“Local Dive” @ Balmorhea State Park
🤿 Scubadillos: The “New Moon” Balmorhea Adventure
Weekend of November 6–8, 2026
We’ve timed this trip to coincide perfectly with the lunar cycle for the ultimate West Texas experience. Expect crystal-clear spring diving by day and some of the darkest, most star-filled skies on the planet by night.
🌌 Astronomical Note: The official technical moment of the New Moon is Monday, November 9, 2026, at 1:02 AM CST. Because our trip takes place immediately leading up to this exact alignment, the sky will be virtually pitch-black all weekend. Saturday night during our Star Party will see a mere 2% lunar illumination, ensuring prime conditions to view the Milky Way with the naked eye!
🗓️ Weekend Schedule
- Friday, Nov 6: Travel Day. Arrive and check into your lodging.
- Evening: Local Dinner (Time TBD based on group arrivals).
- Saturday, Nov 7:
- Morning: Diving the San Solomon Springs.
- 12:00 PM: Local Lunch. We’ll grab food nearby before the afternoon session.
- 5:00 PM: Group Dinner in Fort Davis (approx. 40-min drive).
- 7:00 PM: New Moon Star Party at McDonald Observatory.
- Sunday, Nov 8:
- Morning: Final dives and exploration.
- 11:30 AM: Gear cleanup and a quick final lunch.
- 1:00 PM: Hit the road for the drive back to Dallas.
🌊 Diving & Stargazing Conditions
- Water Temp: 72°–76°F (Constant). A 5mm full suit + hood is recommended.
- Visibility: 100+ feet. Perfect for underwater photography!
- Depth: 20–25 feet.
- Air Temp: High: ~71°F / Low: ~38°F.
- ⚠️ WARNING: It will be very chilly post-dive and even colder at the Observatory due to high elevation. Please bring warm clothing and a heavy jacket for Saturday night.
- Moon Phase: New Moon (0% Illumination). The Milky Way will be visible to the naked eye, assuming clear skies!
⚠️ AIR FILL ALERT: There are NO air fills at the park. Bring 2–3 tanks for the weekend. The closest fills are 2 hours away in Midland/Odessa.
🏨 Lodging Options & Rates
Everything in Balmorhea fills up months in advance. Choose your basecamp:
| Location | Room Type / Description | Nightly Rates | How to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Solomon Springs Court (On-Site) | Queen Room (1 Queen bed, non-suite) One-Bed Suite (1 Queen bed + living area) Two-Bed Suite (2 Queen beds) Family Suite (2 Queens + Trundle bed) All units have a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee bar. | $125–$155 / night (Depending on room size/suite tier. Plus hotel tax and daily park fees) | Texas State Parks Reservation Site or call (512) 389-8900 |
| El Oso Flojo Lodge | Scuba-friendly motel; great gear storage setup. | Varies by season | Call 432-375-0459 |
| The Eleven Inn | Boutique 11-room inn close to the park. | Varies by season | theeleveninn.com |
🍢 Strict TPWD Grilling Rules: If you are staying at the San Solomon Springs Court, please note that grilling or cooking is strictly prohibited inside the rooms, on walkways, or directly within the motel parking lots. Grilling is only permitted in the designated day-use picnic area using the provided outdoor grills. Furthermore, grilling is subject to standard park day-use hours and must wrap up by 7:30 PM or sunset (whichever comes first) when the day-use area closes.
📅 Important Booking Deadlines
📞 Ready to Join?
Text or call Mike at 469-939-6773 to confirm your spot or ask questions!