Ensenada for the day

[aricczona]

First time cruiser here counting down to what i hope to be the first of many.I will be cruising with my family on a short 4 day trip on the Elation in January. The itinerary includes stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada Mexico. I have been researching these ports and have had good luck finding ways to occupy our time in Avalon(Catalina), however see very little to do beside the typical tourist trap venues while in Mexico. The ship will be there for a long time on this day and wondered is it even worth getting off the ship? While I do enjoy good Mexican food, there is an added expense to doing that while the ship ofers their fine selections for free. Papas and beer sounds a bit too frat party for my age, although my 20 yr old son would enjoy. Just wondering if there are any hidden treasures worth exploring.

[CRUISING71]

We experience Enseneda for the first time recently on our cruise. When the ship dock...there are shuttle there that will take you to downtown. These shuttle are being run by tourist company. The trip to downtown is $ 3 RT. They will take you to their stop...from there...they will ask if you want a tour with them to blow hole and such...it was $15 per person. Much cheaper than the ship excursion. You can take other tours with them as well...but if you want to walk around downtown...they are willing to stop for you.

 

We went to the open market and blow hole tour...it is about 4 1/2 hour tour..on the way. The tour guide will stop for restroom break and water. On the way back...he will give you the option of going back to the cruise ship or going downtown. Some of us want to return to the ship, because it was not...and he dropped us off..and they continue the tour to downtown. After you are done shopping or drinking downtown, they will drop you off to the port. Really cool.

 

We have never been to Enseneda, but kinda hesitate to go due to the recent news and such...but it is suprising really nice. The vendors at the open market wasn't aggresive at all...a no thank you...and they leave you alone. There was a fish taco at the fish market and it was really good. We even try the churros...and it was yummy.

[tootsiescurly]

First time cruiser here counting down to what i hope to be the first of many.I will be cruising with my family on a short 4 day trip on the Elation in January. The itinerary includes stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada Mexico. I have been researching these ports and have had good luck finding ways to occupy our time in Avalon(Catalina), however see very little to do beside the typical tourist trap venues while in Mexico. The ship will be there for a long time on this day and wondered is it even worth getting off the ship? While I do enjoy good Mexican food, there is an added expense to doing that while the ship ofers their fine selections for free. Papas and beer sounds a bit too frat party for my age, although my 20 yr old son would enjoy. Just wondering if there are any hidden treasures worth exploring.

You may enjoy Hussongs. It is the oldest bar in Baja - 1892. The drinks there are cheaper than Papas and Beers plus they don't short pour then charge you American prices with a cover charge. Also, check out some of the restaurants for lobster specials. Spiney lobster is a specialty in Baja. It is generally inexpensive as well as, prepared well.

[aricczona]

Spiney lobster does sound good. My quest for activities have all seemed to rave about the local seafood, and of course the fish tacos. I was just a bit hesitant ,uncertain about the possible digestive side effects. I know to avoid drinking the water, and skipping the ice,other than that had some doubts about the local food. If anyone has a fav spot to sample the local flavor I am very interested! I feel the best way to experience a new culture is through their food.

[cruiserbryce]

we just typically walk ourselves around in Ensenada...you really dont even need a shuttle to get around if you are ok walking a bit. We just visit the shops and go up to the corner with Mango Mango, Papas and Beer and Hussongs. If you are a golfer Bajamar is excellent

[aricczona]

Walking is not a problem, as a frequent Vegas visitor I am used to the concept of objects appearing closer than they are. The news media seems to have a lot of recent posts regarding secuity in Baja, and practices of the local law enforcement. Has this been exaggerated?

[Cruzin 1025]

We did the Wine Country tour when we were in Ensenada on Splendor in March. You take a bus ride up to the hillside, visit two wineries, and they give you a bottle of wine to take with you. When you come back, they'll drop you in town if you want, or take you back to the ship. We felt it was well worth the price.

[aricczona]

Wine country tour does seem like a fun way to kill a few hours. I didn't even realize there was much of a wine industry in Mexico. Did you like the quality of the wine? I will look into that one. Thanks everyone for the helpful tips!

[CRUISING71]

I think walking from the port to downtown was far, bu then we have two kids with us...so we opted for a $ 3 RT shuttle.

[Cruzin 1025]

Wine country tour does seem like a fun way to kill a few hours. I didn't even realize there was much of a wine industry in Mexico. Did you like the quality of the wine? I will look into that one. Thanks everyone for the helpful tips!

 

The quality was not bad. One winery seemed better than the other. You get a tasting at each winery and a bottle of wine from one and I think it was around $30-35 for the tour. I thought that was a great price. It's about an hour drive out to the wine country and it's a very pretty area. We have a lot of small wineries here in Illinois so I've learned quite a bit about the wine making process through tours here, but the La Cetto winery they take you to on the tour is just HUGE. It's really an eye opener.

 

Here's a link to that winery's website...http://www.cettowines.com/. I don't remember the name of the other one.

[Cruzin 1025]

Found another link that talks about both wineries you visit.

 

http://www.mexicomatters.net/travelinginmexico/07_valledeguadalupe_ensenadamexicowinecountry.php

[pulledporky]

Walk downtown and stop at Mango Mango. You can sit outside watching the people while having a beer. Across the street is Papas. About three doors up the street from Mango Mango is Hussong's. Right next door is a taco shop with excellent tacos. You can get a plate of tacos and take into Hussong's (by the way, the ice there is fine).

[CaribbeanLVR]

You may enjoy Hussongs. It is the oldest bar in Baja - 1892. The drinks there are cheaper than Papas and Beers plus they don't short pour then charge you American prices with a cover charge. Also, check out some of the restaurants for lobster specials. Spiney lobster is a specialty in Baja. It is generally inexpensive as well as, prepared well.

 

 

Having just been to & through Ensenada ( we have a house on the beach close to the "blow hole") it is pretty safe. We have been going since I was 12, and I am 45 now. Hussongs is a site to see even if only for a beer. Kind of like "cheers" in Boston. Big enough to hold maybe 30 but they will get over 100 at times. Still fun to say u had a beer there.

 

For a easy walk Where the BIG Mexican flag is and the HEAD statue's sit. You will be able to make a left, and hit all kinds of little sit down outside food spts. GREAT fish tacos, and such and everyone is looking for your business.

 

Across the street in downtown Ensenada are plenty of shops ( walking distance ) to se. They too also have some fine food their too.

 

Just take a quick stop, then board the ship.

 

Have fun!

 

Tim

[yogi2929]

We have been to Ensenada many times. From the Cruise dock we walk about five miles around town. We have lunch at one of the restuarants and have paletas (Mexican Popscicles, about a buck) at the paleta store next door to Hussongs. Check out the Sonrisa or Gigante supermarkets, get what we cannot in Southern California. Go to the department store, it's kind of like a Sears. Hint- the Sonrisa on Gastellum just off of Avineda Primera (Lopez) has a clean bathroom upstairs. (So does McDonald's.) There is a good bakery across the street from the market. Get candy at the candy shop on the main street. At the beginning or the end we will check out the fish market.

 

Hussong's has a sign saying under 21 not allowed. No idea if this is enforced or not.

 

The sidewalks on the tourist street are wide and smooth. The curbs are a bit uneven. Once off the main drag the sidewalks are narrow and have a variety of holes.

 

Have fun! The people are nice. Ignore the urchins, we have seen less and less of them but there are still a few around.

 

The Blow Hole (La Bufadora) is interesting especially after a storm. Unfortunatley there is a gauntlet of sellers that you have to plow through. Just stay in the middle of the road and ignore them.

[willyguy]

Does anybody know is their any z-line or atv riding out their?

[Jen1000]

For our day in Ensenada we did the La Bufadora Adventure trip thru Carnival. I believe it was about $30. A/C bus with guide who provided history and other information during the tour. He walked us thru the flea market to the Blowhole and then left us to explore and shop. Set time back at the bus. We then went back to Ensenada to the old casino for a very interesting tour, free beverage. The bus dropped some of us off on the shopping street and took the rest back at the dock. I walked back to the ship (15 min or so) but there is the shuttle back as well for a small fee.

 

The flea market at La Bufadora is great for shopping, I got all my shopping done there. Yes, shopkeepers try to get you in their shops and you should haggle, but isn't that to be expected? I had some fresh churros, my cousin had a taco.

 

One tip, if you are not going to be eating at a restaurant, the public toilet (50 cents) is down by the blowhole. Best bet is to go to blowhole first and then work your way back up to the parking lot so you don't run out of time and miss the blowhole because of the shopping.

 

I really enjoyed the tour and the Blowhole. I had no complaints at all.

 

Someone mentioned the $15 ride from the shuttle company. Table mates did it that what and they said it was fine as well.

 

I recall there were ATV tours, horseback riding and more things to do if you want a bit more excitement.

 

Jen in SoCal

[Jen1000]

ATV yes, zip no.

 

Jen in SoCal

 

Does anybody know is their any z-line or atv riding out their?

[willyguy]

ATV yes, zip no.

 

Jen in SoCal

Do you know were i can get the information for atv and horse back ridding?

[yogi2929]

The Carnival shorex charged about $99 for the ATV and about $60 for the horses.

 

People we have traveled with liked the ATV ride and my kids liked the horse ride.

[willyguy]

The Carnival shorex charged about $99 for the ATV and about $60 for the horses.

 

People we have traveled with liked the ATV ride and my kids liked the horse ride.

Thank you for the information.

[jstcrusn]

if taking kids, Ensenada is really only good for the market and "blowhole". If you are having fun on the ship, you will not be missing much. I have travelled there by car from San Diego, but the cruise is a far better way to go.

[CRUISING71]

There was a family in our meet and greet did the ATV and they love it. It seem they have lots of fun.

 

You can buy the excursion from the ship or you can buy it privately (personal choice). When you get off the ship...there are busses that offer you $ 3 RT from port to downtown...these busses are run by tour company. If you asked them about the ATV or horse riding...they do offer it.

[twinklen01]

We experience Enseneda for the first time recently on our cruise. When the ship dock...there are shuttle there that will take you to downtown. These shuttle are being run by tourist company. The trip to downtown is $ 3 RT. They will take you to their stop...from there...they will ask if you want a tour with them to blow hole and such...it was $15 per person. Much cheaper than the ship excursion. You can take other tours with them as well...but if you want to walk around downtown...they are willing to stop for you.

 

We went to the open market and blow hole tour...it is about 4 1/2 hour tour..on the way. The tour guide will stop for restroom break and water. On the way back...he will give you the option of going back to the cruise ship or going downtown. Some of us want to return to the ship, because it was not...and he dropped us off..and they continue the tour to downtown. After you are done shopping or drinking downtown, they will drop you off to the port. Really cool.

 

We have never been to Enseneda, but kinda hesitate to go due to the recent news and such...but it is suprising really nice. The vendors at the open market wasn't aggresive at all...a no thank you...and they leave you alone. There was a fish taco at the fish market and it was really good. We even try the churros...and it was yummy.

 

we are on the fence about going to the blowhole. So the tour 4 1/2, how long is the drive to the blow hole? I'm trying to figure out how much time is actually at the blow hole and flea market.

 

$15 per person for the tour would mean $45 for dh, dd10 and I.

Are there shuttle that go to the blow hole and drop you off for a cheaper rate?

[aricczona]

A lot of great advice from past experiences here, I am very grateful for everyone's shared knowledge. There is only so much that can be googled about the area, but I feel now like I can make good choices onshore. I will definitely be checking out some of these spots, and look forward to sampling the local flavors.

[yogi2929]

we are on the fence about going to the blowhole. So the tour 4 1/2, how long is the drive to the blow hole? I'm trying to figure out how much time is actually at the blow hole and flea market.

 

$15 per person for the tour would mean $45 for dh, dd10 and I.

Are there shuttle that go to the blow hole and drop you off for a cheaper rate?

 

Been to La Bufadora several times. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour(maybe longer I might have fallen asleep:o)to get to the blowhole, we stayed about 2 hours. Last time we did it we saw several herons (maybe egrets) along the bay. The blow hole is awesome after a storm. If the water is calm only about 1 in 15 blows are decent. We always go to the blowhole when we travel with newbies. There is an upper viewing area accessed by a stairway immediately at the end of the buildings along the right side.

 

The first time (1992) we did went we found a tour in town near the 'big heads'. We only went to the blowhole. The ship's tour also goes to the old Casino across the way. It is an interesting building and it is akward to get into when not part of a tour.

 

The pix on wiki is of an average 'blow'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bufadora