Kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and everything the Pacific coast has to offer
The Pacific Ocean at Ensenada is cold year-round (58-69°F / 14-21°C). A wetsuit is required for surfing, snorkeling, and diving in all seasons. The warmest water and best visibility are from July through September.
Where: Todos Santos Bay, La Bufadora area, Estero Beach
Rentals run $30-50 USD for a half day. The calm bay is beginner-friendly, while La Bufadora requires more experience due to open ocean conditions. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available at multiple locations along the waterfront.
Best months: May through October when seas are calmer and water is warmer.
Best spots: Punta Banda area, La Bufadora underwater caves, kelp forests near Todos Santos Island
Guided tours run $50-80 USD and include gear. The kelp forests are a highlight — towering underwater canopies teeming with marine life. Water is cold year-round so a wetsuit is mandatory.
Best months: July through September for warmest water (up to 69°F) and best visibility.
Highlights: Kelp forests, La Bufadora underwater cave, Todos Santos Island, sea lion colonies
Two-tank dives run $100-150 USD including all gear. Open water certification is required for most dives, but discover/intro dives are available for beginners. Multiple dive shops operate in Ensenada — check TripAdvisor for current operators and reviews.
Swimming through kelp forests with sea lions is a bucket-list experience unique to this region.
Top breaks:
Wetsuit: Required year-round. 4/3mm in winter, 3/2mm in summer. Winter brings bigger swells; summer has warmer water.
Where: Ensenada harbor, Todos Santos Bay
Jet ski rentals run $60-80/hour. Boat rentals vary by size and duration. Check with operators at the sportfishing pier for current availability and pricing. A great way to explore the bay on your own terms.
Operator: Sergio's Sportfishing offers scenic bay cruises
Scenic cruises of Todos Santos Bay are perfect for families, sunset viewing, and anyone who wants to be on the water without fishing. Great way to see the coastline, spot dolphins, and enjoy the harbor from the water side.
Best spots: Punta Banda, La Bufadora area, rocky areas south of Ensenada
Best times: Low tide (check tide charts online before you go). November through March has the lowest tides of the year.
What you'll see: Sea anemones, starfish, urchins, hermit crabs, small fish, mussels, and other intertidal creatures. Free activity — just show up at low tide with sturdy shoes.
Tips: Wear shoes with good grip on wet rocks. Don't remove any creatures. Watch for incoming waves. Great for kids and families.
| Activity | Cost | Skill Level | Where | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayaking / SUP | $30-50/half day | Beginner | Todos Santos Bay, La Bufadora, Estero Beach | May-Oct |
| Snorkeling | $50-80 guided | Beginner-Moderate | Punta Banda, La Bufadora caves, kelp forests | Jul-Sep |
| Scuba Diving | $100-150/2-tank | Certified (intro available) | Kelp forests, Todos Santos Island | Jul-Sep |
| Surfing | Board rentals available | Beginner to Expert | San Miguel, Stacks/3Ms, Todos Santos Island | Year-round |
| Jet Ski | $60-80/hour | Beginner | Ensenada harbor, bay | Year-round |
| Harbor Cruise | $30-50/person | All ages | Todos Santos Bay | Year-round |
| Tide Pooling | Free | All ages | Punta Banda, La Bufadora area | Nov-Mar (lowest tides) |