Dive trip to Baja.
Punta Banda area.

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WHEN:

August 22 to August 25, 1997 A weekend of Diving and relaxation was the main goal.

WHERE:

Campo La Jolla was OUR camping spot, the Ocean side.
Dive sites were at Arbolitos Cove, Kennedy Cove, & Tres Hermanas. MAPS

Details:

We arrived at Campo La Jolla (Some of locals spell it with 1 'L' not 2) at around 2-3 PM, Just in time for an afternoon dive at Arbolitos Cove. VIZ was real good (30-40) and water temp was managable (Low 60's). We went around to the LEFT towards Kennedy Cove crossing under the area where all the Pangas are anchored, depths ranged from 10' to 48' and our bottom time was over 75 min. We came back with over 1000Lbs in our tanks, NICE! Then it was off to La Bufadora for some Fish Tacos for dinner, GREAT! Then it was time to head back to Campo for a fire and some Stargazing.

The next day we went to Kennedy Cove. Here we were treated to some Japanese Blow-fish (U had to be there, almost like the White Lace from 1 of our previous trips, but different). During this dive Bob bagged a 5-6Lb BUG! We cut our dive short to go have LUNCH 48 min of bottom time. After the BUG meal we went back to town (La Buf) for some evening mixing with the American Locals. I/we met some very interesting people, a former US Representative from Kanas (Who will rename nameless) and some others who told us some stories about their experiences there. I also got some MORE information on the elusive 300' wall where many Americans have been killed trying to dive, WE just can't wait to dive this spot, BUT it turns out to be a BOAT dive. Then WE went from the La Bufadora Restaurant to Celia's Restaurant where they have LIVE music that was really quite good, WE also had dinner here. Then it was back to Campo...

On Sunday, WE decided to Get Down to Business and do some MANLY-MAN diving. If Kennedy had a 100'+ Cliff to hike DOWN & UP then the dive at Tres Hermanas is EVEN tougher. After negotiating a RIDE in a 4x4 from a Local American down close to the beach, WE then tried a 600+ yard swim to reach Tres Hermanas, WE never actually made it where WE were attempting to make it to, but since the water temp on this side is 10 degrees warmer and since there were schools of Yellowtail around, AND since OUR BT was OVER 75min again, we considered this a great dive.Then when WE got back to the beach we had to hike up this BIG cliff, with all the gear back to the van.
Then WE went back to Arbolitos Cove for another 75min dive but this time to the right side. After these 2 dives we went to town to do some touristy things like T-shirt shopping & eating (El Dorado, yes U heard that right Greg). Then back to Campo for an EVEN clearer night for Stargazing.

On Monday, WE did 1 more dive at Arbolitos Cove then it was time to pack-up the van and head back for home, of course stopping at Puerto Nuevo for the Tradional Lobster Dinner.

To Summarize:
Arbolitos Cove now has a cement ramp so access is a piece of cake. Kennedy now has steps down to the beach, which was nice (Especially AFTER seeing the Blow-fish). And CAMPO LA JOLLA now has Round-the-Clock security and Policia at the Gate. Prices are still very reasonable $3 for camping and $1.50 per diver at dive sites. I noticed the Lobsters are starting to make a comeback because I saw several holes with many good sized BUGS in them (Areas will remain nameless at this time), I did NOT even tell any of the locals about the bugs I saw.

WHO:

Rich & Bob.

If YOU would like more info & want to go with us, respond via Email to info@southcoastdivers.com.

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