Ensenada is a lively port city with a rich mix of natural wonders, colorful streets, and cultural surprises. Unlike many cruise destinations that offer cookie-cutter excursions, Ensenada shines because of its authenticity and variety. Whether you’re eager to see the impressive La Bufadora blowhole, cruise through the city in a vintage Model T, or explore local markets and wineries, this city has something for every type of traveler. We particularly love the Trip to La Bufadora Blowhole and City Tour on Model T Replica Car for its unique blend of natural spectacle and vintage charm, and the Ensenada City Tour on Ford T Replica and Beach Horse Back Riding for combining history with outdoor fun.
Whether you’re after a quick overview or a deep dive into local culture, Ensenada’s tours are designed to showcase its character, not just its scenery. The variety of options means you can pick something tailored to your interests, from cultural sites and food to adventure sports and scenic drives.
1. Trip to La Bufadora Blowhole and City Tour on Model T Replica Car
At number 1 on our list, this tour combines nature’s power with a fun, vintage twist. You’ll start with one of North America’s largest natural geysers, La Bufadora, where water erupts over 100 feet into the air. The tour then proceeds with a private 6-hour experience that includes a drive through Ensenada in a 1908 Ford Model T replica car—a true photo op and conversation piece. The experience is topped off with a complimentary mezcal tasting, making it a well-rounded immersion into local flavors and sights.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of natural wonder and vintage charm. Pancho, the guide, is praised for his friendly, educational approach, ensuring you get more than just a ride; you get context and stories. Optional stops include the PaiPai zoo, which, for an extra cost, offers a chance to see native animals up close, adding a family-friendly element. The tour’s reviews highlight the personalized attention and the unique Model T experience, making it ideal for those who want a mix of nature, history, and a touch of fun.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed pace, enjoy learning about local phenomena, and love quirky transportation.
2. Ensenada City Tour on Ford T Replica and Beach Horse Back Riding
Number 2 on our list offers a delightful blend of historic travel and coastal adventure. Starting with the vintage Ford Model T, you’ll explore Ensenada in style, hearing stories about the city while enjoying the nostalgic sounds of the old horn. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, with the option to listen to your favorite music en route, adding a personal touch.
The highlight, however, is the horseback ride on the beach, which lasts about 50 minutes. Riding along the sands of Ensenada’s coast, you’ll experience the sun, surf, and fresh sea air, perfect for photos and peaceful reflection. The tour is highly reviewed for Rafael’s knowledgeable guidance and friendly attitude, which helps create a relaxed and informative experience. It’s suited for those who want to combine culture, history, and outdoor fun in one quick outing.
Value for Money: For $120, you get a memorable ride in a vintage car plus a scenic horseback trip—ideal for active travelers and families.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those craving a dynamic, outdoor experience with a vintage vibe and stunning coastal views.
3. Ensenada Pvt City Tour w Tacos, Culture, Sites +Massage add ons
Number 3 is a flexible, private tour that can be tailored to your interests. For around $119, you’ll enjoy a customized exploration of Ensenada’s key sites, including the Museo de Historia, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Riviera Cultural Center. The tour offers the chance to learn about the city’s history, admire its architecture, and enjoy local street food like tacos and churros.
What sets this tour apart is the option to add a 60-minute massage, making it a relaxing way to unwind after sightseeing. The itinerary is flexible, with stops at popular shopping streets and scenic spots like the Ensenada sign. The personalized nature means your guide can focus on your interests, whether that’s art, food, or cultural landmarks.
Guests appreciate the small-group experience and the ability to customize the day. It’s best suited for travelers who prefer a private, relaxed, and flexible outing with a focus on local flavors and insider sights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a private, adaptable experience with the option to indulge in relaxation.
$119.00 per person
4. City tour on electric horse wagon
This quirky, eco-friendly ride is the only electric horse wagon tour in Ensenada. For just $27 per group, up to five people, it offers a quick, fun 30-minute ride around town. While reviews are mixed (rating 3.5/5), it’s perfect for families or small groups looking for a light, novel experience.
The wagon departs from Moto Xtreme Baja and makes a short loop through the city, giving you a taste of local sights without much fuss. It’s not a deep tour but offers a different way to see Ensenada’s streets—ideal for those with limited time or young children.
Bottom Line: A fun, affordable option for a quick, casual introduction to Ensenada.
$27 per group up to 5
5. Ensenada Shore Excursion: City Tour & La Bufadora
Number 5 combines two of Ensenada’s most famous sights: La Bufadora blowhole and a city tour. For $81, the 3.5-hour experience takes you directly from the cruise port to the blowhole, where water shoots over 100 feet into the air. The guide handles logistics and ensures you get a close view of this natural marvel.
Afterward, there’s time to explore downtown, shop, and soak in the local atmosphere. The tour is fairly short but covers the essentials, making it suitable for cruise passengers with limited time. The reviews note the good organization and the opportunity to see one of Ensenada’s defining features.
Best for: Cruise visitors who want a quick, well-organized overview with the bonus of witnessing the dramatic geyser.
Bottom Line: A practical choice for cruise travelers wanting the highlights without spending the whole day.
$81.00 per person
6. Ensenada: City Tour & Beach Horseback Ride
This tour combines the best of Ensenada’s urban and coastal charms. For $179, you’ll explore key sights like the Former Riviera Hotel, the Cathedral, and the Seafood Market, then saddle up for a beach horseback ride. The ride allows you to take in the ocean breeze and scenic coast while riding along the sands, great for photography and relaxing.
It also includes a wine tasting at Santo Tomas, adding a flavorful touch to the day. The tour is perfect for active travelers who appreciate a mix of sightseeing and outdoor adventure, with enough time to relax afterward on the beach.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a full day of cultural sightseeing combined with a laid-back beach experience, this tour hits the mark.
$179 per person
7. Ensenada: City Tour in a Ford Model T with Margarita & Wine
Number 7 offers a taste of Ensenada’s historic and culinary highlights. For just $90, you’ll explore in a vintage Ford Model T, visiting the birthplace of the margarita at Bar Andaluz and learning about tequila at the Tequila Museum, where six varieties are sampled. The tour also includes visits to the Riviera Cultural Center and the Opal Mine.
This experience is especially appealing for those interested in bottled history and local spirits—the guide’s insights make it more than just a ride. The combination of history, local food, and drink makes it a fun, immersive outing.
Bottom Line: Great for lovers of food and drink or anyone wanting a lively, engaging introduction to Ensenada.
$90 per person
8. Ensenada: E-Bike City Highlights Tour with Guide
If pedal power sounds too much, this e-bike tour is a smart choice. For $120, you get about 2.5 hours of guided riding through Ensenada’s streets and coastal areas, with stops at the famous Ensenada sign, the cultural center, the fish market, and the monumental flag.
This tour offers a practical way to cover a lot of ground while enjoying the sea breeze and local sights. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to see a lot but don’t want to pedal uphill or into the city’s busiest streets alone.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a guided, easy ride with a mix of urban and seaside sights.
$120 per person
9. Ensenada: Guided City Highlights Tour with Margarita Tasting
This 2.5-hour tour is a good choice for those who want a rundown of Ensenada. It includes stops at the Riviera Hotel, the Cathedral, and Hermosa Beach, along with a margarita tasting and two tacos of your choice. The tour is run with round-trip transportation from Hotel Lucerna, making logistics easy.
The guide’s familiarity with Ensenada’s emblematic spots adds depth, and the combination of sightseeing and tasting appeals to food lovers. The tour is a good value at $129, especially with drinks and tacos included.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded experience with a focus on food and iconic sights.
$129 per person
10. Ensenada: UTV Side/Side 6 Pax City Drive Tour
If adrenaline is your game, this UTV tour offers high-octane fun. For $234 per person, you’re driving a side-by-side vehicle around Ensenada’s streets and outskirts, including stops at beaches, restaurants, and museums. The tour provides not just urban sights but also panoramic views of the high desert landscape.
This experience is best suited for adventure seekers and families with some off-road experience. The flexible timing from 1 to 8 hours lets you tailor the adventure, and the wind in your hair makes for a memorable ride.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to explore Ensenada from a different angle, combining sightseeing with thrilling driving.
$234 per person
How to Choose Your Ensenada City Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you love natural wonders and vintage cars, the Trip to La Bufadora is unbeatable. For a flexible, private experience with local food and culture, the Pvt City Tour offers customization.
Active travelers should check out the E-bike Highlights, while families or groups wanting a quick, fun outing might prefer the Electric Horse Wagon. Cruise visitors with limited time will find the La Bufadora and City Highlights to be a practical, hassle-free option.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, and always check what’s included—like food, tastings, or massages—to get the best value. Match your choice to your interests and pace, and you’ll leave Ensenada with memorable stories and plenty of photos.
To sum it up, Ensenada offers an array of city tours that cater to different tastes—whether you want scenic drives, culture, or adrenaline-pumping adventures. For a well-rounded experience, the La Bufadora + Model T combo is a standout, while the private, customizable tour appeals to those seeking flexibility. Adventure lovers will enjoy the UTV side-by-side, and foodies will find satisfaction in the Margarita and wine explorations.
No matter your style, Ensenada’s tours promise a rich, enjoyable way to see this charming port city beyond just the cruise dock. Book early, plan your interests, and get ready for a memorable visit.