Visiting Estero Beach, or Playa Estero as it is known in Mexico, is a serene coastal area in the city of Ensenada. Though the state of Baja is famous for many of its beautiful beaches, Estero Beach has a reputation for its calm and stunning atmosphere. Nearby, the popular resort of the same name draws many travelers from all over the globe while the outstanding beach is naturally the main attraction. Other beaches may command the surfing crowds, but “Estero” is the choice of the sunbathers, beachcombers, swimmers, kayakers, and even horseback riders. Anyone with a taste for enchanting Pacific beaches will want to sample its relaxing locale.
Estero Beach Location
Estero Beach is on the Pacific Ocean in northwestern Mexico in the city of Ensenada. As one of the Baja Peninsula’s major vacation destinations, it is popular for many of its beaches and all-around extraordinary scenery. With its world-class resorts and hotels, Ensenada does a fabulous job of protecting and maintaining its beach fronts for all to enjoy. With beaches that boast fewer coastal developments than many other regions in Mexico, it’s easy to understand how the city can boast such pristine and naturally enticing settings. When nature is as beautiful as Estero Beach, there isn’t much a high-rise or row of condominiums that can add. In addition to the city’s fame as a cruise ship port, it is also famous for its waters that teem with sports fish and support a wide range of activities.
The Beach
With its captivating natural beauty, Estero Beach attracts many visitors in need of a beach holiday. Swimming, snorkeling, and scuba are popular water activities as are fishing, sea kayaking, and wildlife-watching. Located nearby are populations of sea lions, seals, and dolphins that provide lots of viewing entertainment for eco-tourists. While large surfing crowds are lining up at other Ensenada beaches, some surfers head to Estero Beach to tame its waves. Strolling the beach or lounging in the sand to enjoy the Mexican sunshine are other ways to enjoy the beach’s simple pleasures.
Estero Beach Attractions
Estero Beach is famous for its pristine air and natural enchantments, it welcomes many visitors who come for a relaxing beach holiday. Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities as is sea kayaking. While few surfers favor Playa Estero’s mostly serene atmosphere, some make their way to this stretch when the best waves beckon. Lounging on the beach and soaking up the Mexican sunshine are also favorite Estero activities. Many visitors favor this beach for horseback rides and hiking. Since the reef waters are enjoyable for their wildlife like seals, sea lions, and dolphins, scuba diving is also a must-do activity when planning an Estero Beach vacation.
Estero Beach Hotel
Along with its famous spa, the Estero Beach Hotel is one of the city’s most popular places to hang your hat. It is famous for its super comfortable rooms, swim-up bar, and the stunning ballroom. With its two swimming pools and high-end service, this hotel is ideal to host big events. Weddings, celebrations, meetings, and weekend getaways to name a few.
Ensenada Regional History Museum
Once a military garrison that once housed the city jail in the nineteenth century, this museum boasts many regional artifacts of Native American origin. Its archaeological collections include relics from the Cucapa, Kumiai, and Kiliwa tribes.
La Bufadora
This marine geyser is an attraction located near Estero Beach. One of the continent’s largest blowholes, La Bufadora shoots up more than 100 feet of spray above the surface of the sea. The drive to view this natural phenomenon is along sea-swept cliffs with incredible vistas. Many people trek to this majestic marine geyser to enjoy its memorable display.
Whale Watching
Area hotels help guests locate tours to watch the world-famous whales that migrate along the peninsula’s coast. In fact, many tourists come precisely to catch a glimpse of these unrivaled marine creatures.
Estero Beach Volleyball
The Estero Beach Volleyball tournament is the biggest summer volleyball event in all of Mexico. It is called the Mexico International Volleyball Tournament (formerly known as the Estero Beach Volleyball Tournament) is usually held in mid-June in Rosarito Beach. Rosarito’s summer tournament attracts some of the best beach volleyball players in the world. It’s been called the biggest beach volleyball tournament on the planet. While both amateur and professional players come to Rosarito in the scenic state of Baja California, fans of the sport also travel to the city’s beaches to enjoy watching.
This famous tournament began in 1974 in Estero Beach, in Ensenada. It has grown to become the international beach volleyball event of the year! The festive atmosphere attracts hundreds to the beach to enjoy the hot playing under the Baja Californian sun. The tournament format is “blind,” which means each player registers and is paired with a partner. You don’t know who your partner will be, and if you make the request, it will be denied. It is also a weighted tournament which means that unrated players will be paired with rated players to even the playing field. Once paired, in men’s and women’s divisions, the round-robin style match-ups begin. While it’s a great feat for pairs to win their pools (a group of approximately six teams), the finals generate the biggest crowds and the most riveting gameplay!
Estero Beach Volleyball
Winners have the honor of having their names attached to the perpetual tournament trophy displayed each summer during the tournament. Other prizes are also awarded. The winning team also wins free lodging for the following summer’s tournament! Of course, just getting to the finals is a major accomplishment, given the competitive nature of the event and the talent it attracts from near and far.
Golf is a popular activity among visitors to Estero Beach. Golf lessons are available in the area. Volleyball matches are regular sites on Estero Beach. Some hotels and public areas also boast tennis courts. Sports are an important part of Ensenada’s life.
More to See and Do in the Wider Ensenada Region
Sport Fishing: From dorado to yellowtail, Ensenada’s waters contain some of the most coveted sport fish on the planet. Many people plan their entire vacation around Ensenada’s sport fishing excitement.
Regional Cuisine: Fresh seafood is part of the Ensenada way of life. From delectable lobster dishes to fish tacos, the cuisine of coastal Baja California pairs indigenous and Spanish influences to form celebrated gastronomy that also boasts global influences from around the world. Check out some local cafes and restaurants for a traditional taste of Ensenada’s most delicious flavors.
Nightlife: Ensenada is well-known for its nightlife and evening entertainment. Vibrant clubs are booming with music and cocktails. The city’s hotels also boast entertainment like music and dance performances.
Off-Roading Events: Internationally famous races like the Baja 500 are a dramatic part of Ensenada’s year. People flock to Ensenada for off-roading events to both participate in the wild drives or simply to watch.
In and Around Ensenada
Sport Fishing
Sport fishermen converge on Ensenada for its world-class sportfishing experience. Hook yellowtail to top off your Mexican vacation in Ensenada.
Cuisine
Since fresh seafood is a way of life in Ensenada, it’s easy to find everything from lobster to fish tacos. The city has many cuisines from around the world. But sampling the traditional Baja dishes and authentic Mexican food is a must!
Off-Roading Adventure
Ensenada’s major off-roading events like the Baja 500 or Baja 1000 draw international crowds. If you happen to time it right – you’re in for a show!
Ensenada Nightlife
After relaxing on the beach, the vibrant nightlife of Ensenada is the perfect way to top of a day. Music and cocktails and many other entertainments can be found throughout the city.
Estero Beach is within driving distance of Southern California towns. Just remember to buy your Mexican Car Insurance online before you go.
EN 
ES