One of our goals for the next (hopefully!) twelve months is to scuba our way across Utah. When we first became interested in scuba I didn't think that there would be very many local locations that we could practice our new hobby, but to our surprise, there are actually quite a few locations to scuba.
Our first scuba location we conquered is the place where we became certified the HOMESTEAD CRATER. Utah's very own hot springs! The Crater, as it's called is a toasty 96 degrees Fahrenheit year round. It is the perfect spot for beginning divers because it is only 70 feet deep.
So, I like to keep it real, and that photo you see above, that is NOT exactly what the crater looks like. Maybe it is because we came late at night, but the visibility isn't super great. The water is very very warm. If you are claustrophobic, I would stay far far away from here. The opening of the Crater is very small and at times very full of people.
While we had dive time reserved there were people who had swim/soak time reserved. So unless we were underwater, it was pretty crowded. The changed rooms were very very small as well, so the second time I came, I came already dressed. Plus, there is a constant stream of people in and out, kind of chaotic.
Just be aware that you need to reserve your dive time ahead of time. So call BEFORE you plan on diving! They do full rentals for gear too if you need it but its affordable with dive time starting at $22/hr. I think I heard them say they can have 12 swimmers/soakers and 10 divers at a time in the Crater.
The small walkway to stage your gear and enter is pretty crowded and it we had someone lose a fin over the edge before we could all get our gear on. They do charge you for gear retrieval, but it is pretty easy to descend to the bottom and find your gear.
I lost a weight but by the time I realized it I was at the end of my final dive and didn't have enough air to make another dive for it, I just lost it forever. (oh well!)
Overall, the water, which is high in sulfur, was warm and wonderful. The few things to be seen underwater can be seen in one dive, a wheel, a gate, and a wooden platform for those who are practicing scuba skills. They have some PVC structures that you can swim through to test your trim but after two trips there to qualify, I'm good. I don't feel like I HAVE to come back. I'm glad that I was able to enjoy the hot spring, it is something to see underwater.
But please, come out, enjoy the hot spring, enjoy the warm water, Utah is Beautiful.
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