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All Mexico Ensenada La Bufadora
AO Edited

La Bufadora

Legend says one of the world's largest marine geysers is actually a whale that got wedged within the rocks.

Ensenada, Mexico

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Ken J
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A small spray blows over the crowd.   ProveIt/public domain
La Bufadora.   Shizhao/cc by-sa 3.0
La Bufadora.   Alex Tapia/cc by-sa 3.0
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About

Mexico's Punta Banda (Banded Point) is named for the geological strata that dominate the underlying landscape. But it also features yet another geological site of intrigue: one of the most notable blowholes in North America. 

The ocean's waves push air and water through a narrow passage in the rocks. The seawater then flows through a partially submerged chamber before erupting into the air, creating one of Earth's largest marine geysers. 

Expect to get wet! Waves crash into the ocean cliff as frequently as you would imagine. Even on a calm day, this can blast a ton of water 100 feet or more above the sea. The geyser height relates to the tide level and the size of waves, so expect a better show during rough seas at high tide.

Old lore has it that a whale became wedged in the rocky point and blew water to attract its pod's attention. Eventually, the whale turned to stone, never to be free again.

Related Tags

Geysers Geology Geological Oddities Water

Know Before You Go

The way to La Bufadora is well marked, you will find parking nearby and walk along a well paved road to the view point. Head south on highway 1 from Ensenada and take a right on 23. By car it should take less than an hour. Alongside the road are many small shops so it looks like you're going into a flea market, just keep walking and you will come to the viewpoint.

Note: the area is more crowded when cruise ships are docked at Ensenada so plan your trip accordingly. On your way out, enjoy some tacos and have fun bartering with the tourist trap vendors. On a slow day, you will easily get the best prices.

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Community Contributors

Added By

KenJ

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe

  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

July 12, 2019

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blowhole_(geology)
  • https://www.visitmexico.com/en/actividades-principales/baja-california/visit-la-bufadora
La Bufadora
P7FG+HR Punta Banda I
Ensenada, 22819
Mexico
31.7241, -116.7229
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Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Ensenada

Ensenada

Mexico

Places 2

Nearby Places

Hussong's Cantina

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Ensenada

Ensenada

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