Ok Ensenada

I took a cruise tour in Ensenada, Mexico that left me feeling a way. I was both satisfied and annoyed. Join me as I see the top 10 sights of Ensenada including the famous La Bufadora.
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[@LaLidoLoca]

Would you do this tour?

[@FrankieD92]

Took local tour to the Blowhole for $20…

[@MitchMadruga]

I did but I don’t recommend it…..see my comment. Just FYI, it’s not a true blow hole.

[@peterschuytema8782]

Visited it as part of a tour on our first cruise in 1998. It was a gauntlet then too full of aggressive salesmen plus the all of the children trying to sell you Chiclets (gum) as soon as you got off the bus. At least the port area is improved now, but don't know about everything getting off there again.

[@TessAlmond]

Nope

[@teresamcclung9772]

No. It is a gauntlet to get down that narrow path and then return. Kids tried getting into our backpack (pickpockets) and it was not worth it. Tacos were delicious, but I’ve been 4 trips and every trip to the blowhole has been like this.

[@bethbounds2873]

Thank you Tony for taking one for the team so we don’t have too❣️ I can now pass on this tour without FOMO‼️

[@valleyglenify]

I'm really glad we took the rental car and did our own stops in Ensenada!

[@clognchp]

Hi Tony. Your assessment of Ensenada is perfect! Being from San Diego, if you find yourself in Ensenada again, I recommend walking to any restaurant near the port, enjoying some chips and salsa and a few tacos and then enjoy the empty ship. Also, when I realized you were on the same cruise as my friend Jerry, I gave him a mission to seek you out and take a selfie. Jerry reported you are as cool in person as on KZbin. Thanks for all the cruise content!

[@andreafield2777]

Tony- your honest reviews are much appreciated!!

[@annepetry2340]

Our Hawaiian itinerary makes a token stop in Ensenada before returning to San Diego, and we've decided to forego any excursions at that port. I feel this vlog validated that decision.

[@GlennaGreen-w4w]

My family and I have cruised with a stop in Ensenada 17 times beginning in 1998. We rarely go into port while visiting Ensenada but decided to take a virgin cruiser with us to see the blowhole. To our regret, this open air market was a little intense for our group. We, like you, spent next to no time shopping and a majority of our time sitting at the taco place waiting for the bus ride back to the ship. The best news is this did not deter our guest from falling in love with cruising!

[@lindaphillips9506]

I did this excursion and felt the exact same. The blowhole wasn’t even as high on the day I went. I was really disappointed in this excursion. I just took this cruise route again this past Thanksgiving and took the taste of Ensenada. Try that one next time. You taste tacos in 5 different places. The first place is where fish taco originated. The last place was an upscale restaurant. It was really fun and delicious. We also learned a lot about Ensenada and Mexico. Very fun and if anyone out there likes super spicy some places can really give you the heat as a choice :)

[@PRCCAWS]

I love the excursion tours and just walking around the ports with you. Let's me cruise vicariously through you. Thank you, I enjoy them and would like you to do more!

[@billcook4768]

Tony, thanks for taking this tour so we don’t have to.

[@Bintexas]

Amen.

[@MitchMadruga]

A vendor tried to get my 2 teenage daughters to go into the back room of his shop. I completely feel had I not intervened I would have never seen them again. I also felt things almost got out of control when I did find them and told them to come with me and the vendor stepped between myself and my daughters asking what I wanted. There were a lot of lucky people in that shop that day.

[@boniw698]

How absolutely frightening.

[@wp9426]

I had the same feeling about the gauntlet last year. I won't ever get off the ship in Ensenada again. One of the worst ports in all my years of cruising.

[@EKA201-j7f]

​Yeah, even my grown son said he was not getting off in Ensenada except for the little controlled area.

[@Reed-2big]

We were there years ago, on a cruise ship tour. We were told that most areas were not safe, especially at night. We had docked around 4 I think. When we lived in San Diego my mom wanted to go down farther past Tijuana. I still never figured out why we went! We walk I think about a block. Looked at a beach and went home. We were most likely not in the tourist area. For what it is worth, there is a shop in Tijuana that is a “state” shop that brings crafts from other areas. They are much better, probably jurored, and certified to be “locally” made. Perhaps that was what she was looking for.

[@ashleyl75]

I’ve been to Ensenada twice now and have just gotten this uncomfortable vibe about it. We didn’t get off the ship either time and reading some of these comments and seeing the video about the gauntlet makes me glad we stayed on board. No thanks!

[@sarasue56]

Hated Ensenada and that was 2003. Couldn't wait to get back on the ship. Loved Catalina.

[@marshas9255]

When we were in Egypt last fall on a Viking tour and river cruise, our guide at Valley of the Kings remarked that once we had viewed the tombs, we would need to pass through the “valley of the vendors”. Similar experience of very aggressive vendors. We were going to do a tequila and food tour in Ensenada. Unfortunately it was originally scheduled for 1:30 PM. It is now scheduled for 8:30 AM and we dropped it. Glad to have watched your video. I think we will walk ashore, see the casino and grab a taco and a Margarita at a cantina. Thanks for your diligence.

[@bethsimpson1916]

I'm showing my age but here it goes: Many years ago we did a Hawaii cruise with Carnival. It was a return Trans-pacific crossing ending in Encinada. No tours, no exploring. Every guest had to disembark the ship and get on buses that went to Tijuana border. Every bus load of passengers had to get off the bus and physically walk through the customs building and get back on the bus, which was waiting on the American side. We then were taken to the San Diego Airport. As we arrived you could see our ship already docked at the port!!! 😂😢 Unbelievable!

[@hotfootDDD]

Been to Bufadora. I actually got a kick out of the trip thru the vendors. It's unusual and something I'd heard about but never seen. And the guide on the bus had so much fascinating insight into every thing we passed that the bus trip seemed to go by quickly.

[@robertfuller6758]

Tony, my wife and I Just took a short three-day cruise to Ensenada (March 31st to April 3rd 2024) with Princes Cruse Line, we chose the blow hole excursion. Worst excursion ever, I felt like a lamb being led to Slauter. People were actually getting in front of you and stopping you to try to sell you something. As far as the Blow Hole experience, we were not impressed either but like you our expectation was probably to high LOL.

[@Reed-2big]

Sounds like the pyramids in Cairo! Several people tried to fane not speaking English, but it seems the vendors knew at least 6 languages! Personally, I don’t like to buy from the aggressive sellers. To me it’s raiding bad behavior. I’m okay with being asked as that’s part of the area, but blocking my way or getting in my personal space is going to be a problem!

[@larry4111]

Perfect timing! I'm going there for the first time in 2 weeks. Navigator out of LA to Catalina and Ensenada. Your videos are my homework. You're the best!

[@DH-ec6zv]

I was in Ensenada a couple of weeks ago. Had stopped getting off the ship here for many years. I was shocked at how much had changed! Got the shuttle into town and walked around for several hours, including the tent shops near the pier. Much, much better than before! The town really made the area safer and more enjoyable! Had the best churros ever!! Will be back in January and will head straight for those churros! Still some work needed but a wonderful start!

[@jojoinrancho320]

Ensenada reminds me of Nassau - vendors all over you! I live in SoCal, so have been to Ensenada on weekend cruises at least 5 times. The last time, I just visited a good mexican restaurant and then a mexican hot chocolate & churros shop that was recommended by another KZbinr I follow.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

I love it...you're so diplomatic in the best way possible. Tammy and I did this a number a years ago, and when you showed the gantlet of stands, I had a flash back of never again,,,never again! Great job as always! Please keep up the good work!

[@shannen7917]

We did La Bufadora back in the early 00s and I hated that gauntlet so much so that I swore I’d never go again. We just went back to Ensenada in February and took the kids this time. If not for it being their first time to Mexico, I would have opted to stay on the ship. With that said though, I’m glad I did end up getting off. We took the local shuttle to downtown (it was raining like crazy otherwise we probably would have walked). Ate some delicious tacos. The street vendors weren’t too bad thanks to the rain keeping them inside. Then my husband went back last month. He visited a food cart that Anthony Bourdain had featured once upon a time and had the best tostada he had ever eaten. In fact, he said it was one of the best things he had ever eaten period, tostada or otherwise. The streets were far more crowded with vendors than during the deluge in February, but he had a great time overall. Definitely things worth seeing in Ensenada, but that flea market at La Bufadora ain’t one of them

[@Jilltoons]

I was there during a huge rainstorm too. I actually enjoyed it.

[@awifeinterrupted]

A gauntlet is exactly how I was going to describe that scene. I would not be happy.😮

[@carries2173]

We had a similar issue at the waterfalls in Jamaica. Not only were we forced to walk through a bunch of tables and shacks set up on the exit, one of the tour guides at the water falls followed our group back to our bus and yelled at a couple in our group that they needed to pay him. It was very uncomfortable. I know that guides and drivers should be tipped and we did but the guides/drivers should never yell at customers to get a tip.

[@chuckwood4135]

Thanks for the great video, as always, Tony. Living in AZ we have done Ensenada several times. The best excursion we have done was the Segway tour. Keep up the great work.

[@maryellenabrams2075]

I watched another KZbinr and they went on the same excursion. Same exact review. And they are very positive and they said exactly the same. Thank you for your honesty.

[@patlively7982]

We have been to Ensenada multiple times, and have never had any issues. On our first trip a tour guide recommended a great restaurant, El Corralito. It is an easy walk from the ship, has great food, huge servings, and great service. We eat there every time.

[@ParrotplaySix]

Loving all your videos of your excurts. They keep me entertained on the ports you visited.

[@gratefultube]

Tony -- My first visit to Ensenada was in 1962. On our recent cruise's stop there, I chose to stay on the ship.

[@NancyD2]

Years ago my sister & I drove down to Ensenada. We were there on a non cruise ship day. So it was pretty sedate. I got a pretty cool stained glass piece. But I don’t get off the ship in Ensenada. I’ve seen enough. And THAT blowhole is why I waited in the car with my friend while my husband went to see blow hole somewhere outside of Honolulu. lol!

[@michellestevens2454]

We did the Cheese cave tour with Royal out of Ensenada. It was about an hour inland by bus to a dairy farm and cheese production facility. We got lunch, cheese, amazing ice cream, and some wine and beer. It was great. We would do it again in a heartbeat.

[@TeresaStephensonRichardK-bs1co]

Hi Tony, I appreciate your candor about the tour. Great video once again--thank you for sharing your adventure 😊

[@GasUQuick]

Usually the required port stop in Ensenada, MX is the last port before disembarking in Los Angeles. I stay on board have a leisurely day, and pack. I have been to Ensenada a couple of times, I don’t see any reason to go to port in Ensenada again.

[@johnglowinski1321]

So as I mentioned in Tony's prompted question, when we travel to Ensenada we typically arrange for a private (or at least small group) tour up to wine country NE of the city. There are numerous family run vineyards making excellent products both for sampling and purchase. Because we drive to the port in winter from our Vegas home, what we buy ends up back in our personal collection.

[@busboyta]

Thanks Tony. We did that tour last year in June but on a different ship. We also felt the same way. Walking through a barrage of people trying to sell you stuff was a little annoying. But we understood . The blow hole was boring. The bus ride was long. That tour was a one and done. . Thanks for all your hard work brother. Stay safe 👍

[@debbiem73]

Loving these experience videos!! Thanks

[@Nathan7478]

We have done a Royal cruise to Ensenada and skipped the blowhole due to the distance, now seeing this very glad we did. The excursion on Royal that we loved was called Taste of Mexico. They take you to a small ranch to do a hands-on Mexican cooking class with free ritas. Then they take you to the Tequila tasting that was listed on your tour, you get six free shots. Then they give you time to shop downtown near the port. It was very enjoyable and are doing it again in Sept on our cruise.

[@debburd2903]

Make sure you leave a review on the website so people know about the long ride and going through the vendors!

[@lambiottea1]

We did a b2b last year and the first cruise was four days with the port stop in Ensenada. We stayed on the ship which now I’m glad we did.

[@nicolecorsillo]

Thanks for the heads up Tony!

[@Db_traveler]

Ensenada seems like my least memorable stop on a cruise and this video reminds me why. I had forgotten some of this until you showed it.

[@krissylai8849]

Next time, check out Valle de Guadalupe - wine country is wonderful, safe, friendly, professional, DELICIOUS and far more relaxed.

[@gardengaga322]

Tony the most interesting thing about the convention center is that it was built as a casino and resort for the stars from Hollywood in the 30’s!!!

[@lynnecornelison5903]

That gauntlet reminds me how much I love the invention of K-Mart, Wal-Mart, etc., to replace department stores… no one asking if you want to buy something. … Then you go to a tourist trap. Southern upbringing makes me feel rude if I don’t acknowledge them or smile and make eye contact. So I lie and say, “maybe later.” I don’t drink wine, but the small tour Jay, Dee, and Alyssa chose made Ensenada look like a viable stop. This tour was just what I expected of Ensenada - and a big “I’d rather stay on the ship.” You took one for the team. Thanks.

[@AnnaPaul56]

On our first cruise 1/17/2000 on the Carnival Holiday we did the blow hole tour (it only went there back then) we were not impressed as it hardly shot up at all. Luckily back then there was not that gauntlet of vendors to pass through. There was maybe 5 to 10 people trying to sell stuff on the street to the blow hole. We did get a beautiful dish that some teenager painted by hand right in front of us, in fact we still have it. It was our souvenir from our first cruise. Also there were no buildings around. To use a bathroom there was extremely stinky porta-potties available, that was it. It is so different now and that was the only time we went to La Bufadora, we never went back. We know Ensenada very well, on cruises we have been there 16 times, with 3 more times in Dec. when we do a B2B2B on the Firenze. We usually don’t even get off the ship there anymore since they took away the place we use to get really good tacos & cervzas at. As far as tours go the best one we’ve been on in Ensenada was the Wine Country Tour. Yes, it had a long bus ride to the wineries, an hour both ways, but it was a very relaxing tour. There were No vendors hassling you to buy stuff, just the 2 wineries that had things for sale, plus they give you some cheese and crackers and some bread to dip into their excellent olive oil they also sell, plus you get a free bottle of wine at that winery. The second winery we also liked as they had pizza to eat and a lot of yummy samples of eatable things to taste from their shop, not just the wine. We sat outside in the shade and enjoyed the music provided to us by a local musician. The tour guide was also great cause on the way back he actually opened and shared some wine with the passengers and since we were up in front right next to where he sat we actually got 2 glasses of wine on the way back. We got dropped off back by the ship we were all very happy & full.

[@sth4678]

Thanks for the cruise news and your views

[@LaLidoLoca]

Thanks Shane!

[@floatybyboaty]

We are there in a couple of weeks, on the second week of our back to back cruises, out of Long Beach. Looks great and cannot wait.

[@lynnsimpson4611]

Have been to Ensenada five times and never got off the ship until last year. We did the Segway tour and it was a lot of fun. Once we got used to operating the Segway’s we went down the boardwalk, then to the Casino which was a beautiful building with a lot of history. Went to a park with statues of Mexican leaders. Our tour guide was great and we learned a lot of Ensenada history and all about their wine and olive oil production. We shopped after the tour. I have heard that the blow hole is horrible. Thanks for the review and analysis of the top 10 tour. Next time we go we are going to walk down the boardwalk to the shopping area, they were not too aggressive there.

[@huffdaddi]

Been there, done that! Living in Southern California we’ve cruised to Ensenada many times. Took the 3 hour round trip to the blow hole once years ago. There weren’t as many vendors back then, but the bathroom was only 50 cents back then as well. Never did that trip again. Usually we just walk to downtown from the ship or take a bus and walk around, taco and tequila tasting or even stay onboard since we have been there so many times.

[@TommyFlanagan666]

We got off the ship 2 years ago and walked around near the pier just to say we had been to Mexico. Went back onboard and just relaxed.

[@gonzof1]

Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica… same gauntlet

[@katis7673]

Love the towel animal takeover!😂

[@lindalain6045]

We stop at there on our way back from Hawaii. We did a 4 hour tour on our own to watch grey whales 40.00 each the boat wasn’t the best and it was a bit cold also 6 foot waves but all that being said it was great see whales had fun, I didn’t to see the blow hole but my husband didn’t think it would be much since we go out west to see old faithful a lot and he would not have like all that businesses trying to sell stuff! So glad to hear your Thoughts Thank you glad I didn’t miss anything

[@jerryhsd92103]

Gauntlet reminded of my trip to Egypt. It was basically shields up until you get to the actual attraction.

[@terri917441]

I took that tour about 30 years ago. It was almost exactly the same, only you videoed many more vendors. I don’t remember the tacos but I do remember thinking “is that all there is after that long bus ride?” I wouldn’t do it again, but the price was low so new cruisers might like it.

[@whome638]

I went to Ensenada twice, one time we did our own thing and and did a small tour that had folk dancing which was very cool. 2nd time we did the blowhole and it was a long bus ride that wasn’t worth it unfortunately. Also those vendors are very aggressive there, the downtown vendors are better. The tacos are good but they have good tacos in town too for cheap. The one thing Tony forgot is that Ensenada has the largest Mexican flag in the country and he didn’t show it! I highly recommend the folk dancing tour because it’s in the same area Tony went with the free Margarita and little market totally worth it!

[@lisaanderson8235]

Thanks, Tony, for your candor about this excursion and your personal experience. You took one for the Loca Fam that day! But the tacos looked delicious. 🌮👍

[@kellykorte2981]

I went a a simular tour last year, it was the same exact tour guide which we liked. It didn't include the blow hole which looks like that was a good thing. It didn't include lunch but you can get good tacos in old town for $3 or so each. I've been to Esenenada 2 other times but I drove there in the 90s, it's only about 90 miles South of the border. Every other time I've been there I spent all of my time in Hussong's.

[@jeanniewightman8176]

Tony, I love seeing the excursions. I'm going on Virgin in January and some of the ports, I cannot find any recommendations or experiences of others in the past year or so. Truthfully, I don't count anything before the pandemic since so much has changed. Thanks for doing these!

[@Girasole5849]

Thanks for the tour. I think I’d stay on the ship and enjoy its amenities.

[@shawnryan8345]

Took the La Bafadora tour solo about a year ago. Yes, the gauntlet was surprising. However, the vendors at the time weren’t overly aggressive - I understand everyone’s tolerance is different - I didn’t mind it - negotiated nice prices on souvenirs to take home . The blow hole is about what I expected and the ride for the first time was interesting to see this particular region of Mexico. It was a one and done for me. All worth it except for the $ 6 bottle of beer. But I felt compelled to have at least one Medelo 😀

[@thatonechick6744]

Oooo! just scheduled a trip on the Firenze for next year! Thank you for posting this, I dont know if I'll leave the ship for this one.

[@garybaker9419]

I have been on 3 tours with your tour guide. He is very nice guy and loves his community

[@rogerstogsdill4768]

Tony, my wife & I took the same tour a couple of years ago. Your thoughts were our thoughts. It was an affordable excursion, the highlight of which was Lydia’s Tacos. We were the first bus of cruisers in 18 months when cruising opened back up after COVID. We thought the shopping gauntlet at La Bufadora was so intense because they had been closed so long. However, what you filmed was identical to our experience. There was a guy using his drone to take pictures of people (for $) from interesting vantage points. We saw some pictures, but skipped the opportunity ourselves. When you broke into the video with your thoughts on the experience, we were smiling & agreeing.

[@disneymatt01]

Ahhhhhh welcome to La Bufadora. It was a one and done for me in the 1990’s. I only go to Sabina’s for the tostadas now and maybe a few trinkets for my work friends.

[@Rick27X]

This definitely has helped me decide whether to ever visit Ensenada. It does not look like a place for me. I appreciate the review!

[@MarissaNye]

Been to over 4 dozen cruise ports and Ensenada by far my least favorite.

[@ToriE1073]

Gauntlet of tourism is my new favorite travel term. 😂 perfect description! Your experience in Ensañada was similar to our experience in the Grand Bahamas. We hated it!! 😭

[@mrjuvy49]

if you think Ensenada is bad, don't go to Algiers, yet we bought a great Burbur rug on our anniversary. All foreign travel is good for Americans we get to see a different slice of life.

[@ToriE1073]

@@mrjuvy49 I’ve never been to Ensenada but his experience sounded a lot like the one we had in the Grand Bahamas. It was awful! I wholeheartedly agree with you about traveling to other countries being so important, whether you’re American or not. I’m American and my husband and I were fortunate enough to live in Europe for a few years in our early twenties. We took advantage and spent all of our disposable income on traveling to as many places as possible while we were there. I strongly believe that spending time in other cultures, and immersing yourself in them is as important and impactful as a college education.

[@mckenna8663]

This video made me more uncomfortable than visiting Jamaica... which I decided in the mid-90's, that I would never get off the boat to see again. YIKES!

[@artthomas2539]

We did a LA Bufadora tour on the Firenze May 2nd sailing and I agree with you Tony. It's like being in the middle of an arcade game trying to make your way through a gauntlet of rude, in your face merchants and hoping to make it to the prize at the end. The prize for me was getting back on the bus.

[@onlyinamerica4916]

The wife and I were in Ensenada the week before you on Navigator of the Seas and while we didn't take any excursions and just walked around a bit it was not a port we felt like we would get off the ship on a future cruise except possibly for the Guava pastries at Hogaza Hogaza they were fantastic...other than that the sealions kept us pretty well entertained from onboard the ship

[@egtravel]

I used to go down to Ensenada when I was just a weee little lad and the blow hole had none of those vendors!!! This was 50 years ago, but man it's grown!!! I agree with you, I would not have liked that.

[@Dean-O-Holics]

In the Navy living in San Diego we’d drive down to the blow hole in our jeeps on the dunes and had a good time but I’ve cruise a lot,not to Ensenada, but I can’t imagine the blow hole being a cruise destination.

[@clairecox8624]

I cruised to Ensenada on Carnivals holiday in 2000. we went to la bufadora and we got the high tide it was huge! there were only 20 or so vendors and everything including the road up there was dirt! and just the small building on top. you had to pay 50 cents to use 'el banyo' lol! its changed so much since i was there!

[@KarenDial]

This brings back memories! I was pretty disappointed with this particular excursion since it was described as more of a nature outing than a shopping spree for cheap tequila, trinkets and knock-offs. Oh, well, you learn to take the bad with the good when traveling- it’s all part of the adventure! P.S: we never figured out how they came up with “Top Ten”. 😳 and yes, the tacos were terrific.

[@S.l.o.w.cooker350]

We did Ensenada tour. Self guided. Had great food, souvenir, tatoo color update. Tatoo experts there, no lie. Fast, polite, accurate, cheap. Would not miss quick in and out Mexico visit. ❤

[@marcus-oc3xi]

First time I ever went to Ensenada, I was 17 in 1981...Went with a couple friends. It was just a sleepy little Mexican town, with Madame Hussongs as the main draw. Seems alot has changed.

[@joehilton7055]

Tony, we met on this cruise and loved to see you. Unfortunately the tour you took is no bueno. Our experience with Ensenada is only do one of the wine tasting tours. There are several tours out to the Valley of Guadalupe that are amazing. The Discover Guadalupe Valley tour goes to L.A. Cetto and the La Casa de Dona Lupe Winery’s. The Valley is about 40 minutes away and is beautiful with no crowds. The pizza at Dona Lupe,s is amazing and offers great shopping with no one bothering you. If you ever get back to Ensenada try the wine tours to this valley you won’t regret it. Joe & Lori Hilton.

[@julieyoung4575]

The great thing about La Bufadora is the smoked clam booth!!! Smoked chocolate clams ....they are so fantastic! I skip everything else there, total waste of time, but get 2 sets of smoked clams and sit on the covered patio above the clam booth and look out at the gorgeous scenery. Yum!

[@darrinwi]

Hey Tony ! Thanks for this video. My first cruise was on the carnival can’t remember, but it was to Ensenada and I remember the comedian that Knight said Ensenada in Spanish means don’t get off the ship and I should’ve listened to him. We went to the blow hole for better terms and we’re confronted by so many vendors trying to sell everything from windmills to bird houses to drugs. had to go to the bathroom the girl charge me a dollar for a 3 inch piece of toilet paper fortunately I didn’t need it

[@ericmanner8546]

TONY TONY TONY I first went to the blow hole back in the late 90s. That place hasn't changed much. MY bus ride was on an old school bus w/o AC. Our included buffet was back in town(where there WAS running water, lol) Ensenada, since that first visit, has never been anything more than a pharmacy/vanilla run and a day on board while everyone else is being "educated," Glad you survived

[@attilathefun_traveler]

I haven’t had a lot of long bus ride experiences, but let’s just say once may be enough sometimes. Several years ago, we took an excursion that led us through hilly/mountainous roads which were narrow, winding and no guard rails to speak of. We almost had a collision with another driver passing someone going up hill in a curve! My wife’s hand imprints are probably still in the mini bus seat back to this day 😅. In general I prefer moderate walking off the ship or a very short taxi ride these days. But hey it’s ok, I think if the excursion was really worth it and required a long bus ride I’d still do it. But only with some extra research and so forth. But yeah I totally understand you Tony. Thanks for the video!

[@dorenejackson1788]

My daughter is on this cruise. How exciting! I'm checking to see if I can see her and her new husband, they were married last week.

[@AZ-Sharon]

Hey TONY! My mom and I went on that Carnival 4 day cruise on the Paradise, i think in 2009. We didn't even get off the ship in Ensenada...pretty sure it was a party boozing destination left for the youngins. And those late for the departure running down the dock.🤣 As a matter of fact, we didn't get off in Catalina either. Now that I've seen your vid on said subject, I would check it out. I will high lite here, that being from Arizona, we drove over to Long Beach day before and stayed the night on the Hotel Queen Mary. THAT was part of the adventure for sure! Next day, packed up and moved our car from parking at QM to next door parking garage for Carnival. We took pics of the Paradise from QM and and vice versa. Definitely plan that next time!

[@pauladriscoll5310]

Hubby and I saw the La Bufadora maybe twice back in the 1980s. After watching your video, we see nothing has changed! Agree with your thoughts and observations, thanks for sharing!

[@kirksimpson517]

I agree with everything you said about this tour. You know, I think in the beginning ships stopped in Ensenada mainly for fuel, and tourism was an afterthought. Another great vlog Tony. I like your brother in law.

[@kellykangas979]

Been there also and completely agree with what you said.

[@shelleyhom]

Cali girl - been to Ensenada a dozen times on cruises (the four day Catalina/Ensenada trips are super cheap). Pre-pandemic, countless vendors were all set up at the port (in and around the buildings there as you disembark, and the blow hole vendors were far more scarce! More similar to Cabo, there were some there, but not like now at all !! I attribute it to the multitude of vendors being vacated from the port and all heading to the blow hole instead.

[@bobbyd1339]

I am From San Diego, As a Kid My Step dad would take us to Ensenada for the Day. Beautiful and Great Food. I would do that Tour.

[@S.l.o.w.cooker350]

Appreciate your positivity...BUENO!❤

[@harlanabraham7772]

Waiting for the cruise news and your views. As yet, haven't been to Ensenada.

[@y0ubetcham0m]

Ensenada is a good day to stay onboard and enjoy the ship. I've been to Ensenada many times and I have to wonder why cruise ships even stop there.

[@suerasmussen9982]

We were on a cruise to Hawaii in March which stopped in Ensenada on the way back. We took the tour specifically to the Blow Hole and described the experience exactly as you said: a very, in-your-face gauntlet. We won’t ever get off any cruise ship in Ensenada again. The worst excursion ever!

[@Tikihuttreasures]

I remember it as a kid.... loved it..... maybe 40 years later it is much different because I don't remember the gauntlet. Lol

[@cindylou9293]

I agree, the gauntlet of aggressive vendors makes the blow hole a no go. I did that tour back in 2005 and was very underwhelmed and would never again waste my time taking that bus out there. My pre-teen daughters faced several inappropriate comments that day as well and for that reason if I ever visit Ensenada again on a cruise ship I will stay on the ship!

[@finned958]

It was like walking thru Costco with a lot of smoothie and churro samples.

[@Jeff-rm2ox]

As a mostly West Coast cruiser I don't even get off in Ensenada anymore, since you pretty much stop there every cruise. If you look at the photos in the Riviera Hotel, the hotel used to be beachfront. They filled it in to create the port area. It's like they made a port just to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Service Act.

[@billmcclymonds7569]

Ensenada is a good cruise stop if you know what to avoid. Yes there are Taco Stands that have been featured on other videos and TV shows that are supposed to be the best and they're right in town close to the ship. I would have loved to see a video tour of the ship with your commentary!

[@LaLidoLoca]

Oh you didn’t see it yet? CARNIVAL FIRENZE FULL WALKTROUGH SHIP TOUR kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5qlkpWHhtJ8qpo

[@loungelizard1975]

Next time you’re in Ensanada do the wineries tour. It is by far the best ship sponsored tour and you go to 3 local wineries in neighboring Nayarit. No vendors, not crowded, beautiful scenery, wonderful first class wines, liquores, and really authentic food.

[@davidkantouth679]

Your first stop, Bar Andaluz, is my favorite place to get a drink. One of several bars that claim to be the birth place of the margarita.

[@ranyw]

Ensenada is one of those technical ports just to qualify the cruise for the Jones Act. It's only 200 miles south of Los Angeles. We've done the buffadora tour and I can totally understand with the gauntlet you need to walk through to get to the main show. However, the Tacos are amazing especially since they are wood grilled. I hear they have opened a second location in downtown Ensenada so you may not need to do the drive. Even the glamorous cruises need to stop there to satisfy the rules.

[@MaryIacono-h8y]

Agree 💯. Looking at tours from CA to HI included a stop to Ensenada. Shame they don’t go further south to Cabo.

[@luonajgarroutte212]

I never got off my ship at Ensenada when passing through from Hawaii. Don't feel like I missed anything. 😊

[@johnyork7463]

The Blow Hole slightly reminds me of Thunder Hole at Arcadia National Park in Maine.

[@jibbs78]

Yup - blowhole excursion - one and done - been on a few cruises that stopped in Ensenada - blowhole not worth the time!! Love the vids!!!

[@nancyrichardson9927]

We did a tour of Ensenada just a couple of days ago. I booked it through an outside vendor as a "city tour" and La Bufadora. The guide and driver were fine, but like you said, it took a long time to get there and we didn't even get lunch. The guide walked us through the vendor area pointing out the "good" shops then said to meet back at the bus in 90 minutes. We did enjoy the blowhole and view and saw lots of people get wet, but the vendors were pretty annoying. I know they're trying to make a living, but nearly every shop is the same with mass produced junk probably made in Taiwan or China. We didn't even get the extra stops you did, and I talked them out of stopping back in the city because it was just more shopping. So wish we had stayed on the ship.😳