Rosarito Beach is too far from Ensenada. It is not a safe beach for swimming. I used to go there years ago as a child and never went swimming in the cold ocean that has a lot of turbulence. You will be spending more time on the tour bus than on the beach.
DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY AND TIME.
The Bufadora is also a waste of time and money. They have tons of salespeople harrassing you to buy something from them. They are deperate for money. I have been there and it is no big deal either.
I heard that the Tequila factory tour is fun and very interesting in Ensenada. Your kids would learn how tequila is made which is very interesting because it has to do with the process of the plants and things that they use to make it.
The ship has a local bus at the Ensenada cruiseport where you pay a few dollars each to take you into town. It is a round trip fee. That is the best way to see Ensenada. Just try to remember where your bus will be waiting for you. I always just take the bus and walk around town and look at the things on sale. Then I go back to the ship to eat. Don't drink or eat anything in Ensenada unless you buy bottled drinks or packaged goodies.
I always buy me a bottled coke in town. Please don't give money to the kids or women beggars. They don't get to keep the money. They give it to a rich man that puts them there to work for him.
Catalina Island does have a beach. Just walk to the far end of the island near the old Casino building and you will find a nice beach. They charge a small fee but it is worth it. You will love sitting on the beach and the kids will love the ocean.
They have a Safeway store in town where you can buy sodas and goodies for the beach.
Enjoy your cruise. Luci
