Trip to La Bufadora Blowhole and City Tour on Model T Replica Car

If you’re looking for a truly distinctive way to see Ensenada, this tour offers a blend of natural wonders, vintage charm, and local flavors that’s hard to beat. It’s a six-hour, private experience that highlights the spectacular La Bufadora blowhole, takes you on a nostalgic ride in a Model T replica, and wraps up with tastings of Mezcal and visits to iconic local spots. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who loves a mix of culture, nature, and history, this tour promises an engaging day.

What we really like about this experience is the personalized touch—it’s a private tour, so you get the chance to ask questions, take photos, and enjoy a more relaxed pace. Plus, the combination of natural marvels and vintage transportation makes it quite memorable. The extra stop at the PaiPai zoo adds a fun option for animal lovers, though it comes at an additional cost. The main potential drawback? The tour starts early and lasts around six hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full-day outing.

This tour works best for travelers wanting a blend of adventure, history, and local flavor without the rush of large group excursions. It’s ideal for those who appreciate authentic experiences—like sipping mezcal at a local house or riding in a vintage car—and are open to some optional side stops.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience ensures a relaxed and flexible day.
• Visiting La Bufadora offers a chance to see North America’s only natural blowhole up close.
• Vintage Model T ride adds a fun, nostalgic element to the city tour.
• Includes mezcal tasting and visits to local landmarks like the birthplace of the Margarita.
• Additional stop at PaiPai zoo is optional and costs extra.
• Transportation is air-conditioned, with group sizes kept small for comfort.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off at the Ensenada Cruise Ship Dock at 9:30 am, making it particularly convenient for cruise passengers. The pickup is straightforward—Pancho or your guide will meet you outside the terminal, holding a sign with your name. This personal touch eases the first few moments, especially if you’re arriving in a new city. The tour lasts roughly six hours, giving ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Transportation: Vintage and Modern Comforts

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the drives between stops. The transportation to La Bufadora is via car or passenger van depending on your group size, while the city tour is in a charming Ford Model T replica car. This vintage ride offers a glimpse into early 20th-century motoring, making it both a fun and nostalgic highlight. As one reviewer pointed out, “The ride in the Model Y car was unique,” and it definitely adds a distinctive flavor to the journey.

La Bufadora: The Natural Geyser

The main attraction is La Bufadora, the only natural blowhole in North America. Located just south of Ensenada, this geological marvel shoots seawater high into the air when the conditions are right. Expect a lively scene with vendors, local artisans, and the chance to get close enough to feel the spray firsthand. The tour includes admission, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs here.

Why it’s worth visiting: As one traveler noted, even with a late start due to cruise ship timing, the host honored the reservation and made the experience enjoyable. The blowhole is a dramatic natural spectacle, especially on windy days when the spray is most vigorous.

Ensenada City Tour: Vintage Car and Local Attractions

After La Bufadora, the tour takes you back into Ensenada for a city exploration. Riding in a Model T replica car, you’ll see some of the city’s iconic spots and learn about its history. The driver provides insightful commentary, helping you appreciate the city’s blend of tradition and modern life.

One highlight is a visit to the Riviera de Ensenada, famous as the birthplace of the Margarita cocktail. Here, you’ll hear about its origins and see where this iconic drink was invented. Following this, a visit to Bodegas de Santo Tomas, the city’s unique winery, offers a taste of local winemaking—an excellent way to experience Ensenada’s vibrant viniculture.

Mezcal Tasting: Authentic Flavors

The grand finale involves a complimentary mezcal tasting at a house dedicated to this traditional Mexican spirit. For those over 18, this is a chance to sample different varieties, learn about mezcal production, and appreciate the complex flavors that make it Mexico’s spirit of choice. One reviewer mentioned that the driver provided helpful information and assisted with picture-taking, making the experience more personal and engaging.

Optional PaíPai Zoo Stop

If you’re interested, the tour can include a visit to the PaíPai Zoo, a highly-rated local zoo with a variety of animals. This stop adds an extra layer of family fun but is not included in the base price and incurs an additional ticket cost. If you love animals or want a quick break from sightseeing, it’s worth considering.

Value for the Price

At $120 per person, the tour offers a lot of value. You get private transportation, admission to La Bufadora, the vintage car ride, and mezcales to taste—all bundled into one well-organized half-day adventure. The reviews consistently praise the friendly guides and the thoughtful itinerary, making it a reliable choice for those wanting a comprehensive Ensenada experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for cruise travelers looking for a seamless, enriching day without the hassle of organizing transportation or individual tickets. It’s also ideal for history buffs interested in vintage cars and local stories, as well as food and drink lovers keen to explore the birthplace of the Margarita and sample authentic mezcal. If you enjoy natural wonders like La Bufadora, and are open to some optional side adventures, this tour hits many marks.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?

If your main focus is on wine tasting or visiting multiple wineries in the countryside, other tours might be more suitable. Similarly, if you prefer a more flexible schedule or independent exploration, opting for a self-guided visit could be better.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience Ensenada’s highlights in one day. The combination of natural beauty, vintage charm, and local flavors creates a memorable outing that’s both educational and fun. The private setting ensures personalized attention, while the inclusions—like the model T ride and mezcal tastings—add unique touches that elevate the experience beyond standard sightseeing.

For travelers seeking a comfortable, culturally rich, and authentic half-day adventure**, this experience is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate small-group intimacy and want to savor the flavors and sights of Ensenada without the chaos of large tours.

FAQ

Is transportation provided to and from La Bufadora?
Yes, transportation to La Bufadora is included and is via car or passenger van, depending on your group size.

What kind of vehicle is used for the city tour?
The city tour is in a Ford Model T replica car, providing a nostalgic way to see Ensenada.

Are drinks included during the tour?
Yes, a complimentary mezcal tasting is included at the end of the tour for guests 18 and older.

Can I visit the PaiPai zoo during the tour?
Yes, there is an option to stop at PaiPai zoo, but it requires an extra ticket purchase and is not part of the standard itinerary.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 9:30 am.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $120 per person, offering good value given the inclusions.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and camera are recommended. Restrooms and WiFi are not provided onboard.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but note that the mezcal tasting is only for adults. The vintage car ride could be fun for kids, but check with the provider if traveling with children.

This tour blends natural spectacle, vintage charm, and local flavor into a well-balanced day. It’s a great choice for those who want a sense of Ensenada beyond the usual tourist spots, especially if you’re interested in authentic experiences and unique transportation.