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

Exploring Ensenada: A Detailed Look at the La Bufadora and City Tour on a Model T

If you’re considering a trip to Ensenada and want a mix of natural wonders, historic sights, and a touch of vintage flair, this tour might catch your eye. It offers a chance to see the famous La Bufadora blowhole, explore the city in a charming Model T replica car, and enjoy local flavors like mezcal and the birthplace of the margarita. While it’s a fun-packed experience, there are some things to keep in mind to see if it fits your travel style.

What we really like about this tour is the personalized, private vibe — it’s not a crowded bus, and the vintage car adds personality and a bit of nostalgic charm. Plus, the inclusion of a mezcal tasting as part of the city tour makes it a nice touch for those who appreciate local spirits. On the flip side, the duration of around 6 hours means a fairly full day, which might be a lot if you’re short on time or prefer a slower pace.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love a mix of natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and a bit of fun with vintage transportation. If you’re someone who appreciates good value, a well-structured itinerary, and a bit of history and flavor, you’ll find this experience engaging. However, if you’re seeking more extensive winery visits or a relaxed, leisurely day, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Unique vintage transportation: Travel through Ensenada in a 1908 Ford Model T replica car, which adds a memorable and photogenic element to the day.
• Natural wonder included: Visit La Bufadora, North America’s largest natural geyser, renowned for its impressive water spout and lively surroundings.
• Local flavors: Enjoy a complimentary mezcal tasting in the city, plus learn about the birthplace of the margarita, making it a tasty cultural experience.
• Flexible stops: Optionally, visit the PaiPai zoo (extra cost), and explore notable sites like Riviera de Ensenada and Bodegas de Santo Tomas.
• Private and hassle-free: The tour includes private transportation and pickup at the cruise port, making for a smooth, hassle-free experience.
• Value-focused: At $120 per person, the tour packs in a variety of highlights, making it a good deal for those who want a comprehensive day out.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The adventure kicks off at 9:30 am at the Ensenada Cruise Ship Dock, which is convenient for cruise passengers. You’ll be picked up directly outside the terminal, so no fuss about finding meeting points. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, giving you a well-rounded taste of Ensenada without feeling rushed.

La Bufadora: The Natural Wonder

Your first stop is La Bufadora, the largest natural geyser in North America. Located south of Ensenada, this spot is famous for its powerful water spout that shoots up as the ocean waves force air and water through a cavern. Visitors often find it mesmerizing, especially when the blowhole is active.

The tour’s reviews highlight how Pancho, the driver, made the ride enjoyable and educational. One reviewer appreciated that he helped with photos and provided valuable information about the blowhole. The proximity and direct focus on La Bufadora make this a highlight, especially if you’re interested in natural phenomena.

Ensenada City Tour in a Model T

After La Bufadora, the experience continues with a ride through Ensenada in a 1908 Ford Model T replica car. This part of the tour is quite special — it’s not every day you get to cruise the city in a vintage vehicle, which naturally lends a nostalgic, fun atmosphere. One traveler shared that the second half of the tour in the Model T was “unique” and appreciated the added historical flair.

The city tour includes visits to Riviera de Ensenada, the place where the famous margarita cocktail was invented, and Bodegas de Santo Tomas, the oldest winery inside Ensenada, providing a taste of local history and culture.

Tasting and Cultural Experiences

The tour concludes with a complimentary mezcal tasting in a local house of mezcal, which is a highlight for spirits enthusiasts. It’s a relaxed way to wrap up the day, learn about the local spirit, and enjoy some authentic flavors. Only travelers 18 and older can partake, but this adds an extra layer of local authenticity.

Optional Stops and Flexibility

If you’re interested, the tour can include a stop at the PaiPai zoo, which is described as very attractive, though it’s an extra cost for tickets. This flexibility allows you to tailor the experience, whether you’re more into wildlife or sticking to the core highlights.

Transportation and Comfort

The entire trip features air-conditioned private transportation — a big plus for comfort, particularly if the weather gets warm. Since this is a private tour, it means your group will enjoy a more personalized experience, with fewer strangers and more flexibility.

The Experience from Reviews: What Travelers Say

The two reviews available give us a glimpse into what you can expect. Wesley from the UK notes that, despite a late start due to ship delays, the driver honored the reservation and made the ride enjoyable and educational. This indicates good flexibility and attentive service.

Linda from the US loved that the driver shared information about the blowhole and helped with photos, emphasizing the personal touch. She also found the Model T ride to be “unique”, and appreciated learning about the margarita’s origins and the local mezcal. Her overall experience was rated a perfect 5, which speaks well of the tour’s quality.

The Price and What It Gets You

At $120 per person, this tour offers a good balance of natural sights, cultural insights, and vintage fun. The price includes admission tickets to La Bufadora, the Model T ride, and the mezcal tasting, making it straightforward without hidden costs. You also get private transportation, which simplifies logistics.

While the cost might seem steep for some, the value lies in the variety and personalized attention. Plus, if you’re a fan of wine and spirits, the tasting and visit to the birthplace of the margarita add memorable local flavor to the trip.

Practical Considerations: What to Keep in Mind

• The tour starts early at 9:30 am, so plan your arrival accordingly.
• It’s a 6-hour experience, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.
• The private transportation means a more comfortable and flexible trip, but also means you’ll want to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
• The optional zoo stop is extra, so if that’s a priority, budget accordingly.
• No WiFi or restroom onboard is typical for this kind of tour, so plan your essentials beforehand.
• The cancellation policy is flexible, with a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for couples, friends, or small groups looking for a fun, personalized day in Ensenada. It’s perfect if you enjoy vintage style, natural attractions, and local spirits. If you’re into history, culture, and scenic drives, this tour checks all those boxes.

It’s also suited for those who prefer a structured yet flexible itinerary, since you can choose to include extra stops like the zoo. Travelers who appreciate good value will find that the combination of sights, tastings, and vintage travel makes it worth the price.

However, if you’re after a very relaxed, leisurely pace or want to visit numerous wineries, you might want to look for a different tour focused more on wine or longer explorations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the tour suitable for families with children?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, families with older children or teenagers should find it enjoyable, especially the fun ride in the Model T and the natural wonder of La Bufadora. Younger kids might find the full day a bit long.

Does the tour include transportation from the cruise port?
Yes, the tour provides pickup directly at the Ensenada cruise ship dock, ensuring a smooth start without needing to navigate public transport.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than that will not be refunded.

Are food and additional drinks included?
No, the tour includes complimentary mezcal tasting, but meals or other beverages are not part of the package.

Is there a restroom on the vehicle?
No, there is no restroom onboard, so plan accordingly before the tour starts.

Will I have WiFi access during the tour?
WiFi is not provided onboard, so it’s best to prepare for offline moments.

What language is the tour conducted in?
While not specified, most tours like this are typically conducted in English; check with the provider if you need clarification.

What’s the ideal group size?
Since this is a private experience, the size depends on your booking — it’s tailored to your group, which keeps it intimate and flexible.

Can I visit La Bufadora if I arrive late?
The tour starts at 9:30 am, but if your cruise arrives late, the driver will honor your reservation and adjust accordingly, but it’s best to coordinate in advance.

Do I need to prepare anything special?
Just bring your camera, some cash for optional extras like the zoo, and be ready for a full day of exploration and fun.

This tour offers a charming peek into Ensenada’s natural beauty and local culture, all with the added flair of vintage travel and personalized service. Whether you’re into scenic spots, history, spirits, or a bit of everything, it’s a well-rounded option that makes for a memorable day.