The Blue Hole is arguably the best diving spot in the Southwest. Divers and swimmers alike come from all parts of the country to explore the turquoise waters of this oasis. This natural wonder is located in Santa Rosa, in Eastern New Mexico. Take a look at what makes this natural spring in New Mexico so unique and worth visiting:
The Blue Hole is fed by a natural, underground spring.
Yelp/Larry D.
Each minute, 3000 gallons of water pour through the Blue Hole.
Flickr/Stephen Harshman
That means that every six hours the water here is totally replaced.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM That’s the reason for its exceptional clarity. Divers on the bottom can look up at the surface, 81 feet above them, and see people at the top peering into the water!
The Blue Hole is shaped like a bell.
Flickr/Alan Levine The diameter at the top is 60 feet; at the bottom, the pool is 130 feet across.
The temperature remains pretty steady, usually hovering around 62 degrees.
Flickr/Sushant Jadhav
Divers are not alone in these waters. There are also fish and plants beneath the surface.
Wikimedia Commons/Autopilot If you intend to scuba dive, just make sure you get a permit first (they’re not expensive). You don’t need a permit to swim.
People love leaping from the rocks, paddling around, or just relaxing next to these crystalline waters.
Flickr/Tony Hisgett Want to learn more about this gorgeous natural spring in New Mexico? Visit the official website for Santa Rosa Blue Hole.
If you want to explore the depths of the Blue Hole without learning to dive, check out this video.
Yelp/Larry D.
Flickr/Stephen Harshman
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
That’s the reason for its exceptional clarity. Divers on the bottom can look up at the surface, 81 feet above them, and see people at the top peering into the water!
Flickr/Alan Levine
The diameter at the top is 60 feet; at the bottom, the pool is 130 feet across.
Flickr/Sushant Jadhav
Wikimedia Commons/Autopilot
If you intend to scuba dive, just make sure you get a permit first (they’re not expensive). You don’t need a permit to swim.
Flickr/Tony Hisgett
Want to learn more about this gorgeous natural spring in New Mexico? Visit the official website for Santa Rosa Blue Hole.
So are you surprised that this natural spring in New Mexico is hidden in this arid state? Have you been here? Tell us about your favorite experiences at the Blue Hole.
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Address: Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Spring In New Mexico May 08, 2020 Leah Are there any good swimming holes in New Mexico? Looking for a great swimming spot in New Mexico? The Blue Hole is just one of many perfect spots to take a dip. Try swimming underneath a scenic waterfall at the Sitting Bull Falls in the Lincoln National Forest. What could be better than cooling off in the pool of an actual waterfall? The Bottomless Lakes State Park has optimal swimming opportunities with swim beaches and calm waters that don’t allow motorized boats. Enjoy a relaxing swim in a spring at Cliff River Springs near Ojo Caliente if you want a memorable day. Needless to say, there are plenty of good swimming holes in New Mexico! What are the best beaches in New Mexico? When it comes to beautiful places in New Mexico, beaches might not be your first thought - but they should be. The Land of Enchantment actually has some pretty awesome beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and just enjoying a nice day out. Elephant Butte Reservoir is a great example. There is plenty of sand along the edge of the lake and gorgeous, cool water to enjoy. Lea Lake, located near Roswell, has a designated sandy beach with plenty of room to swim, have a picnic, and more. If you really like sand and don’t need the water aspect, you can always visit the White Sands National Monument, too. Does New Mexico have any natural wonders? There are quite a few natural wonders in New Mexico beyond the fascination of the Blue Hole. The Carlsbad Caverns are one of the state’s most popular natural attractions, and when you see them for yourself it is no wonder why. The towering cavern ceilings are full of breathtaking formations. New Mexico is also home to spots like Shiprock, a huge, mountainous rock formation standing tall and alone over the desert plains below in San Juan County. It’s incredible to see in person and almost seems like something from another world.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Spring In New Mexico
May 08, 2020
Leah
Are there any good swimming holes in New Mexico? Looking for a great swimming spot in New Mexico? The Blue Hole is just one of many perfect spots to take a dip. Try swimming underneath a scenic waterfall at the Sitting Bull Falls in the Lincoln National Forest. What could be better than cooling off in the pool of an actual waterfall? The Bottomless Lakes State Park has optimal swimming opportunities with swim beaches and calm waters that don’t allow motorized boats. Enjoy a relaxing swim in a spring at Cliff River Springs near Ojo Caliente if you want a memorable day. Needless to say, there are plenty of good swimming holes in New Mexico! What are the best beaches in New Mexico? When it comes to beautiful places in New Mexico, beaches might not be your first thought - but they should be. The Land of Enchantment actually has some pretty awesome beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and just enjoying a nice day out. Elephant Butte Reservoir is a great example. There is plenty of sand along the edge of the lake and gorgeous, cool water to enjoy. Lea Lake, located near Roswell, has a designated sandy beach with plenty of room to swim, have a picnic, and more. If you really like sand and don’t need the water aspect, you can always visit the White Sands National Monument, too. Does New Mexico have any natural wonders? There are quite a few natural wonders in New Mexico beyond the fascination of the Blue Hole. The Carlsbad Caverns are one of the state’s most popular natural attractions, and when you see them for yourself it is no wonder why. The towering cavern ceilings are full of breathtaking formations. New Mexico is also home to spots like Shiprock, a huge, mountainous rock formation standing tall and alone over the desert plains below in San Juan County. It’s incredible to see in person and almost seems like something from another world.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Looking for a great swimming spot in New Mexico? The Blue Hole is just one of many perfect spots to take a dip. Try swimming underneath a scenic waterfall at the Sitting Bull Falls in the Lincoln National Forest. What could be better than cooling off in the pool of an actual waterfall? The Bottomless Lakes State Park has optimal swimming opportunities with swim beaches and calm waters that don’t allow motorized boats. Enjoy a relaxing swim in a spring at Cliff River Springs near Ojo Caliente if you want a memorable day. Needless to say, there are plenty of good swimming holes in New Mexico!
What are the best beaches in New Mexico?
When it comes to beautiful places in New Mexico, beaches might not be your first thought - but they should be. The Land of Enchantment actually has some pretty awesome beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and just enjoying a nice day out. Elephant Butte Reservoir is a great example. There is plenty of sand along the edge of the lake and gorgeous, cool water to enjoy. Lea Lake, located near Roswell, has a designated sandy beach with plenty of room to swim, have a picnic, and more. If you really like sand and don’t need the water aspect, you can always visit the White Sands National Monument, too.
Does New Mexico have any natural wonders?
There are quite a few natural wonders in New Mexico beyond the fascination of the Blue Hole. The Carlsbad Caverns are one of the state’s most popular natural attractions, and when you see them for yourself it is no wonder why. The towering cavern ceilings are full of breathtaking formations. New Mexico is also home to spots like Shiprock, a huge, mountainous rock formation standing tall and alone over the desert plains below in San Juan County. It’s incredible to see in person and almost seems like something from another world.
