Your Ensenada Cruise Ship Excursion
The Ultimate Ensenada Shore Excursion
Looking for an amazing activity while at port in Ensenada? Skip the "cattle-car" bus tours and experience the soul of Baja. Horses by Jose is Northern Baja’s premiere horseback riding experience, designed specifically for travelers who want an authentic, private, and breathtaking day away from the crowds.
Whether you are traveling with the whole family, planning a romantic getaway, or taking a quick weekend trip with friends, we are here to make your day in Ensenada unforgettable.
Why Choose Horses by Jose?
Group Size: Private or small groups only
The Ride: Trot, canter, or gallop on the open sand.
Photos: Included "Personal Paparazzi" service.
Vibe: Authentic, relaxed Mexican hospitality.
Your Journey to the Ranch
Your adventure begins the moment you disembark. One of our friendly, bilingual, licensed private taxi drivers will be waiting for you at the meeting spot with a sign with your name on it.
Enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive through rolling hillsides and past the Valle de Guadalupe—Baja’s world-famous wine region. Your destination is the rural village of La Mision, a place where cowboy culture is still a way of life.
Welcome Home 🐾
When your taxi pulls into the ranch, you’ll know you’ve arrived. Our "greeting party" of friendly dogs (and a cat named Jesus!) will be the first to meet you! Beyond our 40 happy, well-cared-for horses, the ranch is home to goats, chickens, one turkey and our famous donkey, Taquito.
Take a moment to stretch your legs, meet the animals, and soak in the fresh air before we get you matched with the perfect horse and saddle for your skill level.
The Ride: Estuaries, Rivers, and the Open Beach
Our trail winds through a protected estuary and along the Guadalupe River before opening up onto Playa La Mision—the most beautiful stretch of beach in Northern Baja.
Unlike those ‘nose to tail’ tours, we want you to actually ride. For those who feel comfortable, you’ll have the chance to trot, canter, or even gallop through the surf. Imagine the wind in your hair and the spray of the Pacific as you and your horse move together along the shoreline.
Included: Your Personal "Paparazzi" 📸
Don't worry about fumbling with your phone. Our expert guides act as your personal photographers, capturing high-quality photos and videos of your best moments. We’ll AirDrop them to you back at the ranch—completely free of charge.
Our "Back-to-Ship" Guarantee ⚓
We have hosted thousands of cruise passengers and have a 100% on-time return rate. We coordinate your pickup and return with our trusted taxi partners to ensure you are back at the dock with plenty of time to spare before your "All Aboard" call.
Logistics & Pricing:
Ride Cost: $85 per person (Direct Booking Rate).
Reservations: Advanced booking is required. Book Your Ride Here
Private Transport: The total cost for the private taxi is $80 USD round trip (for up to 4 people), paid in cash to the driver. Each additional person is $10 (up to 7 people).
The Pickup: Your driver will meet you one hour before your ride time (e.g., 10:00 AM for a 11:00 AM ride).
Tacos & Shopping: On the way back, your driver can stop for the area’s best authentic tacos or take you to Ensenada’s downtown shopping district for souvenirs.
Ready to make your horseback riding dreams a reality?
Check Availability & Reserve Your Ride Today
Please ensure you provide a working phone number so we can reach you once you dock!
Book your ride today
Rides are suitable for all ages and all experience levels.
Thank you again for hosting us. This is such a highlight of our trip and the only repeat thing my daughter wanted to do!
-Stephanie
adventure awaits
My granddaughter and I were on a cruise and decided to go horseback riding with Horses by Jose while in Ensanada. My granddaughter's dream was to gallop along the beach. Jose, Junior, Erin, and Zeus made sure she got to Live Her Dream.
If you love horseback riding or just want to give it a try you will not be disappointed. They take pictures and videos (no charge) so you can focus on fun. They are happy to accomodate all skill levels and ensure that everyone has an amazing ride. My granddaughter lived her dream and this grandma got to share the experience and create cherished memories.
THANK YOU, hope to see you again. - Traci
We are two for two in awesome horseback riding experiences with Erin and Jose. We’ve only been to Ensenada twice, and the family has chosen this cruise ship experience both times. It’s not your basic trail ride. While it starts with a trail ride, you head to the beach where they let you loose to ride at your pace/ability. One daughter just walks along the waves, while my other daughter and I get ours racing in a flat out run along the beach. The second time we had a bit more time in Ensenada, so Erin planned an incredibly special food and drink experience with tacos and margaritas! Could not have enjoyed our time more. - Casey
FAQs
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We are about 45 minutes from the cruise ship port. It is a beautiful, rural and scenic drive, allowing you to see more than just the port area of Ensenada.
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Yes! We work with a licensed taxi service to bring you to and from the cruise ship port. (There is an additional cost for transportation, depending on the number of passengers). Our taxi drivers are experienced, friendly and bilingual and are ready to meet you when you get off the ship!
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No! We take beginning riders all the time! Our ride is suitable for all ages and all experience levels.
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That is up to you! If you would like to try a trot, canter, or gallop along the beach, and we see that you are able to, by all means!
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Yes! Our experienced guides will be taking photos and videos along your ride that are yours (free!).
Once you are done with the ride we will airdrop the photos to you (or WhatsApp)
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Yes! Our ride starts at the ranch, goes through estuary trails, along a river, and then out along the beautiful Playa La Mision, the most beautiful stretch of beach in all of Northern Baja California.
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We do not have an exact weight limit. If you have a question about this, please let us know and we can answer.
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Plan on about 3.5 hours total. The ride itself is about 75-90 minutes, depending on your group and how fast or slow you would like to ride.
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Yes we do! Ask us about our 'margarita ride' or our 'taco ride' - perfect for groups of friends or families who want an authentic experience of Mexican ranch hospitality!
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We take a maximum group size of 10 riders at once. If you have a larger group, let us know and we can provide you with possible options.
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We require a deposit (one rider) to reserve your spot. The remainder of the payment for your horseback ride is due on the day you ride.
*The payment for the taxi is in cash, paid to the driver upon your return to the port.
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Don't worry - we work closely with those in the port to accommodate last minute changes in the ship's port schedule. We will do everything possible to make sure you are able to reschedule your ride.
Book your ride today
A great excursion. Horses were healthy and our guides made everything enjoyable. I'd
recommend this excursion! - Ralph