A passenger ferry connecting Ensenada and San Diego could finally begin operations by December 2026, according to Baja California officials overseeing the long-awaited project.
The route, operated by Azteca Ferries, has been in development for years and is designed to offer a faster maritime connection between Baja California and Southern California.
Speaking about the project’s status, Baja California Secretary of Economy and Innovation, Kurt Honold Morales, stated that most of the regulatory and coordination work involving Mexican and U.S. authorities has already been completed.
The remaining hurdle, he explained, is the completion of customs and port infrastructure upgrades overseen by Mexico’s Navy Secretariat (SEMAR), which must give final approval before the service can officially launch.
The ferry itself has already been in Ensenada since August 2025, after arriving from Seattle, though operations have yet to begin.
What is the Ensenada-San Diego ferry project?
Once operational, the ferry is expected to transport up to 330 passengers per trip between the two cities.
Officials estimate the crossing will take roughly two to two-and-a-half hours, offering travelers an alternative to the often lengthy border crossing by car.
Azteca Ferries plans to offer both one-way and round-trip service between Ensenada and San Diego, though an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed.
Ticket prices are expected to range between $50 and $60 USD per trip, including port fees.
For Baja California tourism officials, the project represents another effort to strengthen regional tourism and cross-border travel between Mexico and Southern California.
Read more: When Will the New Ensenada–San Diego Ferry Start Running?
