Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole and La Bufadora Tour with Horseback Riding
Ensenada, Mexico
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
When your cruise ship docks in Ensenada, check off Ensenada's top attractions without wasting time waiting for taxis and buses during this private shore excursion. Ride horses on the beach, snap photos of La Bufadora, one of the world's largest blowholes, go shopping for souvenirs, and stop at the bar where some believe the Margarita was invented. Includes round-trip transportation and all activities for a seamless day on the shore.
- Ride horses on the beach and see water shoot into the sky from La Bufadora blowhole
- Explore Ensenada like a local rather than a first-time visitor
- Pack in plenty of attractions in one convenient tour
- Explore at your own pace rather than rushing in a large group
What's Included
- Transportation Cruiseport – Blowhole – Cruise Port
- Horse back riding at La Jolla Beach
- 1 ½ hrs visit to La Bufadora
- 1 hour visit to Ensenada’s downtown area
- Transportation back to Cruise Port
- Local guide
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Malecon De EnsenadaBahia Ensenada, 22880 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Itinerary
After pickup at the port at the time you’ve selected, travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle to La Jolla beach.
Here, your horseback riding guide selects a gentle horse for your ride along the Pacific shore.
Next, continue to one of the world’s largest ocean blowholes: La Bufadora. The water can reach a height of 100 feet (30 meters) after waves crash into a cave that is located at the bottom of the cliff.
Capture photos of the natural waterworks from a safe distance, then head into downtown Ensenada.
Go shopping at stores that carry Mexican handicrafts, and admire the historical Rivera del Pacifico building, known for its 1930s California colonial architecture. It’s home to Bar Andaluz, one candidate for the place where the Margarita was created, and you’re welcome to purchase the Mexican classic here.
After your tour of Ensenada, your driver brings you back to the cruise port in good time for your departure.
Here, your horseback riding guide selects a gentle horse for your ride along the Pacific shore.
Next, continue to one of the world’s largest ocean blowholes: La Bufadora. The water can reach a height of 100 feet (30 meters) after waves crash into a cave that is located at the bottom of the cliff.
Capture photos of the natural waterworks from a safe distance, then head into downtown Ensenada.
Go shopping at stores that carry Mexican handicrafts, and admire the historical Rivera del Pacifico building, known for its 1930s California colonial architecture. It’s home to Bar Andaluz, one candidate for the place where the Margarita was created, and you’re welcome to purchase the Mexican classic here.
After your tour of Ensenada, your driver brings you back to the cruise port in good time for your departure.
1
Rivera del Pacifico
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
La Bufadora
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Ensenada
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- About horseback riding, maximum wieght accepted: 235 lbs (105 kgs)
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 3 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.0
based on 50 reviews
Diana_Z, Apr 2025
Our tour guide Aaron gave us options to maximize our time . Took detour which was so surprising and wonderful
Dale_T, Sep 2024
Riding on the beach with 12 yr old grandson was a joy. Our guide was delightful. Driver very capable. He found my Seapass card that had fallen on the rest room floor. Without it I don’t know how I would have gotten back on ship. We got some family gifts near bufadora in large marketplace area.
Wendy_R, Jul 2024
Had a great time with our family and friends. Our tour kind was informative and kind. The blowhole was really cool.
HappyWanderer, Jul 2024
It was nice that our driver, Yoshiro, spoke good English. He was very helpful, came through the flea market at the Bufadora with us. Which is helpful because the street vendors were very aggressive trying to sell us things. The taco restaurant there that he recommended was delicious but very crowded. We were early in the crowd, but there were already a lot of people and we couldn't go back for anything more because the line was so long. There were not enough tables for everyone. We had to pay 75 cents a person to use the toilet. I would not recommend more than twelve for the van. We were pretty tight, but it was fun. The kids liked the horses on the beach. Some adults went to a restaurant near there to wait for them. The directions on how to meet our driver could have been clearer, like say go to the front gate to the San Pedro port, which is the second gate after you leave the ship. Then the driver was across a street on the right not far outside the last (and main) gate. It was a 10 to 15 minute walk from the ship. I liked that we had a van just for our family of twelve. and it was air conditioned and our driver was pleasant and understanding and he let us decide our timing, what to do, etc.
Donia_W, Jul 2024
Many issues with this tour. First we were given directions on where to find driver and walked around for an hour trying to find him. I tried to message and call many times with no success. I finally reached someone who sounded asleep and said that he would call the driver and then hung up. When we finally made contact he said he had to move where he was parked. There was no apology or explanation.
We then went horseback riding off the side of a road and we were thrown on horses and took off. No guide in front just walking with my daughter’s horse. The whole experience was about 30 minutes.
After that we went to the Bufadora where we were given a sticker with the drivers name. He said to wear it to get good deals but it just made us targets for the vendors. When we were ready to leave, he sat in the car and never opened the door for us.
We asked him to drive us back to the market close to the cruise ship and our tour was over about 2:00.
Disappointed for sure for the money paid. We asked for a refund through the app but was denied. I would advise AGAINST booking with this tour guide.
Kim_D, Jun 2024
Seeing my granddaughter smile! It was an enjoyable, respectful, kind trip. The horses were gentle and were treated right. Thank you.
Deidre_M, May 2024
Jorge our tour guide and driver was right on time. He gave us great info on the local area and was a superb host.
Melissa_H, Apr 2024
Horseback Riding, our tour guide was the sweetest.
We appreciate Yoshiro for driving us around. He showed up at the last minute because the original person wasn’t available.
Andrea_C, Mar 2024
If you are looking for a driver to take you from point A to point B, this is it. Our driver dropped us off at horseback riding which only lasted about 40 mins. total. Then we headed to La Bufadora which he gave us an option of spending 1-1.5 hrs. and then back to the boat. We asked to stop in downtown and he did accommodate. No inside information or interesting facts were shared along the way. Not sure if the price justifies the "experience".
Sarah_R, Jul 2023
We weren't sure where to meet tour guide but they answered phone and guided us to the entrance gate where the taxi and other shuttle cars were waiting. Breand was holding a sign with my name and took us to our van that was just for our family and Fernando was the driver. Brenda told us all about the sights we saw along the way to the blow hole. Once we arrived she took us down the strip and showed us the ropes. We went horse back riding on the beach after. My 6 yr old was on a horse by herself and her horse did buck a couple times thankfully she had rides before and was holding on good but it did shake her a bit. The tour guide didn't let go of the kids horses so we knew he had control of then. Then they drove us around downtown before Brenda gave us trivia questions and handed out prizes to us. She was very thoughtful! Thank you for a great tour of Ensenada!
Jon_D, Jun 2023
What a great experience in Ensenada! Horseback riding on the beach was the highlight of our whole trip! The Bufadora is truly spectacular- and the Taco shop at the top of the hill was authentic and delicious!! Our driver was very responsive- at our request, he stopped at a strawberry farm and we bought the riposte strawberries we've ever had! YUM! Highly recommended this tour!
Mayreen_B, May 2023
Jorge was our travel guide. He was ready and waiting for us when we got off our ship. The car was nice, clean, and comfortable. He was great at pointing out the sites as we drove to our destination. It was great having our own tour guide. He had a connection with the restaurant at La Bufadora and made sure we got a table and didn't have to wait in line. He literally cleared and got the table ready for us, made sure we got menus and he got our drinks for us. We felt lucky to have such specialized service. Jorge really looked out for us and made sure we had a great experience. If we could have Jorge as our tour guide on every tour we take anywhere in the world that would be awesome! The horse back riding was fun and the young men who helped guide horses were awesome. The restaurant he recommended was as great as he said it was. We feel like we got individual service and had a wonderful experience. I'm so glad we booked through Viator on not through the cruise company.
Brad_Y, Apr 2023
We had a great tour with Jorge as our guide. Came off the Royal Caribbean cruise, got picked up right in front of the ship, and rode was comfortable. Jorge told us about everything we passed on the ride, and talked us through what to buy, hat to negotiate, and what to avoid. Horse riding was beautiful (even if one of them gave one of us a race…), and the shops and blowhole were really cool. Don’t miss the tacos at Lidia’s - AMAZING! Book with confidence.
Carrie_R, Apr 2023
First the driver was not where they said he would be so we were over a half hour late. Then hit A LOT of traffic so took almost an hour to reach horseback riding. The ride it self was nice with all the wildflowers and the ride on the beach. But way too short. The ride to the blowhole was very pretty. The blowhole itself was a dud. ( not the tours fault) the ride back was also very long. Returned to the dock with like less than 10 minutes to walk to ship. Felt I didn’t really get my monies worth.
Mirna_E, Apr 2023
Best package in Ensenada, must do!very friendly people. The horses, buffadora and the Ensenada downtown is something you have to do,
Amanda_J, Apr 2023
Our tour guide met us right off the ship and was very knowledge and friendly. He spoke fluent English. The blowhole is underwhelming but the shopping and street tacos were amazing. The beach where we rode horses was pretty trashy.
Sherri_K, Mar 2023
A super fun day!! Great guide for the riding and a great driver for the rest of the activities. The blow hole was pretty cool!
barbarapratum, Feb 2023
1. Not being able to find the tour guide after being given several contradictory directions from the tour company.
2. No English speaking tour guide even though booking indicated that our tour guide would speak English.
3. Expected to spend 1 hour in downtown Ensenada as advertised. We did not. Instead, we were steered to certain vendors at our stop at Bufadora.
4. Expected to ride the horses longer and without guides leading the horses.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
The guide did not speak English, by mistake, it is unacceptable. We have sent you a refund.
christina_k, Feb 2023
Jorge was theeee best . Very friendly
And accommodating. My guide for the horses was also super loved the entire day except when I lost my bag with my things in it for a while … definitely would recommend
Renee_G, Feb 2023
Our guide was awesome. However, when we got to the horseback riding, they only had 2 horses, when I booked for 3 people. Very disappointing. When we got to the blow hole, it was cool to see, but all of the vendors on the way to the blow hole were aggressive and made my niece very uncomfortable. I understand that they need to make a living, but they were obnoxious and off putting.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
I can add that after the Blow hole we return to the horseback riding and you have many horses availables. We only changed the order of the itinerary. Thank you !!
Amy_L, Jan 2023
Riding horses on the beach was amazing. The blowhole was nice, but busy. We were surprised by the flea market. There were so many great foods and drinks to try. Our tour guide Yoshiro made it a very fun day.
Deanne_P, Jan 2023
We loved our Viator shore excursion. Our guide was great and the whole afternoon was wonderful. Our ship was late getting into port but our guide was waiting for us when we arrived. We loved the horseback riding and the tour to see the blowhole. I was a little leery about booking a tour not through the cruise ship but this tour gave me the confidence to do it in the future. The Viator app worked perfectly and I was able to get in touch with my tour guides when needed. Thank you so much for a memorable experience!
James_P, Jan 2023
Rude representative; bad instructions. We went to the place where the instructions said to meet and no one was there. Very frustrating.
Roy_M, Jan 2023
Our driver didn't show up. Luckily we found another driver that knew who to call. Another driver was called that took us to 2 of the 3 places we were supposed to go to.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Yes, after the initial issue, it was a great tour. It´s important to read the meeting instructions. Thank you very much.
Rachel_F, Dec 2022
Brenda and Arturo was so great and patient with us. We had a hard time finding the meeting spot so definitely need to clarify that and be more specific but other than that it was smooth. Even our little ones (3 & 5) enjoyed the horseback ride. I was worried it would be too short but it was beautiful and perfect. And la bufadora and the surrounding shopping area gave us the perfect taste of Ensenada we were looking for!
Anonymous, Nov 2022
Jorge picked us up at the cruise port with waters and snacks for everyone, made sure we were all comfortable and asked if there was anything we needed before we headed off. He part of what made the day even more enjoyable. The drive was beautiful and for first time horse riders, had leads if we wanted that made it easier to enjoy the ride. Great views and clean beach. La Bufadora would have been a bit hectic if not for our guide to make it simple and easier to navigate, with no hassle and VIP treatment. Would definitely book again, made our day in Ensenada the best part of our vacation!
Sara_E, Nov 2022
Our driver was awesome! The traffic was stop and go, not sure how he managed to keep his cool. However, this gave him time to help me secure a pinata for my daughter from one of the street vendors running through traffic. The flea market was a blast. SO vibrant with colors and people offering samples of drinks and food. Found some amazing jewelry and blankets. The horses were a bust, but that was our choice, not the vendor's. The Blowhole water feature was not as grand as I had hoped or seen in pictures. With the little bumps-Still give this day 9/10.
Natalie_L, Oct 2022
Friendly guide who was available to answer questions and offered recommendations but not too much pressure. Very nice to have our own dedicated van and to have the freedom to decide when and where to go during the whole tour. Horses were extremely docile and well trained, knew exactly where to go and needed zero riding experience, looked healthy. Very basic and short ride but a good photo opportunity to be on horses on the beach! La Bufadora is fun to see but not hugely spectacular, lots of people crowding around the area but everyone was cooperating to allow everyone to trade in and out to get a good look. Worth doing, just don't expect awe. Along the path to the blowhole, lots of vendors with typical Mexican tourist fare, some sales pressure but not unbearable. Food was varied and good. Prices are reasonable but not super cheap. Be sure to bargain with the vendors.
Susan_B, Oct 2022
So much fun! Tour guide was awesome and knowledgeable! Great trip, we would do it again! Horse back riding very basic but perfect for us with two young girls!
Alicia_S, Aug 2022
Our guide, Yoshiro was so helpful and enhanced our experience. The horseback riding on the beach was amazing! Yoshiro helped us navigate the market and see the Blowhole. This excursion far exceeded our expectations and was worth every cent.
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Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole and La Bufadora Tour with Horseback Riding
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