Ensenada Shore Excursion: Fish Tacos, Cantinas & Riviera Casino

Summary

Best Ensenada Cruise Tour: Food, Wine & Local History

You’ll taste fresh fish tacos by the sea, hang out where locals unwind with live music and cold beer, watch tortillas made from scratch, enjoy Baja-Med cuisine for lunch, and sip an original margarita at Ensenada’s historic Riviera Casino—all guided by someone who truly knows every corner of town.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Ensenada has this salty tang that wakes you up before your first coffee. We started out right by the waterfront, where the fishing boats were just coming in—nets heavy with today’s catch. Our guide, Luis (he grew up here), pointed out which stalls had the freshest fish for tacos. I’d never tasted a taco so crisp and light; the batter was still sizzling when we got it, and there was this squeeze of lime that just made everything pop. If you’re into seafood, this is the real deal—no tourist traps.

Next stop was a cantina that locals swear by—apparently it’s famous on both sides of the border. The doors creaked open to live norteño music and laughter bouncing off old wooden tables. Beer isn’t included but honestly, sipping a cold one while listening to accordion tunes feels like you’re part of some secret club. Mondays are quiet since they close up shop, but any other day? It’s buzzing.

I didn’t expect to get excited about tortillas, but watching them puff up on the hot machine was kind of hypnotic. The smell of corn filled the tiny room—reminded me of childhood breakfasts. We tried them straight off the press with just a pinch of salt. Simple, but somehow perfect.

Lunch options hit different here—La Morocha if you want something lively or Muelle 3 for Baja-Med flavors (think fresh seafood with a twist). Both spots have their own vibe; our group split up and swapped bites so nobody missed out.

If you’ve still got energy left after all that food, there’s one last stop: Riviera Casino. The place oozes old-school glamour—think velvet chairs and stories about gangsters sneaking in during Prohibition. We sipped margaritas (they say this is where it was invented) while our guide shared wild tales about Hollywood stars and secret parties from back in the day. The drink itself? Tart, icy, just enough salt on the rim—a proper finish to a day in Ensenada.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ensenada Food and Culture Tour

• Observe local fish and seafood, enjoy fish taco
• Visit famous cantina with northern Mexican music
• Watch tortilla production and make a tortilla taco
• Lunch at La Morocha or Muelle 3
• Margarita at Riviera Casino, learn its history

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

Yes! The route is wheelchair accessible and we can adjust stops as needed—just let us know ahead of time.

Are drinks included at the cantina or casino?

No, drinks aren’t included but you can buy whatever you like at each stop.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Please tell us before your tour—we’ll do our best to adapt meals or suggest alternatives at each location.

How long does the tour last?

The experience usually takes around 4-5 hours depending on group pace and interests.

Can I book a private version of this tour?

Absolutely! We’re happy to design something custom for your group or budget—just ask when booking.

What’s included

Bottled water is always on hand to keep you refreshed. You’ll get to try an authentic fish taco by the waterfront plus a warm tortilla taco straight from the press. Guides are locals who really care about showing you their favorite spots—not just ticking boxes off a list.