Baja has plenty of natural beauty, from its scenic coastlines, to the desserts in the east and growing wine region in its valleys, many representing a Mexican and Baja culture fused versions of many California scenes, like alpine forest just a minutes' drive from dry dessert.

But "La Bufadora" is definitely something you wont find anywhere else in the United States. Or Mexico and Canada for that matter.

Located to the south of the beautiful Port of Ensenada, "La Bufadora" is the largest marine geyser in North America, and one of the largest in the world, created by waves crashing against the cliff side, forcing air into small caves, building up enormous pressure and releasing it once the tides recedes every minute or so, producing a geyser like effect with sea water, as well as a thunderous noise.

The spouts can reach up to 60 ft, and considered the second largest in the world, after the Nakalele Point blowholes in Hawaii.

The Bufadora, which basically means "blowhole" in Spanish, naturally has its own legend, like almost everything else in Baja California. Each year, hundred of grey whales migrate from the cold waters of the north towards the warm waters of the south; so the legend goes that a long time ago, during one of these migrations, a baby whale became separated from its group after curiosity got the better of him and went to take a look around the coast. And, as most of you have already guess, the telling goes that it got stuck in the rocks, used its blowhole to call for help, and after a long time turned into stone and become part of the cliffside. The end of a pretty sad myth.

The area is fortunately is navigable and lends itself to marine tours and you can even take whale watching tours from there. Unfortunately, the whale watching season is almost over for the year, but don't worry, the come back each year to the Baja coast. Besides, La Bufadora has other activities like fishing, diving, kayaking, and many other activities thanks to its calm waters (outside of the blowhole, of course).

VIDEO : La Bufadora as one of the treasures of Baja California

You can see directions to La Bufadora on this map.

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jorge.guevara@sandiegored.com

jose.sanchez@sandiegored.com