Ensenada Sports & Outdoors

Ensenada, in northern Baja California, has some of the best areas for surfing.
The surfing conditions of this region are somewhat similar to those of Southern California.

But with a big, big, big, big difference... no surfing crowds.

For great waves visit Todos Santos islands.
These islands, located at the entrance of the Ensenada bay, are particularly favorable to receiving first-class monster waves confronted by seasoned surfers.

"Killer", one the most famous wave breaks around the world, is located in the small island.

There, the waves are several times bigger than any other throughout Baja California.

In these islands surfing contests are held every year, attracting famous surfers.

Todos Santos islands boast the Pacific coast's biggest, baddest surf.

From November through February deep-water northwest swells sweep the partially submerged northwestern point of Isla Norte producing powerful 20-30 feet waves.

The northwest coast of the southern island also offers a good winter break.

When the northwest swell is marching hard, a colossal ling-riding named "Thor's Hammer" is experienced in the channel between the two islands.

There is usually an 80 foot visibility in the water and it is cold most of the time.

Todos Santos islands are a year-round surf destination.

To reach Todos Santos islands, which are only 12 miles from the port of Ensenada, you need to rent a boat. They generally charge about $ 20 per person.

Sure. Ensenada surfing offers sheer adrenaline and a plethora of attractions in Northern Baja.

Equipment: In Ensenada, during the months from October to April the water temperature ranges between 50 and 60 degrees, so it is always best to wear a full suit.

Ensenada offers a great venue for deep sea fishing and all types of water sports. A the harbor one can readily find boat charters, guides and equipment for sportsfishing. The area is well known for its impressive catches of yellowtail and other Pacific fishes.

Other opportunities in and near Ensenada include jet ski rentals, kayak rentals, surfing, diving, swimming and more. Boat ramps are also available for those who bring their own watercraft.

Unfortunately there is no longer a beach in Ensenada. The sandy beach that was once in front of the Rivera del Pacifico was filled in long ago to make room for a highway and other development. However, Estero Beach is just a few miles away and may be reached either by ferry or by automobile.

The event course is 50 miles of paved highway on the old Free Road from Rosarito Beach south to the city of Ensenada. The course is rated "Moderately Difficult" and the average time to complete the ride is 4 hours.

Oh...and don't let it concern you if you happen to see a tandem bike with someone riding on the back who is dressed up as the death angel.

For the first 22 miles, you'll cruise beside the ocean, through charming beach towns and over rugged, undeveloped coastline.

Then you'll turn inland, heading east for 2 miles through a wide river valley to the base of El Tigre. "The Hill" is a mesa that towers 800 feet above the valley floor. The climb is 2 miles long and a 7.5% grade. Shift into your lowest gear and you might be able to ride all the way to the top. If not, you can walk it with everyone else, giving your legs a good stretch.

Once atop the mesa, you'll pass through a single-file chute for the Registration Check.

Next, you'll ride through 8 miles of rural countryside. The terrain is rolling hills with long flat stretches and is reminiscent of how California was a century ago with quaint ranches among meadows filled with wild mustard and sage.

Then hold on for an exhilarating 8 mile descent back down to the ocean. Have fun, but please be carefull. The south side of El Tigre is steep and corners can be dangerous if you don't maintain a safe speed.

The last 10 miles are flat along the waterfront, with the official 50 mile mark just outside the city of Ensenada, north of the harbor. Use the last mile or so into town to cool down and get ready to party at the Finish Line Fiesta! The Finish Line party is located at Manzana Ocho, Ensenada's city fair grounds on Boulevard Costero across the street from the cruise ship terminal.

Live music, food stands, and optional massages for those weary legs are available at the fair grounds.

Equipment: Bike Rentals are also available for this event.

Off-road racing is probably the largest sporting event held in Ensenada.

The Baja 500 held in June is about 500 miles long, which both starts and ends in Ensenada. Spectators line up along the dry riverbanks to catch a glimpse of these monster trucks, dune buggies, ATVs, and motorcycles. The race begins (based on vehicle class) in front of the Riviera Cultural Center on Blvd. Costero and finishes at the Deportivo Antonio Palacios stadium on Calle Novena (9th street) & Guadalupe. Race survivors are presented with awards the following day.

The Baja 1000 held in November starts in Ensenada and finishes about 1000 gruling miles later at the south Baja town of La Paz.