Ensenada...What to do

Our cruise is now only four weeks away and the only port I don't have plans yet is Ensenada. I have read alot of people just stay on the ship. Some just walk around the port and some take Princess excursions (or other lines) to wineries.

We do not drink but would like to do something there besides walk around the port. There is a cruise excursion to a blow hole(?). Is it worth the $? Also, are there any tours we can take from the port by locals once we leave the ship or would it be dangerous?

Personally we just stay on board. Good time to do laundry and pack for disembarkation (depending on whether LA ro San Francisco).

Heck yah....get off the ship for sure. You are out and about seeing other places in the world.

We did Carnival's LaBufadora Adventure (Blow hole) and it was worth the $36 pp for four hours. The blow hole area is beautiful looking out onto the water...if you go be sure to EAT at the taco shack, very casual, near the entrance to the parking area. TACOS ARE SO GOOD AND CHEAP....SO GOOD $1.50 fish tacos and $2.50 shrimp tacos. They also have a market place, right there, to buy cheap Mexican goods....

Be adventuresome and have a great cruise ;)

You might want to read a bit on the Mexican Rivera board, here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=203

for more ideas, as that is where Ensenada is covered.

You might want to read a bit on the Mexican Rivera board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=203

 

for more ideas, as that is where Ensenada is covered.

Thanks. Didn't realize it was under that forum.

It is perfectly safe to get off the ship.

I'd expect that you could easily just get a taxi to La Bufadora(blowhole) instead of booking a tour. It is just outside of town.

You could also just go into town and poke around/shop etc.

Been several times and have refined our "Ensenada plan".

To me, La Bufadora is pretty unexciting...and the gauntlet of peddlers and beggars is pretty bad. I'd skip it. Other ship excursions aren't thrilling either...there just aren't many great tourist sites there.

We have found that the best excursion is the one to the wineries in the Guadelupe Valley. Of course, if you don't drink at all, I can see where that might not appeal to you. We do that in the morning...then have them drop us off in the center of town. Have lunch (We usually end up at the downstairs restaurant of Papas and Beer for fish and shrimp tacos)...then walk through the shops, maybe buying a few trinkets and a bottle of Kahlua or Tequila...and walk back to the ship...

If I didn't drink, I think I'd just head into town...Walkable, but you can also catch a shuttle. The main street has a lot of little shops with typical tourist junk--T-shirts, knock-off purses, cheap jewelry, etc. But it is fun...and the prices are good (with the traditional bargaining). It is worth walking around a bit--especially if you've never been.

In Ensenada I always go to a spa for a massage and facial. It is "in town" and is owned by an American. It is called Massage and Facial Care. Look it up on the internet and email for an appointment ( or not, it is up to you). Right on the main street near the McDonalds.

Our last three cruises were the RT to Hawaii on Princess itinerary...the first time we got off the ship long enough to go to the marketplace at the pier (hubby wanted to buy a trinket for his mother), but the last two times, we stayed onboard and treated the day as a stationary day at sea.

Our last trip to Hawaii, we took the shuttle in Ensenada to town and were offered a really low price to LaBufadora.

We took it and enjoyed the whole trip.

We will be there in November and it will be our first time as well. I have read that the blowhole is hit or miss, since it is dependent upon the tides for the waves to be crashing, but we will likely give it a try.

Not much else sounds all that interesting, but we will for sure get off the boat and give the town a look.

Don

Wine tour is also very good.

We've been to Ensenada many times. We simply eat and walk around.

There are four museums within walking distance of the port- new Science at the street, the white Casino building across the street is a cultural center, across the street from the cultural center to the south is an art museum. In town is the old army barracks-turned jail- turned Museum.

Lots of decent to good restaurants. Our short list includes- Taquiero Linda, El Hacienda de Charro, birria Guadalajara and Potrero Viejo

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