BajaNomad

Ferry from Ensenada to San Diego

SFandH - 6-29-2022 at 02:24 PM

A car ferry from Ensenada to San Diego. Wouldn't that be great! Especially northbound.


https://www.facebook.com/smartbordercoalition/

"The Ensenada to San Diego ferry could become a reality. The Baja California Government has made mobility across our ports one of its cornerstones.

The State has been quietly creating momentum for a 2 hour 15 minute journey on a ship designed for both passengers and vehicles.

The Port of Ensenada just finished an operations study and the State has embarked on a detailed feasibility study with a private infrastructure firm.

The Port of San Diego has also expressed interest in taking a serious look at the project. Key authorities have met several times. Instead of taking 3-4 hours to go from Ensenada to San Diego (1.5 hours on the highway and another 2.5 to enter Tijuana and get in line at the San Ysidro Port of Entry), travelers would get on a ferry, not stress about driving, and enjoy the scenery for a little over 2 hours, arriving at San Diego’s downtown."



[Edited on 6-29-2022 by SFandH]

TMW - 6-29-2022 at 02:33 PM

2 Hrs and 15 minutes on a ship to go 60 miles is not going to happen. Who came up with this BS. More like 4 hours at best.

David K - 6-29-2022 at 02:33 PM

Interesting thought...
Obviously the cost would be an issue for many driving tourists and how would we clear customs quickly (in San Diego or upon boarding in Ensenada)?
Smooth seas only, too, I imagine.

AKgringo - 6-29-2022 at 02:37 PM

I find it strange that they shut down the ferry that serves Santa Rosalia but think one from San Diego to Ensenada will be profitable. I hope it works out; it could be another way to enjoy Baja!

Copacetico1 - 6-29-2022 at 02:38 PM

This will never happen.

SFandH - 6-29-2022 at 02:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
2 Hrs and 15 minutes on a ship to go 60 miles is not going to happen. Who came up with this BS. More like 4 hours at best.


Hmmm, I think you're right. Man, you just burst my bubble. I'd still go for it. Maybe $200. I wonder.

chippy - 6-29-2022 at 02:46 PM

Some high speed ferries do up to 30 knots but loading and unloading has to be factored in. 4 hrs. sounds more realistic.

AKgringo - 6-29-2022 at 03:15 PM

It would be interesting to see what the fare for a walk-on passenger would be. That could be a fun ride!

Don Pisto - 6-29-2022 at 03:21 PM

that's the craziest idea I heard in a long time! shuttling gamblers down to the rosarito beach hotel almost had merit...unfortunately just about the time they finished the pier indian casinos started popping up and that was the end of that!

David K - 6-30-2022 at 09:12 AM

Reminds me of the Escalera Nautica idea! Who dreams up these schemes?

Building a train line to Ensenada makes more sense... Perhaps one you could drive your cars onto, as well. At La Misión, it could swerve east to the Guadalupe wine area then on to Ensenada... avoiding the Salsipuedes cliffs of destruction!

HeyMulegeScott - 6-30-2022 at 11:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Reminds me of the Escalera Nautica idea! Who dreams up these schemes?

Building a train line to Ensenada makes more sense... Perhaps one you could drive your cars onto, as well. At La Misión, it could swerve east to the Guadalupe wine area then on to Ensenada... avoiding the Salsipuedes cliffs of destruction!


Just a guess but it's probably dreamed up by those who will make money on the scheme.

David K - 6-30-2022 at 03:27 PM

It can't make money if it doesn't work or fails... If the government covers its cost (like wind turbines), then the big wigs and politicians will get rich in the short term, all on the backs of taxpayers.

Like the wind turbines that don't turn anymore, once the project fails there is nothing to get rich from... well, the landfill owners, maybe!

BajaNomad - 6-30-2022 at 03:44 PM

If I recall correctly, when they were building out the marina at La Salina, they were planning (and promising potential new residents for the new housing being built there at the time??) of a ferry out of the marina there to San Diego?

That's my recollection. Never happened.

David K - 6-30-2022 at 04:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaNomad  
If I recall correctly, when they were building out the marina at La Salina, they were planning (and promising potential new residents for the new housing being built there at the time??) of a ferry out of the marina there to San Diego?

That's my recollection. Never happened.


Sound vaguely familiar? Say anything to get the bucks.
I know of El Dorado Ranch (San Felipe) investing people/ home owners, were promised many things that never happened. Things from basic electricity to a private pilot's airport.

mtgoat666 - 6-30-2022 at 04:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
It can't make money if it doesn't work or fails... If the government covers its cost (like wind turbines), then the big wigs and politicians will get rich in the short term, all on the backs of taxpayers.

Like the wind turbines that don't turn anymore, once the project fails there is nothing to get rich from... well, the landfill owners, maybe!


Where are all these failed wind energy projects you speak of?
There may be tax credits for wind farms, and that may be valid thing to debate, but not aware of many failed projects. Sometimes ice or storms damage the wind farms, but they seem to get repaired and back on line, from what I see.

David K - 6-30-2022 at 04:50 PM

Every time I drive by one of those bird-killing eyesores, only a few are rotating, sometimes none... many are disassembled.

JZ - 6-30-2022 at 05:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Where are all these failed wind energy projects you speak of?
There may be tax credits for wind farms, and that may be valid thing to debate, but not aware of many failed projects. Sometimes ice or storms damage the wind farms, but they seem to get repaired and back on line, from what I see.


Wind and solar farms are the dumbest things ever. It won't work technologically, costs a fortune, and does massive damage to the environment.

If you want the cleanest energy you need to do what France did. This TED talk is from a guy who tried to make wind and solar work for decades.

https://youtu.be/N-yALPEpV4w


JZ - 6-30-2022 at 05:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaNomad  
If I recall correctly, when they were building out the marina at La Salina, they were planning (and promising potential new residents for the new housing being built there at the time??) of a ferry out of the marina there to San Diego?

That's my recollection. Never happened.


Took my boat in there years ago on a trip from SD to Ensenada. That is one of the most sketchy entrances you'll find.



[Edited on 7-1-2022 by JZ]

mtgoat666 - 6-30-2022 at 09:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Every time I drive by one of those bird-killing eyesores, only a few are rotating, sometimes none... many are disassembled.


When it’s windy, they turn. Unless low demand or out of order, then blades get locked down.

mtgoat666 - 6-30-2022 at 09:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Where are all these failed wind energy projects you speak of?
There may be tax credits for wind farms, and that may be valid thing to debate, but not aware of many failed projects. Sometimes ice or storms damage the wind farms, but they seem to get repaired and back on line, from what I see.


Wind and solar farms are the dumbest things ever. It won't work technologically, costs a fortune, and does massive damage to the environment.

If you want the cleanest energy you need to do what France did. This TED talk is from a guy who tried to make wind and solar work for decades.

https://youtu.be/N-yALPEpV4w




Net metered solar on my roof. True up date was last month. Annual payment to sdg&e: $19.
Sometime we run the AC with windows open.
Free money!

Everybody should have solar!

Utility-scale solar and wind is great, especially for fighting global warming, with petroleum and coal not being good for us or the planet!

JZ - 6-30-2022 at 09:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  


Net metered solar on my roof. True up date was last month. Annual payment to sdg&e: $19.
Sometime we run the AC with windows open.
Free money!

Everybody should have solar!

Utility-scale solar and wind is great, especially for fighting global warming, with petroleum and coal not being good for us or the planet!


First part is correct, second part is very dumb. Even the Eco nerds are saying that more and more.


willardguy - 6-30-2022 at 10:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  


Net metered solar on my roof. True up date was last month. Annual payment to sdg&e: $19.
Sometime we run the AC with windows open.
Free money!

Everybody should have solar!

Utility-scale solar and wind is great, especially for fighting global warming, with petroleum and coal not being good for us or the planet!


First part is correct, second part is very dumb. Even the Eco nerds are saying that more and more.




well you know those eco nerds. dumb dumb dumb....give us an example. please please please:coolup:

Alm - 7-1-2022 at 12:17 AM

Mexico and Baja are very well suited for solar. Every second lamp-post in Ensenada has a small solar on it. 15-20% annual growth in residential solar alone, nation-wide. Grid-tie residential solar in Ca pays for itself in 5-6 years.

The idea of ferry is odd though. Embark/disembark plus arrival half an hour or so before scheduled time, plus sailing time, plus US port customs - it will take all day. More comfortable than sitting in the long line in San Ysidro, maybe.



[Edited on 7-1-2022 by Alm]

Don Pisto - 3-28-2023 at 10:39 AM

well looks like they're going to give it a go.........
https://www.sandiegored.com/en/news/237138/San-DiegoEnsenada...

David K - 3-28-2023 at 11:51 AM

Hard to read the Red newspaper with the ads continually filling the screen. Hitting the x is good for only a few seconds, at least on my phone. Will try on my PC.

Yes, better on my PC... ads are off to the side. That was too funny that the guy in front felt compelled to get out after he wouldn't let the guy behind get in. Obviously, as with the car that filmed this who was in the disappearing lane, it was a lane ending not an intentional cut for speed.

[Edited on 3-28-2023 by David K]

rccali - 3-29-2023 at 11:06 AM

This news article is very sparse on actual details and there is no mention of this in the Union Tribune. This would be a big news story if it were to happen.

I've taken the international ferry from Anacortes Washington to Sidney BC on Vancouver Island and there is a lot of infrastructure and customs agents in place related to person and vehicle entry at the US and Canadian ports which does not appear to be in place at this time.

I will believe it when I see it. I wouldn't hold my breath regarding any projects that Mexican officials insist will definitely happen.

bajadogs - 3-29-2023 at 12:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rccali  
This news article is very sparse on actual details and there is no mention of this in the Union Tribune. This would be a big news story if it were to happen.

I've taken the international ferry from Anacortes Washington to Sidney BC on Vancouver Island and there is a lot of infrastructure and customs agents in place related to person and vehicle entry at the US and Canadian ports which does not appear to be in place at this time.

I will believe it when I see it. I wouldn't hold my breath regarding any projects that Mexican officials insist will definitely happen.


Agree 100%. Not gonna happen. Too much infrastructure involved and no way it will be faster than improving our existing borders.

eastmeetswest - 4-1-2023 at 11:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  
Some high speed ferries do up to 30 knots but loading and unloading has to be factored in. 4 hrs. sounds more realistic.


I live on Vancouver Island and have a lifetime of experience taking ferries that travel the ocean for a 42 km journey. The journey is about 90 minutes and the total time with load and unload is 2 hours turnaround time. It is not a high speed ferry, just a good one

mtgoat666 - 4-1-2023 at 01:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajadogs  
Quote: Originally posted by rccali  
This news article is very sparse on actual details and there is no mention of this in the Union Tribune. This would be a big news story if it were to happen.

I've taken the international ferry from Anacortes Washington to Sidney BC on Vancouver Island and there is a lot of infrastructure and customs agents in place related to person and vehicle entry at the US and Canadian ports which does not appear to be in place at this time.

I will believe it when I see it. I wouldn't hold my breath regarding any projects that Mexican officials insist will definitely happen.


Agree 100%. Not gonna happen. Too much infrastructure involved and no way it will be faster than improving our existing borders.


I think the proposed ferry is passenger-only. Doubt anyone would take car ferry if there is a land route that takes less time.
A passenger ferry would not require much infrastructure, just need a boat.

There is already periodic northbound passenger ferry service, transporting undocumented immigrants frequently via panga.

AKgringo - 4-1-2023 at 02:59 PM

Hey Gilligan, how would you like to go on a three hour cruise? :biggrin:

Don Pisto - 4-1-2023 at 04:12 PM

I think the plan is to carry cars but if it turns out to be passengers only I think jumping on in ensenada just for the boat ride would be a lot of fun! :coolup:

Marc - 4-27-2023 at 11:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  
Some high speed ferries do up to 30 knots but loading and unloading has to be factored in. 4 hrs. sounds more realistic.


That's what I came up with. If it happens in my lifetime I'll give it a try. I haven't used SY - SD crossing in many years.

mtgoat666 - 4-27-2023 at 11:43 AM

"A reality! San Diego-Ensenada ferry will begin operations this June
This ferry with an Ensenada-San Diego route will carry up to 300 people with each trip"

article says they already contracted the boat... doesn't say who is financing this operation... we'll see if it flies, eh?

https://www.sandiegored.com/en/news/238536/A-reality-San-Die...

if it does materialize, I plan to try it out early, before it goes bankrupt, and take my bicycle for a day trip to ensenada

Don Pisto - 4-27-2023 at 12:05 PM

you gotta admit, these folks dream big!

David K - 4-27-2023 at 12:28 PM

Only issue with such a bridge might be that the peninsula is part of the Pacific Plate, moving northwest from Mexico, and the North American Plate.

surabi - 4-27-2023 at 05:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  



Net metered solar on my roof. True up date was last month. Annual payment to sdg&e: $19.
Sometime we run the AC with windows open.
Free money!

Everybody should have solar!



Why, so we can run AC with the windows open? (That sounds really pointless and dumb)

I don't have AC nor do I want it. My on-grid electric bills average the equivalent of $5/month. Solar wouldn't pay for itself in my lifetime.

wilderone - 4-30-2023 at 10:05 AM

About the ferry - it is not a reality - it will not begin this June. The Port of San Diego has to finalize all San Diego end implementation. This statement a couple weeks ago does not seem that they are as committed as Mexico is to the project - only discussion, no agreements; would need border control similar to any other:

"The Port of San Diego, which would need to operate the San Diego side of the ferry, said the idea has been in discussion. The concept "remains preliminary at this time" and both ports are open to a trial run in the coming months," the Port of San Diego said.

"Additional due diligence and research will also be needed as well as approvals from various state and federal agencies," A port spokesperson added. "With no formal proposal or any agreements in place with regard to this potential service, we do not have any further information to provide at this time."

I'm not opposed to the project, but I'd have to ask why this route would be in demand. I can see it as a way to cross the border into the US, hence federal oversight at both ends; but what would be the draw to go to Ensenada and the expense of the ferry, staffing (both US, Mex) to facilitate that. Just WHY?

[Edited on 4-30-2023 by wilderone]

rccali - 4-30-2023 at 05:15 PM


The only reason I can think of would be safety. US citizens that are afraid of driving through Tijuana that want to avoid this area.

Possibly they think there is a market for people that would otherwise not visit Baja by car if their only option was to cross the border into Tijuana?