La Bufadora - 3 hour drive to a different world
DASC has been mounting about 4 expeditions a season to La Bufadora, a bit south of Ensenada in Punta Banda. We are normally there for two days of diving. In the morning, we do a 2-tank boat dive. Most people relax in the afternoon and visit the tourist shops and La Bufadora (Spanish - The Snorter). La Bufadora is one of the natural wonders of the North American Pacific coast - an ocean blow hole which attracts tourists like a Mexican "Old Faithful" geyser. Nearby, is some of the most interesting diving to be found anywhere in the world.

           
The diving will include vertical walls covered with an amazing abundance and variety of life. Giant rock scallops and giant green anemones, nudibranchs of many types and colors, cowries, gold and purple beaded top snails, big ling cod, morays, the occasional harbor seal or sea lion - it's impossible to adequately describe the diving in a few lines. From 30 to 70 feet depth every square inch is covered with colorful creatures fighting for a toehold; algae, sponges, tunicates, cupcoral anemones.         (See Memberpics-La Bufadora for pictures)

All the folks who say they want to go are on the standby list, but only those who put up $30 are reserved.

(But how much does it cost, really? What are the details? Check The Skinny )
You can camp, or sleep in "Dale's Bunkhouse", on a 30' bluff overlooking the launch cove. There are 5 triple bed spaces. Bunkers need to bring their bedrolls, pillows and jammies. This half star accommodation features a gas range, sink with clean looking but suspect running water, a water heater for the showers, an indoor flush potty and a fantastic view. Campers will be right in the bunkhouse "front yard", and use the facilities and amenities.   More info at www.labufadoradive.com

To cut down on gear transport, we supply breakfast, so you won't have to cook anything. Fruit, sodas, toilet paper, parking fees, are taken care of. In the evening we can walk over to some fine Mexican restaurants for dinner. In the afternoon, the Bufadora strip features cheap fish tacos, beer, and all sorts of other goodies. You might want to bring a cooler for your beer. Everyone should have some drinking water, say 1/2 gallon.

Signing up:
To get a spot reserved, you send in a $30 deposit, which guarantees a seat on the boat and a bunk if you say you want one. You start getting advice and get questioned about preferred dives, skill level, if you have a buddy, etc. If you need to carpool, we can match people ahead of time. Tell me if you have room in that huge bulbous SUV you bought.

But before you sign up….
This diving is not for beginners. The water will be a little colder than San Diego. The vertical walls can go down well past 100 foot, and good habitual depth awareness and buoyancy control are required for safe diving. Depth gauge and compass are a must.
If you tend to get seasick, bobbing about in a panga will do it to you. Have your sea legs, or Dramamine or Bonine. The boatman can't ferry you back between dives.
It should not be a problem for you to drop into kelp, or to hover at a depth with no bottom in sight. It should not be a problem for surge to move you back and forth.
If you cancel a couple weeks ahead, we can replace you and give your deposit back.

click here for movie of launch cove
To sign up for the next trip, email John Leek.