If you are looking for a really interesting natural feature then take a trip down to Ensenada, Mexico to visit La Bufadora. La Bufadora literally means “blowhole.” This is located in the small village of Punta Banda that is located several miles southwest of Ensenada. . Known for its gorgeous cove and tourist shops selling jewelry, curios and prescription drugs, the main attraction is the “blow hole” itself that is a marine geyser. It is the largest blowhole in the world, often shooting upwards more than 100 feet. This is a free attraction.
Despite the fact that the water can be quite chilly the cove at Punta Banda is also known for its scuba diving, swimming and kayaking; a quaint dive shop on the beach rents diving equipment. The town is also known for its oceanside restaurants including Celia’s, The Bufadora, Pancho’s and the Habana Banana. There is also camping in the beaches and nearby hills.
Sightseeing by car is one of the greatest experiences in Ensenada. A suggested trip is to set out early for Bufadora, enjoy lime-cured ceviche shrimp at an authentic Mexican seafood restaurant on 1st Street, a drink at Hussong’s Cantina (a favorite of Mariachis famous for its margaritas), then go for swimming and sunning on the beach. After watching a beautiful sunset you can then return to town for some crazy dancing in the street at Mango Mango’s or cheap shots of beer and tequila at Papas & Beer. Touring from Ensenada to La Bufadora requires transportation so it would be wise to rent a car, and have a designated driver for your return to Ensenada.
Most of the wineries located near Ensenada are situated in the Valle de Guadalupe that is home to over fifty wineries and over ten small hotels. Most are located along highway 3 to Tecate). Most are open daily for tastings and tours as a matter of course, however some wineries require that you call to schedule a visit. Your hotels or hotels in the area can tell you if any special events, such as Merlot Festivals are being held in the area.
The area around Ensenada is also known for surfing. also flock to the world-famous surfing spot known as Todos Santos Island. This is a small, isolated island located west of Ensenada that takes about two hours to get to by boat but it is worth it to play in the enormous waves that can swell to over sixty feet high. The Billabong XXL surfing contest has been held at Todos Santos Island several times. Brad Gerlach, the 2006 winner of Big XXL, surfed a cresting wave that was measured at 68 feet high at Todos Santos Island in December 2006.