Club Cantamar Resort, La Paz
I've been to Club Cantamar eight times. I've always said that you can pay a whole lot more, to see a whole lot less.
First the bad news, the beds are rock hard. Water pressure is slight. No elevators. Spartenly appointed rooms. But they have A/C. The food is awful. This is from guy who sez, that I don't go to a resort/boat for the food, I go for the diving. Thus, I've visited eight times.
Now the good new. They are the closet resort to the diving. They have their own recompression chamber, just in case. And, they have the fastest boats. The boats are also sparten, but spacious. Remember what I said about the food? They have larger tanks, for us heavy breathers and will even accommodate rebreathers. They pump Nitrox, be sure to bring your own analyzer. They will take you to some incredible dive spots.
I've led a few groups here. My dive destination plan was: 1) El Bajo - Los Islotes - El Bajito. 2) La Reina - La Reinita. 3) Los Animas - San Francisquito (a long ride). There are other nice spots, but these are the prime spots to me. Don't miss a night dive at Swanne. Critter life can be great for both wide angle and macro. I've seen whale sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, tons of friendly sea lions and nudibranchs. The life is not just underwater, also on the drive to the spot. Dolphins, orcas, pilot whales, etc. The resort will send up an ultra light to spot whale sharks and other large pelagic life. But like any other destination in the world, it's weather dependent.
I've found the entire staff very accommodating. But, you need to be proactive. If you're planning a trip on your own, I'd recommend letting them know of what you expect, before you arrive.
Club Cantamar is situated on a lovely bay. With picturesque sunsets and sunrises. And, some nice restaurants a short walk around the bay. I can't wait for visit number nine. From California, I'll spend way more, to see way less.
Here's a video of my last trip http://vimeo.com/18157140
La Paz 2010 from Walter Marti on Vimeo.
