Paradise, South of the Border: Ensenada Still a Boater’s Hot Spot

ENSENADA, Baja California—The thrill of competitive sailing and the pleasure of recreational cruising were on full display during the final weekend of April at Hotel Coral and Marina. Hundreds of boaters and sailors were mingling with each other over breakfast on April 28, the morning after dozens of sailboats raced down the Pacific Ocean as part of the Newport-to-Ensenada International Yacht Race. Socializing turned to celebrating as awards were handed out to the race’s best performers. One by one, teams of boaters started filtering out of the pool area and into the lobby. Many would grab a shuttle, taxi or bus to the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana (Ensenada does not have a commercial airport), but some stayed back for a little bit more. A few stragglers took the hotel shuttle into downtown and probably enjoyed food and drinks. Others rented vans and trekked east into Guadalupe Valley – locally known as Mexico’s Napa Valley – and sampled some wines. Some remained at the Coral, enjoying the views of Bahia Todos Santos from their balcony or spending a little time on the docks. There was probably some good fishing to be had for those who wanted to drop a line in the...