This dive site, the Santa Rosa Blue Hole, is a unique natural artesian spring located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. It is a bell-shaped pool, with a maximum depth of 15 meters (also referred to as 81 feet), formed by a natural collapse in the limestone, creating a captivating underwater landscape. Owned by the City of Santa Rosa, a dive permit ($20) is required, obtainable on-site. Divers must be aware this is an altitude dive, necessitating adjustments to dive tables and computers for safety.
Marine life is somewhat limited in this freshwater environment, primarily consisting of crawfish, which periodically appear, and a few goldfish, likely released by visitors. The primary draw for divers is not the biodiversity but the unique geological formation and the experience of diving in a freshwater blue hole.
The water temperature remains consistently cool at 63-64 degrees Fahrenheit (17-18°C) year-round, making a 7mm wetsuit highly recommended, though a 5mm might suffice for shorter dives. Summer visits incur a $5 parking fee. A significant hazard to divers are swimmers who frequently jump off the cliffs, so vigilance is required. The Blue Hole is also a popular spot for freediving due to its accessible depth and often clear waters.
