Hafen
Ensenada

Sit back and enjoy the city highlights as you listen to your guide’s narration of the area’s history. You’ll stop at Baja Califonia’s oldest winery founded in 1888 – Bodegas Santo Tomas – for a complimentary wine tasting.

The highlight of your tour will be the 25-mile drive to the south for approximately one hour, along the Baja California countryside to scenic Punta Banda. This area is famous for the spectacular blowhole called La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that shoots water from 60 to 100 feet into the air, depending on the tide. You’ll have free time to experience the flavors of Mexico at the open-air market, with a wide selection of national art. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You may return to the ship with your guide or remain and return on your own.

OVERVIEW

Learn to prepare ceviche from scratch in a hands-on cooking class and then enjoy the freshly made dish for lunch. The venue for this culinary experience will be Manzanilla, one of the city’s premier restaurants. Chefs Benito Molina and Solange Muris source the ingredients for every dish in their home state of Baja California. You will accommodate one of the chefs to a nearby market to select the fish for the ceviche that you will make. During the fun and instructive class that follows, you will learn each step in the process. Ceviche originated in Peru millennia ago and there are many variations of this raw fish dish. You will prepare two versions of ceviche using sustainable ingredients such as lime juice, onions, tomatoes, hot green chili peppers, avocado and Manzanilla green olives – the delectable ingredient that inspired the restaurant’s name. Afterwards, you will dine on the fruits of your labor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Prepare two versions of ceviche in a hands-on cooking class lead by a renowned chef.
• Select a freshly caught fish for the ceviche in a local market.
• Learn how ceviche recipes vary from region to region.
• Enjoy a glass of wine and the raw fish ceviche that you have prepared for lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly high above beautiful Desert Nest natural preserve on a series of ziplines for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Upon arriving at the residential resort community Cuatro Cuatros, you will be briefed on how to maximize the experience. After being harnessed into the zipline, off you will go on the first of five exhilarating courses that will carry you over a distance of more than two miles. You can expect it to be a nonstop thrill as you race downhill at hair-raising speeds on the dual steel-cable ziplines. Along the way and while pausing on the elevated platforms between the ziplines, you will enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the surrounding Guadalupe Valley, one of Mexico’s finest wine-producing regions. Following the adventure, you will pause at the Cuatro Cuatros winery. The vineyards yield mostly red wines with the main varieties being cabernet sauvignon, merlot and zinfandel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race over the Desert Nest natural preserve on five exhilarating ziplines.
• Race over the Desert Nest natural preserve on five exhilarating ziplines.
• Visit the winery within the Cuatro Cuatros residential resort community.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Hike through one of the most spectacularly picturesque canyons in the Guadalupe Valley with a knowledgeable guide that will describe the area’s fascinating natural history. The deeper you hike into El Salto canyon, the more dramatic the terrain. The walls will become so steep in places that not even the midday sun will reach the bottom of the canyon. El Salto, which means The Jump, is strewn with massive boulders, and at times you must hop from one to another to make your way along the trail. The difficulty of the route will make the hike all the more rewarding. To enhance the adventure, the guide will elaborate on the geological formation of this black-rock canyon and whatever wildlife you may come across. Birds such as red-tailed hawks and Western kingbirds are often spotted. You might also see spiny lizards sunning on the boulders and scurrying about the arid terrain.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through El Salto, a steep black-rock canyon in the beautiful Guadalupe Valley.
• Gain an understanding of the canyon’s extraordinary natural history from the guide.
• Look for wildlife such as birds and lizards that thrive in the arid environment.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See a remarkable number of historical attractions at a whirlwind pace and enjoy snacks and drinks in between, an experience that will present an authentic picture of Ensenada. You will pause to snap photos at landmarks that include the colorful Ensenada sign, the Tara statue that represents Mother Earth, the dramatic Fisherman’s Monument and Bodegas de Santo Tomás, the oldest winery in Baja California. And that is just for starters. A brief but enlightening stop at the Regional History Museum will set the stage for another historical immersion at Ensenada’s cultural center, which is housed in the former Hotel Riviera del Pacifico. You will be served an icy margarita, an iconic Mexican beverage that is said to have been invented in the hotel’s Bar Andaluz. You will also enjoy a beer at Hussong’s Cantina – a fixture since 1892 – and a ceviche tostada and a flavored water at yet another iconic spot.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a surprising number of iconic destinations in just a short period of time.
• Pause for photos at landmarks ranging from the Ensenada sign to Baja’s oldest winery.
• Enjoy a margarita at Bar Andaluz, where this quintessential Mexican cocktail was invented.
• Drink a beer at famed Hussong’s Cantina and snack on a ceviche tostada.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Watch a fascinating performance of traditional Mexican songs and dances in a once flamboyant hotel that now serves as Ensenada’s premier cultural center. While driving through town, you will see many of its highlights, but none is quite so historical and prestigious as the former Hotel Riviera del Pacifico. This rambling Spanish-style resort was built in 1930 and originally held a casino that Al Capone supposedly frequented. Upon arriving, you will be greeted by a mariachi band dressed in colorful costumes that will serenade you with songs that reflect the region’s roots. As an accompaniment, you will be served a margarita, an iconic Mexican beverage that is said to have been invented at the hotel. In time, you will settle in for an authentic folkloric performance that is sure to be memorable. Free time follows, during which you may take pictures with the band, shop for handicrafts and see the ballroom where Bing Crosby and Xavier Cugat once performed.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Watch a performance of traditional songs and dances in Ensenada’s cultural center.
• pend free time exploring the venue, a former hotel and casino from the 1930s.
• Enjoy a margarita, shop for handicrafts and discover the property’s notorious history.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This tour includes a brief, yet comprehensive look at Ensenada. Visit the Riviera del Pacifico which was once a glamorous resort and casino, renowned for its architecture and famous clientele from Douglas Fairbanks Jr. to Al Capone. Enjoy a complimentary margarita as you appreciate the impressive surroundings.

You’ll stop at the oldest continuously running winery in Mexico – Bodegas de Santo Tomas for a tour of the winery and a wine tasting. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You’ll have one hour of free time to shop before you are escorted back to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Savor an array of classic Mexican dishes including tacos in some of Ensenada’s most popular venues, beginning with El Fenix. Supposedly the birthplace of Baja California’s famed fish taco, El Fenix is a street stand with a cult-like status. The fried fish there is typically topped with pungent sauces and garden-fresh vegetables. La Guerrerense is another spectacular food stand best known for its seafood tostadas, which run the gamut from flaky fish concoctions to exotic tostadas topped with sea urchin ceviche. Tacos also take center stage in the restaurant Manzanilla, where you will snack for a third time. The seafood there is sourced locally as are the flavorful herbs and spices. Famed husband-and-wife chefs Benito Molina and Solange Muris own Manzanilla and are passionate about the quality of their ingredients. You will see where much of the seafood in Ensenada is sold at a nearby market, where you will enjoy one last taco, most likely with shrimp and cheese.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dine on seafood-based Mexican dishes at several of Ensenada’s most famous venues.
• Enjoy tacos at a popular street stand and at a restaurant that has become an institution.
• Try tacos with handmade tortillas with freshly caught fish, shrimp or beef at another street stand.
• Browse a market where much of the seafood is sourced and enjoy yet another taco.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Take the wheel of an ATV and tear off into the hinterlands of the Guadalupe Valley, one of the most hauntingly beautiful areas in Baja California. As you race through the rugged terrain in a caravan of vehicles, you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and indigenous pine forests. Incredibly, almost all of Mexico’s wines are produced in this valley, a land with a microclimate that is similar to but drier than that of the Bordeaux region in France. More than 150 wineries are now located in the valley and in a way they are simply following a tradition, as Jesuit priests first cultivated vines here in the 18th century. Once you return to the ATV base camp, you will enjoy a tasting of wines from the Guadalupe Valley, which has become known as the Napa of Mexico.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Race on an ATV through rugged terrain in a caravan of vehicles. • Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and indigenous pine forests. • Enjoy wine tasting from Guadalupe Valley.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

You’ll be taking an approximately 30-minute drive to the ranch. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a safety briefing and helmet and assigned to your horse. During your one and a half hour horseback ride, you’ll enjoy magnificent view of Salsipuedes Bay, Todos Santos Island and the Gold Coast. Your leisurely trail ride will take you through the beautiful hills of San Miguel. You’ll be treated to a snack before taking the trail back to San Miguel.

Board your 4-person jeep and depart the pier in caravan-style following your guide into San Antonio de Las Mina’s countryside. Pass through typical Mexican Villages and Visit a winery where you will learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the wines produced here. Continue your drive along the mountainside viewing northern Baja`s wilderness and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

OVERVIEW
Watch a highly entertaining folkloric show in Ensenada’s cultural center after seeing one of Baja California’s most spectacular natural attractions. La Bufadora puts on a nonstop show as the world’s second-largest marine geyser, and you will view the spectacle up close from an outdoor terrace at the Punta Banda overlook. The ocean waves rush in so fast and furiously that the water forced through the blowhole can easily spew as high as 100 feet in the air. An experience of a different sort awaits you at the former Hotel Riviera del Pacifico, a landmark resort and casino from the 1930s that has been meticulously restored and converted into a cultural hub. After being serenaded by a mariachi band in full costume, you will be treated to a performance of traditional songs and dances associated with the region. Time will also be allotted to shop and browse the enlightening museum on site.

HIGHLIGHTS
• See ocean water spew high into the air at marine geyser La Bufadora.
• Watch a performance of traditional songs and dances in Ensenada’s cultural center.
• Spend free time exploring the venue, a former hotel and casino from the 1930s.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes as there is uphill walking at La Bufadora.

Learn about the history of the area from your guide while you’ll pass by the city’s highlights. You’ll stop at the elegant Riviera del Pacifico, a once dazzling beach resort and casino. The highlight of your tour will be the 25-mile drive to the south for approximately one hour, along the Baja California countryside to scenic Punta Banda.

This area is known for an impressive blowhole called La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that shoots water from 60 to 100 feet into the air, depending on the tide. You’ll have free time to experience the flavors of Mexico at the open air market, with a wide selection of national art. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You may return to the ship with your guide or remain and return on your own.

OVERVIEW

Sample an inspiring selection of cheese, wine and beer as a prelude to a traditional lunch at a farm in the Valle de Ojos Negros. Agriculture thrives in this fertile valley and the Ramonetti family has been farming there for four generations. Their dairy farm, Rancho la Campana, is renowned for its stone cheese cave – La Cava de Marcelo – which holds as many as 10,000 wheels of cheese. Each wheel must be rotated daily to prevent moisture from building up. You will see how the namesake Ramonetti cheese is produced step-by-step using hormone-free milk from German Holstein cows. You will also sample cheeses such as ricotta, quesos frescos and several aged varieties in the climate-controlled cheese cave, one of the first in Latin America. Locally produced wine and craft beer will be served, as well. To round out this culinary experience, you will enjoy a hearty meal in the farm’s serene gardens.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a fourth-generation family dairy farm in the Valle de Ojos Negros.
• Observe how various cheeses are naturally produced without the use of hormones.
• Sample a variety of cheeses in La Cava de Marcelo, a climate-controlled cheese cave.
• Enjoy a tasting of locally produced wine and craft beer, followed by a traditional lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch a highly entertaining dancing horse show at Fuego Cocina del Valle, a distinctive and wonderfully atmospheric venue in the heart of Guadalupe Valley, Baja California’s wine country. A brief introduction to the estate will set the stage for the performance to follow, but nothing quite compares to watching it in person from a front-row seat. Dancing horse shows are thought to have originated in the court of Imperial China in the 3rd century B.C. and have since spread throughout the world. In this case, the horses are trained to “dance” to a traditional Mexican beat in a beautifully choreographed and dramatic fashion that will leave you mesmerized by their abilities. The accompanying music is an essential part of the pageantry as the horses are trained to respond to it. Dancing horse performances are often reserved for parades and fairs, which makes this exclusive show all the more special.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See a performance of dancing horses at a premier venue in the Guadalupe Valley.
• Gain an understanding of how the horses are trained to perform.
• Be awed by the prodigious talents of the horses and how they respond to the riders.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Get a literal and figurative taste of Ensenada by visiting historical attractions and sampling locally made mezcal. Your introduction to the city will begin by strolling the grounds of the former Hotel Riviera del Pacifico, a traditional Spanish-style resort built in 1930 with a casino that Al Capone frequented. The margarita was supposedly invented at this landmark. How fitting that you will also visit a mezcalaria to sample mezcal, a spirit similar to tequila but with a greater variety of tastes. After an explanation of the artisanal process, you will try as many as five characteristic mezcals. You may wish to try the traditional accompaniments, worm salt – a blend of sea salt and ground agave worms – and dried grasshoppers. If those offerings are beyond your comfort zone, don’t worry. A dessert of tasty confections follows at a nearby candy shop. Other notable attractions in town include lovely Ventana al Mar park and Flag Plaza.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through the gardens of a former hotel where the margarita may have been invented.
• Hear tales of the Hollywood celebrities that stayed at the hotel in the 1930s, along with Al Capone.
• Sample several mezcals at a mezcalaria and learn how the spirit differs from tequila.
• See landmarks such as Ventana al Mar park on a driving tour of Ensenada.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race through the wilds of the Guadalupe Valley in a Razor ATV, a 4-wheel-drive vehicle designed for adventure. After a briefing on how to safely operate the ATV, you will make a few practice runs to ensure that you maximize the experience. Then, off you will go into the valley. You can drive or simply ride along if you feel more comfortable as a passenger. Either way, it will be exhilarating as the ATV is open on the sides for unobstructed views. You will drive off-road and along dirt trails, following the guide caravan-style. If it has been raining, the ride will be even more fun as mud will be flying in every direction. Stops will be made along the way to admire the hauntingly beautiful scenery. Back at base camp, you can enjoy a glass of wine, a fitting way to toast the adventure as the Guadalupe Valley is wine country.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a guide caravan-style through the Guadalupe Valley in an open-sided ATV.
• Drive the ATV or just ride along as a passenger if you prefer.
• Ride on dirt trails and off-road for an exhilarating backcountry experience.
• Toast the adventure with a glass of wine back at base camp.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Luxuriate at an exclusive beach club in Rosarito Beach and complement the experience with a classic Mexico meal of tacos and margaritas. As you travel up the scenic coastline, you will see one beautiful stretch of white sand after another, the reason this part of Baja California attracts so many beach lovers. Upon arriving at gorgeous Rosarito Beach, which runs the full length of the resort city of Rosarito, you will spend hours relaxing however you please at the stylish and wonderfully laid-back Sunio Beach Club. Feel free to bask in the sun on a lounge chair, stroll along the wide beach, take a refreshing swim in the sea and watch the surfers that often congregate there to take advantage of the waves. Sipping on freshly made icy-cold margaritas will make the experience all the more enjoyable. The accompanying lunch of chicken and beef tacos will be just as satisfying.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours relaxing at the exclusive Sunio Beach Club on Rosarito Beach.
• Enjoy a carefree experience doing most anything you please on the wide stretch of sand.
• Savor a classic taco lunch and margaritas at the luxurious resort.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Enjoy an inspired wine tasting and gourmet lunch at a winery restaurant in the Guadalupe Valley, a fertile area known as the Napa of Mexico, in part because the vast majority of Mexico’s wines are produced there. During the drive inland, you will notice the terrain becoming hillier with an abundance of sprawling farms and idyllic valleys such as Guadalupe. Its microclimate is similar to that in the Mediterranean as the summers are relatively cool with constant ocean breezes. Red wine grapes, in particular, flourish there, and over the past three decades or so, more than 150 wineries have become established along the valley’s wine route. Your introduction to one of the premier wineries will begin with an enlightening, behind-the-scenes tour. Afterwards, you will sample a wide selection of characteristic wines that beautifully represent the Guadalupe Valley. They will be paired with cheeses and artisan bread, which will perfectly complement the fabulous 3-course lunch that follows.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a spectacular scenic drive through the Guadalupe Valley, the Napa of Mexico.
• Gain an understanding of the valley’s terroir by touring a premier winery.
• Sample several representative Guadalupe Valley wines and enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Located just a few miles northeast of Ensenada, about 850 feet above sea level lies Calafia Valley, home to the Casa Dona Lupe and L.A. Cetto wineries. This remote region of the Baja Peninsula is recognized as the best suited area in Mexico for growing grapes and for the production of high quality wines. These wineries are pioneers in the development of wine in Mexico, using old world methods. They’ve been around for centuries and are highly respected for the sherry and brandy they produce.

Enjoy the scenic drive to the valley, while you listen to the narration of your tour guide about the history of Ensenada and the Baja area, as well as the local customs and traditions. Upon arrival to each winery, you’ll have a 20 minute overview of the production process, including the pressing, aging and bottling. At the conclusion, you’ll have an opportunity to taste selected wines, served with assorted cheese and biscuits. You’ll also be able to purchase wines.