La Bufadora

The Basics

La Bufadora blowhole is a common half-day excursion for travelers and cruise ship passengers in nearby Ensenada, although many tours combine a stop at the geyser with the opportunity to take a canopy tour in Las Cañadas or Pai Pai Ecotourism Park. Whatever your schedule or interests, with options that build in time for horseback riding, browsing the flea markets, or taking part in a tequila tasting alongside visiting La Bufadora, there’s a private or shared excursion to suit most.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Take plenty of cash to buy souvenirs, snacks, and access the public bathrooms.

• Access to La Bufadora itself is free.

• There are several restaurants in and around La Bufadora site.

• The blowhole "erupts" every few minutes, but you might need to be patient to catch a really spectacular jet of water; high tide is the best time to visit.

• Some of the path down to La Bufadora is wheelchair and stroller accessible, although quite steep in parts.

How to Get There

La Bufadora is situated 23 miles (38 kilometers) south of Ensenada, on the Punta Banda peninsula. There’s plenty of on-site parking and the winding drive down to the blowhole is as picturesque as La Bufadora itself. To save the hassle of renting a car, you can also visit during a guided excursion which includes stops at nearby attractions, such as Las Cañadas or Pai Pai.

When to Get There

La Bufadora is a popular year-round attraction and is accessible daily. Weekends and national holidays are typically the busiest times to visit, so go midweek if you want to skip the largest crowds or stop by early in the morning to enjoy the place to yourself. However, to witness the biggest "eruptions," time your visit with high tide.

What to Do in Ensenada

La Bufadora is one of the best natural attractions in Ensenada but there’s much more to the area. Grab a drink at Baja California’s oldest cantina, Hussongs, take a stroll along the malecón (boardwalk) at sunset, or venture into the nearby Valle de Guadalupe wine region to sample some of the best Mexican wines.

Ways to explore

South of the city of Ensenada and surrounded by hiking trails and open ocean, La Bufadora can be visited on day trips down the coast, during kayaking tours, or as a shore excursion from the cruise ships that frequently dock in Ensenada. You’ll find plenty of vendors around the viewpoint hawking snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, while nearby restaurants serve fresh seafood overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You don’t need to dedicate much time to this attraction, but it’s a worthwhile stop if you’re in the area.

Accessibility

The path to the viewpoint is not wheelchair accessible, as it includes several sets of stairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water-resistant bag, sunscreen, cash, water

What to wear

Walking shoes, hat, clothes you don’t mind getting wet

Not allowed

Swimming, entering restricted areas

Amenities

Bathroom, gift shop, snack stalls

Address 

From Ensenada, it takes about an hour to drive to La Bufadora—you’ll find plenty of tour providers that operate out of the city and include stops at the blowhole if you don’t have your own transportation.

Driving

Take Carretera Transpeninsular/Avenida Reforma Sur/México 1 south until you can turn right onto Esteban Cantú. Take another right onto General Rodolfo Sanchez Taboada/BC 23 and continue until you reach the parking lot for La Bufadora.

Public transportation

Public buses tend to run informally—you may be able to find them in the city center if you ask around, but getting back can be a challenge.

Best times to visit

Visit in the morning for reduced crowds, but be sure to check the tides—you’ll want to visit during high tide to get the most dramatic experience.

Best days to visit

Try to visit when the cruise ships aren’t in town, as the viewpoint can get crowded.

Best months to visit

April and May bring warm, dry days to the area, with plenty of sun and blue sky.