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“Local” dive @ Balmorhea State Park
November 8, 2024 @ 8:00 am - November 11, 2024 @ 5:00 pm
Schedule:
- Friday: Drive
- Saturday:
- Dive
- McDonald’s observatory
- Sunday: Dive
- Monday: Drive
Jim and the Rebels are planning for potluck dinner Sunday night at the park – so if you want to attend, fill that into the spreadsheet and list what you will be bringing – I sent out link to the spreadsheet to those that have already expressed interest. If you are interested in going, let me know (Mike at 469-939-6773) and I’ll send you more info.
* No airfills so bring tanks for the weekend – I’m bringing two tanks (it’s very shallow!). And bring suitable thermal protection (72-76F so I’m bringing a 5mm and hood). And since the water is clear and there are fish, bring a camera if you have one 🙂
* Don’t forget C-card and $5/day for diving
Park:
- Day Passes ($7/day) can be booked on Texas State Parks website
- Available 30 days in advance
- 8-3:00pm entry or 3:00pm-7:30pm entry
- Walk-ins are available the same day but total of 650 visitors available
- Park available 8am-7.30pm
- No lifeguard on duty
Diving:
- $5 dive fee
- Buddy system is mandatory
- Diving Agreement must be signed before diving. Show C card
- No air fills available at the park
- Closest air fill is in Midland/Odessa (2 hour drive)
- Up to 25 feet deep (well, people seem to say 22ft…)
- Water temp: 72-76 degrees
McDonald’s Observatory:
- Admission: $3, Guided Tours $10 ($8 Seniors 65+)
- 82-inch Telescope Guided Tour – only available 12:30pm Sat 9th ($150/person)
- Star Party @7pm Saturday night (about 2 hours)
- $25/adult, $20 / senior, refund (-$3) if cloudy
- Outdoors
- About 50 minute drive from Balmorhea Park
Lodging:
Balmorhea
Park:
- Camping (or RV) available. Can be booked 5 months in advance (23 sites and cabins available as of 9/4
- /2024)
- Booking via Texas state park website
- Cabins/Lodges – $125-$155/night for 2 people (central air/heat, 2 queens, linens and towels included). Some rooms accommodate up to 4 people for extra charge
El Oso Flojo Lodge Balmorhea (http://www.elosoflojolodge.com/)
- 20 rooms
- $79-$139
- Call to reserve room (432-375-0459)
- Scuba friendly lodging with wetsuit and scuba gear storage and drying
The Eleven Inn (http://www.theeleveninn.com)
- 11 rooms
- Call to reserve room
Dining:
Lunch and dinner:
- La Cueva De Oso Restaurant (lunch and dinner 11am-9pm) – (432)375-2273
- Jo’s Bar & Grill
- Lunch and dinner (11am-10pm, closed on Sunday)
- Saddleback Steakhouse (dinner only: 5-10pm) – (432)755-4380
Breakfast:
- Bring your own
- Tacos and burritos at the gas station or grocery store… Recommended by staff at the park!!
Balmorhea Grocery store – open daily