La Bufadora Ensenada: How to visit the famous blowhole
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La Bufadora is the largest geyser in North America, located along the rugged Pacific Coast just south of Ensenada. The geyser can reach up to 100 feet (30 meters) depending on the current conditions.
This natural phenomenon is created by the ocean waves that push the water into a sea cavern. After the waves go back, the air trapped in the cave pushes the water upward, creating a spectacular display known as La Bufadora.
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To see this incredible phenomenon, you can walk up to the platform in front of La Bufa, and wait until it erupts.
Sometimes, the eruptions happen every other second, but it can also take up to a few minutes to see the geyser. Your best chance to see La Bufadora in its full glory is during the high tide when waves crash against the cliffs with full force.
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When I visited La Bufadora for the first time, I didn’t see the geyser because the tide was too low, but I was lucky to see it my second time, so you need the right conditions to enjoy the view.
La Bufadora has two observation platforms – the lower and the upper one, with the lower one usually being more busy since it’s closer to the geyser.
Where is La Bufadora?
La Bufadora is just 37 km (20 miles) south of downtown Ensenada. It’s located at the top of the Punta Banda Peninsula, amid craggy cliffs and green hills overlooking the Pacific.
La Bufadora makes a fun mini trip from Ensenada, but if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to get here early morning.
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La Bufadora Ensenada map
How far la La Bufadora from Ensenada?
La Bufadora is about 40 minutes from downtown Ensenada. Take a highway south and follow the winding road toward Punta Banda, a small peninsula where La Bufadora is. Once you start driving uphill, you will enjoy the view of Ensenada and Bahia de Todos Santos (Bay of Todos Santos).
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La Bufadora legend
The name La Bufadora means “The Blowhole” in English. According to the legend, a baby whale who left his mother to explore the area got stuck after entering the underwater cave over 100 years ago. As the whale couldn’t get out, he blew water to attract the attention of other whales to help him, but as time passed and no one came to rescue, he turned into a stone.
The legend says that the huge spray that we see today is the grown whale still blowing his spout as he keeps crying.
➡️ Read: Is Baja California safe?
How much is the entrance to La Bufadora?
The entrance to La Bufadora is free, but you will need to pay a few dollars for parking.
Parking at La Bufadora
There are many parking spots near La Bufadora and most charge between $1.50-2.00 per car which you need to pay in cash to an attendants. Although most of them will happily accept U.S. dollars, paying in Mexican Pesos will help you get better rates.
After you park your car, walk toward the observation platform near La Bufadra. A one-way street is lined with souvenir stalls, and restaurants serving seafood, churros, and traditional Mexican dishes.
Things to know before visiting La Bufadora
1. High tide is when you see La Bufa
When the tide is too low, you will not see La Bufadora, as there’s not enough pressure to form La Bufa. Check weather conditions before heading there.
2. Expect to get wet
Under the right conditions, waves crashing into the cliff can produce a huge La Bufadora, especially during the high tide. Get a raincoat, especially if you are visiting on a rainy day.
3. Check out the area
The area surrounding La Bufadora offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, so don’t leave just yet after checking out the geyser.
4. Skip weekends and big holidays
La Bufadora can be very crowded on weekends and major holidays, so you should avoid those days. Try to visit on weekdays instead.
5. Bring your camera
La Bufadora is a perfect place to capture stunning photos and try typical Mexican dishes in one of the restaurants surrounding the blowhole.
6. Don’t forget to haggle
If you want to get one of the cheesy souvenirs from local vendors, don’t forget to haggle. You can get a better rate if you visit during the off-season or slow days when there are not tons of tourists.
7. Visit during daylight hours
Even though La Bufadora doesn’t have specific hours, visit it during the day.
La Bufadora hours
La Bufadora is open year-round but it doesn’t have specific operating hours, since it depends on the weather conditions. Stores and restaurants in the area are usually open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Is La Bufadora Mexico safe?
La Bufadora is safe, but be careful and keep your distance from the geyser.
Getting to La Bufadora
How to get to La Bufadora?
If you are traveling to La Bufadora from Ensenada, take Federal Road 1 south toward Punta Banda Peninsula.
Ensenada is about a 90-minute drive from San Diego, California, and you can reach La Bufadora by car, join a guided tour, or catch a taxi or Uber from Ensenada. There are also public buses available from downtown Ensenada that can take you to the blowhole.
By car
To get to La Bufadora by car, take a highway south of Ensenada and turn south toward Punta Banda to follow the coastline. As you drive further from Ensenada, you will enter the countryside with mountains, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views. I recommend having some extra time because you will most likely want to pull over to enjoy these views along the scenic drive.
By bus
There might be public buses or vans ( also called “colectivos”) that offer transportation from Ensenada to La Bufadora. These may not run as frequently as they do in more central locations, so you should check the schedule before your visit.
By guided tour
Many tour operators in Ensenada offer guided tours to La Bufadora. These tours often include transportation from your hotel in Ensenada to La Bufadora, along with visits to other nearby attractions like flea markets or a local park where you can zipline.
✅ BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR OF LA BUFADORA
It’s a convenient option if you don’t have a rental car and don’t want to pay for Uber or a taxi.
Best tours of La Bufadora from Ensenada
By Uber
You can also arrange for private transportation, such as hiring a taxi or a private car service, to take you directly to La Bufadora from wherever you are in the Ensenada area. Uber to La Bufadora from Ensenada will cost around 450-500 Pesos one way.
Note that you will most likely need to take a taxi or public bus back to Ensenada, as there’s no Uber in La Bufadora.
How to get to La Bufadora from Ensenada cruise port?
The fastest way to get from Ensenada cruise port to La Bufadora is by taking Uber. You can also join a guided tour to La Bufadora, but to do so, you will need to make your reservation ahead of time.
What is the best time to see La Bufadora?
The best time to see La Bufadora is during the high tide when waves crash against the rock at full speed, causing the pressure inside the sea cavern to push water through the sea cavern.
La Bufadora Baja California things to do
Besides marveling at the spectacular geyser, there are a few other things to do in La Bufadora.
- Lighthouse at Punta Banda: Visit the historic Punta Banda Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of Ensenada and the surrounding coastline.
- La Bufadora kayak tour – You can enjoy a kayak tour of the area around La Bufadora during the summer
- Shop for souvenirs – There are also many local vendors selling various souvenirs, crafts, and food around La Bufadora. Make sure to bring cash with you because not all of them accept credit cards.
- Try authentic Mexican food – Many restaurants near La Bufadora offer authentic Mexican food that’s made on the spot from scartch.
Other things to do in Ensenada
1. Walk along Malecón
Take a stroll along Ensenada’s Malecon, aka the waterfront promenade, enjoying views of the bay, local artwork, and street vendors.
2. Explore La Plaza Civica
Take a stroll through the main square of Ensenada, where you can admire the historic architecture, shop for souvenirs, and people-watch.
3. Go Whale Watching
Depending on the season (typically December to April), go on a whale-watching tour to see gray whales migrating along the coast.
4. Partake in water activities
Enjoy a variety of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.
5. Take a trip to Valle de Guadalupe
Mexico’s scenic wine country, Valle De Guadalupe is the country’s top producing wine region.
Best hotels near La Bufadora
- Bungalos Las Esperanzas – A perfect beachfront bungalow in Punta Banda a short drive from La Bufadora, this is a perfect stay to relax and enjoy the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The property has free parking, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, a fridge, and appliances, and an outside seating area.
- Casa De Playa En Ensenada – Located near Playa Arenosa and Playa Peninsula, this 3-bedroom vacation home has a terrace and free private parking. The property also has a jacuzzi, and a spacious outdoor area perfect for enjoying the spectacular outside views.
- Beach House by ULIV – A great value stay in Ensenada, this beach house is newly renovated and comes with parking, an outdoor swimming pool, a beautiful terrace, and a prime location not too far from La Bufadora.
La Bufadora restaurants
As you walk toward La Bufadora, you will pass a row of restaurants where local vendors will call you to stop by and check their menus. Many of these places offer seafood and classic Mexican dishes.
- La Cabana De Pancho Villa – If you are looking for tacos after enjoying the view of the famous geyser, this place is a must-stop. Friendly service and delicious menu options.
- Restaurant La Bufadora Tequila Grill – A perfect place with stunning ocean views and great menu options.
- Del Amo – A popular restaurant a bit away from the entrance to La Bufadora. Excellent place to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
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La Bufadora: Baja California: FAQ’s
Why is La Bufadora famous?
La Bufadora is the second-largest marine geyser in the world (the largest is at Makapuu Point in Oahu, Hawaii), and the largest geyser in North America. This phenomenon is caused by ocean waves being forced into a partially submerged sea cavern, causing tons of air and water pressure to build.
How much is a taxi from Ensenada to La Bufadora?
A taxi from Ensenada to La Bufadora can cost up to 600 Pesos (30 USD) one way, but if you can haggle down the price a bit, it can be cheaper. Take Uber to skip high taxi prices.
Is La Bufadora free?
Access to La Bufadora is free, but if you travel by car, you will need to pay a few dollars for parking.
What does La Bufadora mean in English?
La Bufadora means blowhole in English.
Baja California travel planner
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisaa website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
Do I need a car in Baja California?
You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I use DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico, and love their budget-friendly prices and flexible cancellation policy.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular destinations in Baja.
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?
A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
Where can I book flights to Baja?
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Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?
Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use HostelWorld to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.