Undiscovered Scuba Gems in the US Southwest

Hidden Scuba Diving Gems in the U.S. Southwest

While many travelers choose to explore the U.S. Southwest by taking scenic drives or admiring its vast landscapes and iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, there’s another group of visitors who come for a completely different reason: scuba diving. Surprisingly, despite the region’s hot and dry climate, several oases exist where divers can experience underwater adventures. These hidden spots are spread across five states — Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah — and are easily reachable from major cities such as Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix.

These locations often have nearby dive shops, underwater attractions, dining options, and accommodations, making it easy for divers to plan a full day or even a multi-day trip. Whether you're just starting out with scuba diving or looking to explore unique and lesser-known waters, these sites offer something for every diver.

Dive Inside a Massive Rock at Homestead Crater, Utah

Located just an hour outside of Salt Lake City, Homestead Crater is a geothermal spring that features warm water around 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This natural formation was created over 10,000 years ago and is enclosed by a 55-foot limestone rock with an opening at the top that allows sunlight and fresh air to enter. Divers can explore up to 65 feet of depth, and the site also offers scuba certification courses for beginners.

The crater is open for diving from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. The cost is $25 per person during the week and $30 on weekends, with reservations required. Gear rental is available for an additional fee, and local dive shops provide instruction and equipment for all levels.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, you can find lodging at the Homestead Resort, nearby hotels, or even in Salt Lake City if you prefer to drive. After a long day of diving, you can enjoy meals at on-site restaurants such as 1886 Grill, Simon's Restaurant, and The Milk House.

Explore Sunken Boats and Secret Coves in Lake Mead, Nevada

Lake Mead, located about 40 minutes from Las Vegas, is a massive freshwater lake with numerous dive sites. It’s a popular spot for scuba enthusiasts who want to explore sunken boats, canyons, coves, and reefs. Local dive shops like Sin City Scuba and 3rd Reef Divers offer courses, rentals, and guided trips.

Diving here is possible year-round, with visibility reaching up to 50 feet. However, due to the lake's elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level, divers should be cautious about altitude changes to avoid decompression sickness.

Scuba with Catfish and Carp in Lake Pleasant, Arizona

Just an hour from Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is home to catfish, carp, bluegill, and bass. The lake offers excellent visibility, ranging from 40 to 60 feet, and is ideal for both recreational and competitive divers. In addition to scuba diving, visitors can camp, fish, boat, hike, and swim.

Local dive shops in Phoenix, such as Fins Up Scuba and Cyborg Pirate, provide day trips and training sessions. One of the most popular dive sites is the Old Waddell Dam, which is now submerged and offers an interesting underwater experience.

Discover Cold War History in the Valhalla Missile Silo, Texas

Valhalla Missile Silo, located near Abilene, Texas, is a former nuclear missile site turned scuba diving destination. This unique location is 60 feet wide and 170 feet tall, with much of it extending underground. Divers can descend through several sets of stairs to access the clear waters, though they won’t see any fish. Instead, they’ll encounter historical remnants and enjoy a mix of specialty dives, including deep, night, and wreck diving.

A bed and breakfast is located on-site, and visitors can take tours of the silo to learn about its Cold War history. There are also plenty of nearby accommodations in Abilene.

Enjoy Crystal Clear Waters at the Santa Rosa Blue Hole, New Mexico

Situated along Route 66, the Santa Rosa Blue Hole is a natural flowing spring with constant water temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit and excellent clarity. It’s perfect for recreational divers and offers scuba certification opportunities. The site is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The cost is $25 for a one-week permit or $75 for an annual pass. The nearby Santa Rosa Dive Center provides gear rentals and courses. Visitors can also swim, cliff jump, and snorkel, and the site is dog-friendly, though pets cannot enter the water.

With its affordability and accessibility, the Santa Rosa Blue Hole is a must-visit for divers exploring New Mexico. The area also offers a range of dining options and affordable accommodations.