Dive Sites in New Mexico, United States

New Mexico's largest-capacity reservoir on the Rio Grande, named for the volcanic core island near the dam, with maximum depths over 150 feet. It was historically a regional dive destination — divers explore volcanic rock around the butte from shore or rented boats — but years of low water have stirred fine sediment so that visibility is now often only ~3 feet, dropping to near zero below 30 feet. It remains open to diving but is generally regarded as a poor-visibility novelty dive today.

An artesian spring sinkhole on Route 66 in Santa Rosa and the most famous dive site in the US Mountain West. The bell-shaped pool is about 60 feet across at the surface, widening to roughly 130 feet at the 81-foot bottom, with a constant 61 F temperature and visibility around 100 feet thanks to a flow that renews the water continuously. A city-issued dive permit is mandatory, purchased at the on-site dive center, and the high altitude (~4,600 ft, with higher passes on the drive out) demands altitude dive planning.

New Mexico's largest lake, a 15,590-acre reservoir on the San Juan River in the state's northwest corner, with depths to 100 feet in the dived areas near the dam. Most diving is by boat from the state park marinas; walk-in entry is possible near the dam/spillway when the lake level is high, though it requires hauling gear down a steep hill. Visibility is modest (10-15 ft) and water ranges from the 40s F in winter to about 75 F in summer.

Santa Rosa's second dive site, a small spring-fed lake about a 10-minute drive from the Blue Hole, used for training and as an overflow when the Blue Hole is crowded. A cleaned twin-engine airplane and a car were sunk as attractions, lying in the 50-60 ft maximum depths, and visibility is more limited than the Blue Hole. Diving is managed by the city and requires the same city-issued dive permit.

Lea Lake is the largest and deepest of the eight gypsum sinkhole lakes at Bottomless Lakes State Park near Roswell, and the only one where scuba diving is permitted. It reaches about 90 feet deep with easy shore entry from the swim beach; submerged springs around 35-40 feet, known as 'Mecca', clear the water in summer when visibility can exceed 50 feet. The park hosts an annual divers' gathering (Bottomless Bubbles) over Labor Day weekend.