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So you booked a cruise to Mexico and now you’re looking for an Ensenada Carnival Cruise excursion that checks all the boxes on your list? Congratulations! Prepare to let all your stress melt away because you just found the last piece that you’ve been looking for to make your getaway unforgettable. We’re here to give you the insider tips on the best excursion that’s worth every penny.
Why this Ensenada Carnival Cruise Excursion?
Mexican influence is huge in the United States, but sometimes even our favorite restaurants don’t have the real deal recipes and culture. There’s nothing like tasting original Mexican food, candy, and tequila straight from the source. This itinerary is a great budget-friendly vacation option for the whole family. It’s also great for celebrating big milestones like a 21st birthday, graduation, or your first-time cruising solo. Whatever the occasion is, if you’re looking for a Carnival Cruise excursion in Ensenada that has it all, this is the one for you.
Tip: This is a walking tour around the city. Everything is within walking distance of the ship so make sure to wear your comfortable shoes and a bag with all your travel essentials.
The Ultimate Food Teller
The Ultimate Food Teller excursion was the perfect way to relax, experience the culture, sightsee, have entertainment, get some good food, and drink all in one. It really is the best of all worlds on vacation. Everything listed down below was included in the price of this Carnival Cruise excursion (unless otherwise noted). Let’s just say you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil all the details! Just giving you a sneak peak of what to expect. Here’s a quick look at what we did at each stop.
Seafood Lunch
Shrimp tacos, salsa tasting, and fresh-squeezed lemonade- what else is there to say besides “yum“! There’s no better place to get a taste of some seafood than in the market district where they fish straight out of the sea port and get it right onto your plate.
Enjoy a fried shrimp taco with more than 6 different toppings to try like homemade salsas, guacamole, vegetables, and crema. Pair it with chilled lemonade that is just the right blend of sweet and tangy and it a great meal. It’s a great opportunity to settle in with your fellow cruise mates and make new friends.
This was by far my favorite meal of the day and a great start to an amazing Carnival Cruise excursion.
Mexican Candy Store
Mexican candy is huge in the United States, but having some straight from the shop it’s made at is a different experience.
On one plate there are all the sweets. Chocolates, nuts, chocolate covered nuts, cactus, you get it. The other plate is everything fruity, sour, and spicy. Chile covered peach rings, sour belts, and gummy worms to name a few.
Taste all the samples you want and of course, if you really love the candy you can always buy your own batch to take home.
Mezcal Factory
Warning! You’ll be spoiled rotten after tasting this specialty margarita. You may never view another one the same! Made with premium Mezcal straight from the groves, this drink is mixed to perfection. Not too bitter, not too sweet, worth the hype and everything a margarita should be.
They may even throw in a couple of extra shots for the group in order to celebrate birthday people. Their exclusive Mezcal can only be purchased at their store so make sure you get a bottle to take home (I regret that I didn’t!).
After getting a few drinks, you’ll get to enjoy a light snack of fish and chips before heading off to the next tour stop.
Fish Tacos
Time to eat again! A short walk through the streets with your tour guide will bring you to your next meal- a delicious fried fish taco at a culture-filled restaurant. Another great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow cruise mates. They also had huge blended fruit margaritas available for purchase (about $10).
Tip: If you go during February (we were there the 21), you might just catch the Mardi Gras parade on your way to this stop! Talk about getting to experience the culture.
Dessert Tasting
After all that walking and eating it’s time for something sweet. How about some freshly made authentic Mexican churros? Yes please! The next stop on this Ensenada Carnival Cruise excursion is the churro shop. You’ll love every bite of this crunchy, cinnamon-sugary pastry.
Tequila Factory
Ok, now time for the real fun for tequila drinkers. The last stop on this Carnival Cruise excursion is the local Tequila Factory where you’ll get a tour, learn about the tequila making process, get a ceviche tostada, and -most importantly- get to sample at least 6 different shots of specialty tequila. This is the real stuff made of 100% agave and grown right on their farms in the heart of Mexico. And when I say samples, I’m not talking Costco sized. The tequila “samples” are full shots poured to the brim, so you definitely get the whole experience. They don’t play in Mexico.
Branch Off And Explore On Your Own
If you’re not quite ready to head back to the ship, branch off and go explore on your own. Visit shops, get some authentic Mexican snacks to take back home, buy from street vendors, and take some beautiful memories with photo ops. Just make sure not to wonder off too far and allow plenty of time to get back on the ship so that you don’t get left!
It was about a 10-15 minute walk back to the ship but we recommend leaving about a 25 minute cushion just to make sure you get back on time. The boat WILL leave you.
That’s all you need to know about the perfect Carnival Cruise excursion. We’ll leave the rest a surprise 😉
Happy sailing cruisers! Be sure to comment below and let us know how your trip goes when you get back!
And check out some more of our favorite pics from the trip.
