About US

Local tours by real locals + ex-pat partners. Safe, fun, and flexible experiences for cruise passengers and Baja travelers.

Mission & STory

Ensenada Excursions and Tours offers private tours and shore excursions in Ensenada, Baja Mexico and private transportation routes through Valle de Guadalupe up to San Diego for our Baja Wine Tours.

I moved to Ensenada in 2011 seeking a healthier, more meaningful life after experiencing triple whammy: consulting career burnout, cancer, and relationship heartbreak. Today, cancer-free and more at peace, I’m a proud dog dad who loves exploring outdoor adventures.

While building Ensenada Massage and helping travelers discover this city, I realized how challenging it can be to plan a full day here. Transportation logistics, figuring out what’s open, understanding safety guidelines, and even handling payments can turn a fun adventure into an annoying experience when you don’t know a foreign place and you are taking care of a group.

In 2019, I took a Carnival Cruise that stopped in Ensenada—my own hometown—and I was reminded how overwhelming the crowds and long waits can feel. That’s why, with the support of our amazing local guides, we’ve created a better way: private, flexible excursions that make transportation simple and let you skip the lines and find activities for the whole family.

We love living in Ensenada and design the services to help travelers enjoy it with a local private experience, overcoming any doubts about safety.

Ensenada has a little bit of everything, though much of it is hidden within local networks. Our team is here to open those doors for you—offering safe, fun, and personalized adventures with genuine hospitality.

– Jesse in Ensenada

Meet the Team

Local experts + friendly pros. We keep your day safe, flexible, and fun.

Portrait of Ena E

Ena E

Tours and Transportation Queen

Your superstar of communication—quick with options, quotes, and custom days. Proud dog mom of nine!


Portrait Tour Guides

Our Tour Guides

Drivers & Local Guides

Our guides are the heart of your experience. More than drivers, they’re locals who make you feel like family—fun, welcoming, and full of character.

From Jose Luis in his cowboy boots to Willy “the Smiler,” Miguel the boxer, Tony the Baja racer, and the rest of our crew, each brings their own story and energy. With us, safe fun in Ensenada is guaranteed—for you and your family.

Portrait of Jesse A

Jesse Atkinson

Founder

Originally from Wisconsin, Jesse has called Baja home for 16 years after a career in economic consulting and teaching at CETYS University. He traded a type-A lifestyle for massage therapy and, somewhat accidentally, founded Ensenada Massage, Ensenada Excursions & Tours, and Valle Mobile Spa.

A passionate traveler (from India and Turkey to Croatia and Baja Sur), Jesse blogs about adventure and healthy living in Ensenada. When he’s not organizing, you’ll find him scuba diving, bodyboarding, playing blues harmonica, or road-tripping with his dogs, Tina and Lola.

More about Founder Jesse Atkinson

Interviews:

Jesse Atkinson’s LinkedIn Facebook

“We keep it simple, personal, and warm. Just like Ensenada itself.”

-jesse in ensenada

Our Vision & Values

We believe that every traveler to Ensenada deserves access to both profound relaxation and safe, joyful adventure. As part of our larger wellness philosophy, we’ve also launched:

Our core values guide everything we do:

  • Kindness

  • Service

  • Responsible Communication

  • Teamwork

  • Celebration

EnsenadA Excursions and tours Awards

What Guests Are Saying

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★★★★★
Google Review • Jacqui C (Los Angeles) • 9/2023

My boyfriend and I were on a Carnival Radiance cruise and wanted to do something fun in Ensenada. Ship excursions didn’t interest us (and were expensive), so we booked ATV + Zipline with Ensenada Excursions after seeing great reviews. Our guide picked us up at the cruise dock—super fun and made our trip one to remember!

I was a bit nervous since it was our first time in Mexico together and I didn’t know what to expect, but we had a blast. If you’re visiting Ensenada, support local business and book through Ensenada Excursions! (:

Guest avatar
★★★★★
Google Review • Harry M (TN) • 7/2022

We weren’t on a cruise and they still picked us up from our hotel at no extra charge. Our driver stayed with us all day, took photos, and even brought us to extra spots after the tour. We also added a two-hour massage for only $200 for two people—amazing value!

Great conversation, helpful recommendations, and zero pressure. When we come back, it’s a must-do again. Thanks, Ensenada Excursions!

Guest avatar
★★★★★
TripAdvisor Review • Emily Rose • 5/2023

We’ve visited Ensenada many times and usually shuttle to La Bufadora. Jesse and Arturo quickly set up a custom private tour to La Bufadora and horseback riding—best experience yet!

Our driver, Willie, was fantastic. We’ll never do Ensenada or La Bufadora any other way again. Highly recommend this company.

Policies & Guarantees

Back-to-Ship Guarantee

With over 5,000 tours completed, no guest has ever missed their ship. In the unlikely event it happens, we cover transportation, housing, and expenses to get you to your home port or the next port. Ensenada is not a tender port, downtown is right by the pier, and our driver network is always in touch to keep you safe and on time.

[Full explanation here in our blog]

No Port, No Pay (direct Bookings)

We’re proud to offer Ensenada’s only “No Port, No Pay” policy. If your cruise ship does not dock, you receive an automatic refund.

  • If the cruise cancels port, you’re refunded.

  • If the cruise reschedules port day, we reschedule your tour.

Free Cancellation (Direct Bookings Only)

Refunds available for cancellations made within these timeframes:

Other conditions:

  • If the cruise cancels port, you’re refunded.

  • If the cruise reschedules port day, we reschedule your tour.

  • If weather cancels your tour, your deposit is refunded.

  • No-shows or late cancellations may result in loss of deposit.

  • Credit card refunds over $80 may incur a 2.9% bank processing fee (waived on smaller refunds).

Transportation & Itinerary

  • Itinerary changes: 2 complimentary changes included. Additional changes may incur a $20 admin fee.

  • Late arrivals: We wait up to 45 minutes at pickup. No stress if you’re delayed exiting the ship.

  • If your tour begins with a massage, late arrival may reduce massage time to respect other spa appointments.

Privacy Policy

We never share your name or information with third parties. Our businesses (Ensenada Massage, Ensenada Excursions, Valle Mobile Spa) share one client list. Occasionally, Jesse may send a newsletter with travel tips and updates.

Quotes & Payments

  • Quotes valid for 14 days in USD cash (best price).

  • Digital payments: +5% fee (Venmo/Zelle/credit card).

  • Prices depend on final group size & activities (adding or removing participants may adjust per-person price).

  • Credit card deposit refunds over $100 may incur a 3% processing fee.

Taxes & Receipts

  • No extra taxes!

  • All Mexican and US taxes are included in prices.

  • Facturas and US receipts available upon request.

Community GivE Back

We support Dog & Cat Rescue Los Adoptables with monthly contributions. Guests are welcome to donate — we’ll match donations up to $50.
We are building the team pet board in reception. 2023 we supported Pretty Horses rescue, and in 2024 we supported La Manada Feliz

Kids Discounts Policy

  • Children under 4 ride free (one child per adult on tour, if space allows).

  • Activity costs (e.g., Pai Pai entry, horseback riding, ATV passenger) apply if participating.

  • Free Car Seats and Booster seats for comfort (not legally required). Mention when you book.

  • Under 16 get 20$ off Massages

  • See individual tour activity pages for age minimums.

Local Charity 5% & Discount Codes

We love Ensenada and give back by supporting local charities. Each quarter we donate 5% of income to a cause—and you save too!