Ensenada: when your ship stops here

The sea blowhole at La Bufadora, the wine valley, and the 1930 hotel that is now the city's cultural center.

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Ensenada is a port city on Todos Santos Bay in Baja California, Mexico, about 108 km (67 miles) south of the United States border. It is a popular stop for cruise ships on the Pacific, including short cruises from Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Source: Wikipedia: Ensenada, Baja California

Top 3 things to do

1. 1. La Bufadora, the sea blowhole

   On the Punta Banda peninsula, about 27 km (17 miles) south of the city. Waves push air into a sea cave, and the water bursts out as high as 30 m (100 feet) above the sea. Food and souvenir stands overlook it.

   Tip: It goes off with the waves, about every 15 seconds, so you will not wait long to see it.

   Source: Wikipedia: La Bufadora

2. 2. Wine in the Valle de Guadalupe

   The valley, about 20 km (12 miles) north of the city, makes an estimated 70 percent of Mexico's wine. Wine tasting is open all year.

   Tip: Winery tours are a usual outing when cruise ships stop here. With a tour, nobody in your group has to drive after a tasting.

   Source: Wikipedia: Valle de Guadalupe

3. 3. The Riviera del Pacífico

   A grand hotel and casino that opened on October 31, 1930. The government closed it in 1964; since 1978 it has been the city's social, civic and cultural center, with an open-air theater and a history museum.

   Tip: It is in the city, so it fits a short day. While in town, try what Ensenada is known for: fish tacos.

   Sources: Wikipedia: Hotel Riviera del Pacífico; Wikipedia: Ensenada, Baja California

What to skip

• Todos Santos Island on a day in port

  The small island west of Ensenada is a world famous surfing spot, but it is about two hours away by boat, so most of a day in port would go on the trip.

  Source: Wikipedia: Ensenada, Baja California

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Ensenada

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Ensenada, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

• Back-to-back cruises from Los Angeles 184 back-to-backs with a stop in Ensenada
• Back-to-back cruises from San Diego 35 back-to-backs with a stop in Ensenada

Sources

• Wikipedia: Ensenada, Baja California
• Wikipedia: La Bufadora
• Wikipedia: Valle de Guadalupe
• Wikipedia: Hotel Riviera del Pacífico
• Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?