The Azteca Ferries vessel set to operate the new international ferry route between Ensenada and San Diego is scheduled to arrive this Friday at the Port of San Diego as part of preparations for its commercial launch, according to Kurt Honold Morales, Baja California’s Minister of Economy and Innovation.
Designed to carry up to 330 passengers, the ferry will soon be relocated to Ensenada to begin operations. This project is entirely privately funded by Azteca Ferries, which received approval from Mexico’s Navy (SEMAR) to run the new international maritime service.
The State Government has successfully secured all necessary permits on both sides of the border, including authorizations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the state of California, as well as environmental and security agencies in both Mexico and the United States.
To streamline passenger processing, the Ensenada Port Authority (ASIPONA) is being equipped with customs and immigration facilities, allowing travelers to complete paperwork before boarding. This will enable smooth inspections of luggage, cargo, and documentation for round-trip journeys.
The official start date for ferry operations has yet to be announced, and state officials confirmed that it will be Azteca Ferries who will determine and communicate the launch schedule. One-way tickets are expected to cost between $50 and $60 USD, including port fees.
Once the ferry arrives in Ensenada, representatives from Azteca Ferries will be available to provide additional information and answer questions about the new service
More Details About the Ensenada–San Diego Ferry
This roll-on/roll-off ferry will offer trips lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours between San Diego and Ensenada, covering about 111 km (69 miles).
Azteca Ferries has already shared tentative schedules on its website, with two daily departures in each direction:
San Diego to Ensenada:
• 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
• 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Ensenada to San Diego:
• 7:00 am – 9:30 am
• 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The vessel will offer a variety of onboard amenities, including air conditioning, outdoor seating areas, Wi-Fi, a cafeteria, restrooms, service animal accommodations, and full accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
Azteca Ferries also noted that passengers are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for check-in, customs procedures, and boarding.responsible for handling their own immigration paperwork before travel, as the company will not be liable for insufficient documentation.
