volume operations.
Ensenada Bay Village is envisioned as an integrated entertainment district, complete with an adventure park, retail and dining zones, and broad recreational areas. The design focuses on cultural programming and commercial experiences tailored to the flow of cruise passengers arriving at the terminal.
Port authorities expect around 360 cruise calls and 1.3 million passengers by the end of 2025. Projections for 2026 rise to 375 calls and up to 1.5 million visitors, a dramatic surge that would transform the port’s tourism economy.
A central objective, Martínez Bremer noted, is positioning Ensenada to compete for high-value itineraries currently dominated by other Pacific ports. The upgraded infrastructure and enhanced passenger experience are meant to make Ensenada a more compelling stop on routes connecting Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The projected increase in visitor volume is expected to generate new opportunities throughout Baja California’s tourism value chain. Transportation services, hotels, retailers, restaurants, and specialized suppliers will benefit from a larger and more consistent flow of travelers.
The project is also expected to strengthen regional collaboration among coastal municipalities across Baja California. The experiences offered at Ensenada Bay Village are intended to complement surrounding destinations, stimulate commercial exchange, and attract new investment in tourism and logistics infrastructure across the region.
“With the establishment of the Ensenada Bay Village Theme Park, the city reinforces its international tourism presence, expands its offerings, and strengthens its economy,” Martínez Bremer said.
