Angie's Blog

"Investors delight" Ocean Front In Baja

2008-03-27T18:27:00Z

Baja the next wine Frontier

2008-02-09T15:48:50Z

Baja: the next wine frontier? var addthis_pub = 'naparegister'; By L. PIERCE CARSON
Register Staff Writer Friday, February 08, 2008

Savvy vintners from all over the world are betting that Mexico's Guadalupe Valley may well be the next frontier for New World wine.

Located less than 100 miles southeast of San Diego - and only a few minutes drive from Ensenada, Baja California's third largest city - Guadalupe Valley is only now being recognized for its potential as a world-class winegrowing region.

Although wine has been made in the region for centuries, it's only in the last two decades that producers from around the world began investing in its winemaking operations.

The present and future of Guadalupe Valley was the focus of a seminar and public wine tasting at Copia two weeks ago.

Three representatives of the region's wine trade brought locals up to date during a morning question-and-answer session, aided by a local vintner who knows Guadalupe Valley well - Mexico-born Amelia Ceja, partner in Ceja Vineyards.

The visitors from Guadalupe Valley represented cellars with varied production totals: Marco Antonio Amador, senior marketing director for the 600,000 case L.A. Cetto; Israel Zenteno, vineyard manager for the 40,000 case Monte Xanic; and Thomas Egli, winemaker for 3,000 case Casa de Piedra.

They spoke about the region's ideal climate for growing grapes, similar to that of San Diego. Temperatures top out at 90 to 95 degrees on average during summer months and rarely soar above 110 on a few hot days, with winter lows bottoming out at 25 degrees.

Water is scarce, they noted. The winter rain season is short and the area is prone to prolonged droughts.

During the growing season, the temperature ranges from 60s at night to 90s in the daytime, and the area is prone to fog.

Situated at 1,400 feet above sea level, Guadalupe Valley is about 10 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.

On average, soils on the flat valley floor are sandy, those on the hillside more alluvial in composition.

At present, the loosely knit association of 27 producers is undertaking a project mapping the region's diverse soils, and trying to define the valley's terroir.

About two-thirds the size of the Napa Valley, some 2,200 hectares are planted to grapes. Dry farming is rare, they said, as most vines are irrigated.

The first cabernet sauvignon was planted in Guadalupe Valley in 1974, Zenteno noted, and cabernet is the largest planted grape variety at present. Malbec, tempranillo, grenache and syrah also do well in this clime, he added.

The majority of the (grape) plantings are red," Zenteno said. "It's a little tricky to make white wine, although chenin blanc does develop nicely in the valley. But we are just now experimenting (with various grape varieties)."

Amador revealed that his company, L.A. Cetto, has just launched a 10-year vineyard experiment incorporating 50 varietals.

"Guadalupe Valley reminds me of what Napa Valley was in the 1970s," interjected Ceja, "especially with the experimentation. I believe you will see exceptional wines coming from Guadalupe Valley." Ceja feels the region will become a prime supplier of first rate cabernet sauvignon.

"Water is the key to growing grapes in Guadalupe Valley," declared Egli. "We're running out of water." He said valley grapegrowers have to share existing water supplies with the city of Ensenada, which is experiencing considerable growth at the moment.

Also discussed were the difficulties in the export/import business involving Mexico and the United States. Ceja said regulations contained in NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) have seriously curbed wine trade with our neighbors in Canada and Mexico.

"We can ship (wine) to the rest of the world, but we can't ship to our neighbors," she noted.

On top of that, border states impose their own restrictions. For example, an individual returning from Mexico may only bring one liter of wine into California. In Arizona, that amount jumps to six liters.

"Most producers (in Guadalupe Valley) are interested in quality, not in making huge volumes for export," concluded Egli.

And quality was indeed evident in the wines Egli offered during the afternoon walkaround tasting:

Arenal 2005 Ensemble ($35): a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, barbera and petite sirah for the experimental effort label from Casa de Piedra. A spicy, fruity nose leads to a mouth full of ripe blackberries, with a sweet/tart finish of cassis. A lush, well structured wine from a leader in Guadalupe Valley wine quality.

Casa de Piedra Vino de Piedra Tinto ($55): Piedra is Spanish for stone and this particular medium-bodied red has a mineral edge that undoubtedly speaks to the vineyard's stony makeup. It's an attractive blend of tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon (50/50) with lots of strawberry and spice.

For lunch that day, Jeff Mosher, executive chef of Julia's Kitchen, put together a tasting menu featuring a few of the wines from Guadalupe Valley.

Monte Xanic 2005 Limited Edition Malbec ($15): Paired with the chef's seared ahi dish - which incorporated quinoa/citrus salad, avocado puree and chipotle beurre blanc - this lush, velvety, well-balanced malbec offered red fruit flavors, integrated with ripe tannins, a touch of mint on the lengthy finish and a hint of oak, that made this exceptional dish even better. It was the best pairing of the day, a smooth, easy-to-drink Bordeaux grape south-of-the-border style, and a bargain at that.

L.A. Cetto 2003 Nebbiolo ($15): Paired with pan-seared beef tenderloin slices and sweet potato puree, this Italian varietal seems to like its new Guadalupe Valley home. An elegant, silky nebbiolo with soft tannins and tasty ripe blackberries from entry to finish. While it's a bit short on finish, its soft palate and fruity flavors made this an exciting pairing.

A couple of other wines worth seeking out:

L.A. Cetto 2005 Petite Sirah ($6): An inky, perfumy red with sweet tannins and cherry/grape flavors. Lots of stuffing, a vibrant example of this variety with a pleasant ripe blackfruit finish. A great deal.

Monte Xanic 2006 Chenin Blanc/Colombard ($10): Since there's little more than 1 percent colombard in the blend, it's anybody's guess why the firm displays the varietal name so prominently on the label. Slightly off-dry, it tastes of ripe peaches and honey and smells the same. A little zing on the finish makes it a nice sipper to be paired with any number of hors d'oeuvres.

At this point, you'll have to drive down to Baja to taste and pick up the Casa de Piedra wines. The wines of L.A. Cetto are abundant in the Los Angeles area and are winging their way northward as winery principals have complied with U.S. label regulations. Monte Xanic will be available in California any day now, its owners having jumped through all requisite NAFTA hoops.

MEGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORIZED FOR ENSENADA

2008-02-04T16:05:18Z

MEGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORIZED FOR ENSENADA

EXCITING NEWS FOR INVESTORS & CLIENTS

"MEGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORIZED FOR ENSENADA"

After many years of lobbying, Opción Integradora de Baja California finally received approval from the federal government for construction of AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL DE ENSENADA (AIE), as this new mega airport will be known. With an initial investment of 230 millions dollars, groundbreaking is due to start in early 2008 in a site known as Tiger's Table (Mesa del Tigre) located on km. 80 of the old Tijuana-Ensenada highway.

The company's president, Mr. Hector Moisés Claderón, , stated that the airport will include a landing strip measuring 4,000 meters long (2½ miles) and 60 meters wide capable of handling commercial planes like Boeing's 747 and Airbus 380 designed for 400 to 850 passengers. AIE
will not only be the largest in its class from Los Angeles to Argentina, but more important the anchor for a regional development which will consist of a housing and commercial complex for its employees, a four lane highway, a dam which will generate 3.4 cubic meters, water desalinating plants and a specialized fiscal center.

Important Information For US Citizens

2008-02-04T15:50:26Z

We want to remind you that starting January 31, 2008 when re-entering the United States from Mexico by foot, motor vehicle or other type of ground transportation you need the following:
* Proof of Citizenship: Passport or Birth Certificate AND * Proof of Identity: Government Picture ID like a Driver's License
This requirement is already in effect for air and cruise travel.
Children under 18 are only required to have:
* Proof of Citizenship: Birth Certificate (when traveling with their parents.)
Please reference the following government websites for more detailed information:

http://www.getapassportnow.com/

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

Don't forget your passport and travel safely,

Britney Takes A Mexican Vacation

2008-02-04T15:46:03Z

Britney Takes a Mexican Vacation with Photographer

By Mike Fleeman

Britney Spears Photo by: Fame

Britney Spears spent a brief Mexican holiday with her paparazzi friend, checking into a hotel in Rosarito Beach and buying a knockoff Gucci purse, according to a local press report.

Spears, 26, wore her pink wig as she and photographer Adnan Ghalib, 35, arrived in a black SUV at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, just south of the Border, at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Ensenada, Mex., newspaper, Frontera.

Ghalib's own photo agency, Finalpixx, has been photographing the pair's Mexican activities - one picture shows Ghalib hand-feeding whipped cream from a Starbucks cup to the pink-wigged Spears - and posting online updates.

"Britney Spears and Adnan Ghalib are happily dating," the agency says in a post. (The agency notes that Ghalib "is married but has been separated from his wife for over a year.")

The pair have been together for much of the last week.

"After being released from the hospital Britney and Adnan spent the night and the following days together resting, eating, sleeping, shopping and talking about life and the love they have for their families," Finalpixx says, adding that Ghalib, himself, has not spoken publicly because it would "not be of benefit to her for him to do so."

"Should he choose to speak about Britney," Finalpixx continues, "he only has positive things to say about her and the time that they have spent together."

As for the other paparazzi chasing after them, "Despite such heavy scrutiny, the pair are enjoying a healthy, normal relationship," Finalpixx says.

Shopping Trip with Paparazzo

While at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, Spears stopped in a gift shop and purchased an imitation Gucci bag and another bag while Ghalib bought a rosary, spending a total of $60, Frontera reports.

"She looked serious and haggard," a sales clerk told the paper in Spanish. "She didn't have makeup on."

Life in Baja

2007-12-13T14:57:13Z

I MOVED TO BAJA ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO AND WHEN I BEGUN MY SEARCH FOR A HOME ON THE INTERNET I FOUND A REALTOR WHO WAS GOING TO SHOW ME SEVERAL HOMES IN THE NORTHERN END OF BAJA, THE FIRST HOME SHE TOOK ME TO WAS A TRAILER ON LEASED LAND AND I KNEW I WAS NOT GOING TO BUY ON LEASED LAND SO I TOLD HER I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE ON AND SEE OTHER HOMES AND COME TO FIND OUT THIS WAS HER HOME AND IT WAS THE ONLY HOME SHE HAD FOR ME TOO SEE BOY WAS THAT A WASTED TRIP ESPECIALLY WHEN I CAME ALL THE WAY FROM THE BAY AREA.

I FINALLY FOUND MY HOME ON MY OWN AND KNEW THERE HAD TO BE A BETTER WAY SO ME AND A BUSINESS PARTNER ENDED UP DOING AN ONLINE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS, BY THE TIME WE DID THIS THERE WAS ONLY ONE OTHER COMPANY DOING ONLINE REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING AND WE WERE VERY SUCCESSFUL AND NOW THERE ARE MANY REAL ESTATE COMPANIES DOING THE SAME SO IF IS MUCH EASIER TO FIND A REALTOR AND TO BE ABLE TO SHOP ONLINE BEFORE YOU VISIT BAJA, SEARCHING FOR BAJA HOMES FOR SALE IS EASY NOW.

YOU DO NOT CURRENTLY NEED A LICENSE TO BE A REALTOR IN BAJA, BUT IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A REALTOR WHO BELONGS TO AMPI OR APIR, THESE ARE LIKE WHAT WE CALL NAR IN THE UNITED STATES THEY MAKE SURE THAT YOU WORK WITH ETHICS AND REPRESENT YOURSELF PROPERLY.

MY JOB IS TO EDUCATE THE BUYERS OF BAJA AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR INVESTMENT IS A STRONG SECURE INVESTMENT SINCE THERE ARE STILL HOMES FOR SALE IN BAJA THAT IS ON LEASED LAND AND LAND THAT IS STILL EJIDO, I BELIEVE THAT IF YOU DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY YOUR BUYING EXPERIENCE WILL BE PLEASANT.

Foreigners can own Baja Real Estate on the beach or near the beach

2007-12-12T14:33:00Z

Owning in Baja

Can Foreigners own Baja Real Estate on the beach or near the beach?
Yes. Recent changes to Mexican laws now permit foreign ownership of Baja Real Estate. There are actually several ways a foreigner can legally purchase property and the best way for you will depend on your investment interest.

Can I get U.S. Title Insurance for Baja Real Estate?
Yes. There are now at least two U.S. title companies that will insure your investment of Baja Real Estate. BajaHomesRealty.com will make certain you are buying homes in Baja that can be secured with U.S. Title Insurance.

What is a trustee?
In Baja Mexico, there is a Bank, which is authorized to open fiduciary accounts and conduct trust operations for Baja Real Estate. The Trustee holds legal title to the Baja real estate property during the term of the Mexican trust contract, and is also empowered with rights and powers necessary to achieve the objectives to the contractual agreement creating the Trust.

What exactly is a Mexico Bank Trust?
The Fideicomiso or Mexican Bank Trust is a mechanism that enables foreign persons or companies to purchase Baja Real Estate. The trust mechanism was created to allow foreign investors to participate in Mexico's rapidly expanding sectors, while exercising complete and legal control over their investments in Baja while complying with Mexico's investment laws.

The trust is a property interest held by a Mexican bank. The sole purpose of the bank is to manage the real estate in Baja for the benefit of the owner of the trust. Baja Real estate investment trusts enable foreign entities to invest in Mexico's coastal and border areas which were once restricted from foreign investment of any kind.

Only Mexican banking institutions authorized and regulated under Mexican laws can serve as trustees. The beneficiary of the trust, the foreigner, retains the use and control of the Baja Real Estate held in trust and makes the investment decisions with respect to the property. This can include the decision to transfer such Baja Real Estate interest to another foreigner realizing all of the economic benefits that accompany equity ownership in Baja's attractive coastal properties.

Trusts are established for initial 50 year periods and can be renewed indefinitely for additional 50 year periods. The beneficiary may transfer or assign his beneficial interest in his Baja real estate to any person and keep the profits from the sale of the property subject to applicable tax laws and expenses for the sale. Baja real estate held under a trust can be passed on to future generations and the person to whom the bequest is made is not burdened with an inheritance tax.

Fideicomisos are an easy and safe way for you to own Baja real estate. They are government sanctioned and offer strong protection. Potential investors in Baja are encouraged to contact us for assistance in setting up your Mexican bank trust.

What requirements are necessary?
You or the seller must provide to the bank the following information:
A) A copy of the real estate title or deed indicating the exact surface area and boundaries. B) A copy of a draft of the property. C) The name (s) of the beneficiary (i.e., nationality, address and phone number). D) The agreed purchase price.
Upon receiving the information and documents, the bank shall proceed to apply at the Mexican foreign affairs ministry, for the Trust Permit; once obtained at the Bank, we shall proceed to execute and legalize the Mexican Trust Contract before a Mexican notary public. Notaries in México have far greater legal competence than those in the United States. The Mexican notary public is an attorney at law, who is authorized by the Government to give final formality to the title transfer process in his protocol Book. The resulting document taken from his protocol book is registered at the public registry of the Baja Real Estate, and it will give evidence of the title in the name of the buyer.

What rights and obligations does the beneficiary assume upon the celebration of the Mexican trust contract?
As the Trust Beneficiary, you will have the use and possession of the Baja Real Estate, that is, you may live on the land, undertake any alterations and improvements. You also have the capacity to instruct the Trustee on mortgaging the real estate, renting it, selling, transferring it in to your beneficial interest to another person or corporation.
If you sell the Baja Real Estate to another foreigner, you may assign your beneficial interest to the new purchaser. This assignment of rights must be formalized before a Mexican notary public, prior to the payment of the federal and local taxes and fees that arise from the transfer of beneficial rights.
You will have the obligation to pay the duties on land, i.e.: Annual property tax, condominium, maintenance fees, water, electricity, annual Trustee fee, ETC.

What fees will the trustee charge for this type of Mexican trust contract?
The fees which the Trust Division of Scotia bank Inverlat, charges for this type of Trust are:
1. As a Trustee acceptance charge, $500.00 USD, payable once upon the signing of the Mexican Trust Contract. 2. For the handling and servicing of the Trust, $500.00 USD a year, payable in advance. This fee will be increased by the Trustee each two years, according to the U.S.A. inflation rate. Every year, on the anniversary date of the Trust, the Bank shall mail to your address the bill of the annual fee for keeping the Baja Real Estate in Trust. All the Trusty fees cause the value added tax (IVA) and are subject to change.

What other expenses must the beneficiary meet upon the celebration of the trust deed? You must pay out the fees, taxes and expenses that arise from the purchase as well as the formalization of the Trust deed before a Mexican notary public. Also, you will pay the cost of the permit that must be obtained from the Mexican foreign affairs ministry to acquire the Baja Real Estate in Trust, and the recording of the Trust deed at the National Registry of Foreign Investments.
What happens if the beneficiary should die during the legal period of the Mexican trust contract? The Beneficiary has the right to appoint substitute a Beneficiary, who will receive all the rights and obligations that arise from the Mexican Trust contract, if the Beneficiary dies during the life of the Trust. With this designation of substitute Beneficiaries, your heirs will not need to follow any probate proceeding before the Mexican courts that could take time and attorneys fees. They would only have to give notice to the bank of the deceased and show the death certificate and their identifications. Then, the bank will give instructions to a Mexican notary public as to the proper protocol of the documents and with the resulting deed register them as the new owners (Beneficiaries) of the Trust property.
What will happen at the expiration of the Mexican trust contract?
On December 27, 1993 a presidential decree was issued establishing the new Foreign Investment Law. According to article 13 of this Law, the Mexican foreign affairs Ministry shall allow the renewal of the Trust over the "Restricted Zone" upon the expiration of their term.
Furthermore, the Mexican foreign affairs ministry may authorize a new Trust over Baja real estate transferred from one Trust to another for a period up to 50 years when the Beneficiaries of the original and the new Trust are different.

The Best Of Rosarito

2007-12-09T00:52:28Z

Rosarito Beach has quiet a few hotels with the best ones located at the south end of town. Visitors looking for the top end in lodging will appreciate the newer north wing at the ROSARITO BEACH HOTEL on the beach at the very south end of town. It's a great hotel on a very big beach with lots of action. Campers and RV's looking for the best facilities near Rosarito Beach will head for the BAJA SEASONS RV BEACH RESORT 20 minutes south of town. Although the beaches in Rosarito are all wide, the better beaches are also at the SOUTH END of town, near the main tourist areas. The best restaurant for food with a spectacular view is the CALAFIA RESTAURANT just 10 minutes south of town right on the bluffs. Bring a camera! And for the best place in town to listen to great music, enjoy a cocktail and dance there is no better place in Rosarito Beach than PAPAS AND BEER on the beach just up from the Rosarito Beach Hotel! The best place in town for shopping are the stores in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Larger object such as pots and furniture are just south of town on the coastal highway. US dollars are accepted everywhere.

Beaches are a main draw for Rosarito. From the north end (where the smokestacks are) all the way south through town, the beaches are wide and accessible. Locals love to camp on these beaches on holidays, and Baja travelers enjoy all of the traditional sun and surf beach activities, especially in summer.
Although all of the beaches are fun, visitors will find that the beaches on the south end of town, near the main hotels and condos, tend to provide a greater selection of tourist facilities.
Keep in mind that all beaches in Mexico are open to the public, even the beaches in front of the hotels and houses (like that big wide beach in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel!). So if you see a particular stretch of beach that you want to explore...go ahead! But remember, even though the beaches are open to the public, the beach access my sometimes be across private property, so be respectful.
Since the beaches are open to all, the local vendors take full advantage of these potential customers. Shopping from you beach towel can be fun, and prices are usually negotiable. When you are done shopping, chances are good that the vendors will keep coming by. A simple "no gracias" will usually send them on their way.
Looking for nice beaches with fewer crowds? South of Rosarito Beach about 25 minutes the wide beaches of LA SALINA await you! And when you are ready for the ultimate in Baja beaches consider a few days of sunning in spectacular CABO SAN LUCAS at the tip of Baja

Living in Baja

2007-12-09T00:48:17Z

Baja is the place to live, I moved to Rosarito about 4 years ago and it was the best move I ever made, life is so much easier here and the crime is nothing compared to the USA even though when something happens in Mexico everyone knows about it but in realty things that happen once in a while happens everyday in the USA and sometimes every 5 minutes. I have never felt more safe and have never had any problems with the police. If anyone has questions about Rosarito or Baja I am here to help

Our Lady Guadalupe

2007-12-09T00:36:25Z

December 16, 2005

Our Lady of Guadalupe in popular culture: Celebration in Baja California's Culture Institute

By Luis Alonso Pérez

On December 12, millions of Mexicans celebrates one of the most important holidays of the year, the 474th anniversary of the Virgin of Guadalupe's apparition to Juan Diego on the Tepeyac hill.

This is one of the deepest rooted traditions in Mexican popular culture, celebrated by Catholics and non-Catholics, because her image goes beyond a religious symbol, and because throughout the years it has become a national symbol, a banner for unity that has entered Mexico's history and culture.

The tradition has transcended religious praising and celebration, it has evolved into a social phenomenon that attracts an annual crowd of over 20 million to the Tepeyac temple, and to celebrations all over the world, organized by Mexicans far away from their homeland.

With the objective of spreading the popular tradition and exploring its origins, and at the same time celebrating this special holiday in a festive and familiar atmosphere, the Baja California Culture Institute (ICBC) organized a multidisciplinary event called "Our Lady of Guadalupe in popular culture"

On the morning of December 12, the ICBC's front yard and multi forum hosted a series of cultural and artistic events like the presentation of the Virgin's altar, the singing of Las Mañanitas, a presentation of the Matachines dancers, and a conference called "Our Lady of Guadalupe in popular culture".

Festivities began at 10 am. Some of the people there began celebrations earlier that day, because they sang the Mañanitas in Tijuana's cathedral, or some even participated in the pilgrimage that began on the prior night.

The first part of the event was a conference called Our Lady of Guadalupe in popular culture, by Oscar Ariel Mojica Madrigal, talked about the history of the Virgin of Guadalupe's apparition to Juan Diego in the Tepeyac hill, communicating to him through his native language Nahuatl, and the final apparition in his cloak filled with roses.

After the conference everybody sang the traditional Mañanitas, followed by a presentation of the Matachines dancing, a "Mestizo" dance with a deep religious meaning, in which pre Hispanic praised their Gods. The dance was interpreted by the Matachines group of Colonia Baja California of Mexicali, and directed by Sabino Herrera Solís.

The dancers interpreted four pieces: La Vaquilla, El Caracol, El Apache and the Mañanitas. Every dance has a particular meaning and a history behind it. The two matachines lines were made out of men and women of all ages, from small children to grown ups, proudly wearing their shiny costumes, tall crests and the Virgin of Guadalupe on their capes.

In the end, there was a popular celebration, where the participants and the spectators enjoyed tamales and the traditional champurrado.

HOME FOR SALE IN BEAUTIFUL GOLF COMMUNITY WITH 24/7 SECURITY

2007-12-08T17:23:54Z

Imagine waking up in this 3 bedroom, 3 and a half bath beauty with endless views at your fingertips. This incredible home is newly constructed, complete with travertine floors and a maid's quarters. It is located in the most sought after upper-scale neighborhood just thirty minutes from San Diego. Feel safe in knowing you will have 24/7 gated security and a watchful community. You will enjoy amenities such as golfing, horseback riding, club house, tennis courts, swimming pool, spa, and fine dining in world class restaurants. Within the community, the Marriott hotel is always available for your extra guests. The community boasts of the best bilingual school in northern Baja. This home will not last forever so act fast! If you want comfort, class, and breathtaking views this dream home could be yours!

Whale watching

2007-12-08T16:50:46Z

Whale watching starts from December through March, the whales can be seen best in Ensenada but a lot of people have seen them also in Rosarito. If timing is right while you are traveling you may see them even from your vehicle, Whales travel very slow about 10-12 miles per hour. You will certainly be amazed at their great power and beauty as they breach and hurl their 30 ton bodies with pounding force on the peaceful ocean. These beauty cetaceans swim almost 4,000 miles from the ice cold ocean of the Strait of Bering from the Bay of Chuckchy in order to arrive at the lagoons of Southern Baja California. Here they will mate and give birth to their young in these protected harbors of Baja. Ensenada has a large protected harbor and is a great place for whale watching.

If you would like help with hotel accommodations please feel free to ask.