Natural hot springs are some of the earth's greatest treasures. Geothermically heated using the planet's own energy, they are sometimes so hot or so chemically hostile that no fish, plant, or animal, including a human being, would be capable of survival. Some though, offer amazing health benefits and others are excellent for swimming and diving. Incredibly, Utah has several lakes and springs that are geothermically heated and which lend themselves perfectly to scuba diving. Here are three favorites for you to enjoy.
Bonneville Seabase
Located in the middle of a sagebrush desert, just off I-80, and about forty miles west of Salt Lake City, and also known as Grantsville Warm Springs, a series of interconnected ponds fed by underground hot springs, Bonneville Seabase is all that remains of what was once a small saltwater sea called Lake Bonneville. Stocked with tropical fish from all over the planet, this site is both a busy diver training site and a destination for divers from all over the US and even from further reaches of the globe. The springs release 80,000 gallons of ninety-degree water per hour, feeding ponds and bays where the temperatures range from the low 70's to the mid 80's depending on the season. Visibility varies seasonally as well, ranging from 6 to 20 feet.
One pond, White Rocks Bay, measures 125 by 65 feet and is enclosed with a plexiglass roof for year-round comfort. Nearby, the Aquadome is a staging enclosure that is heated in the winter. As you explore, you'll find clownfish and batfish, fire gobies, barramundis, nurse sharks, tangs, angelfish, and more, including some of the only garibaldis to be seen outside California. Maximum depth here is 24 feet, and elevation is 4,250 feet above sea level. The site boasts a full service dive facility with airfills, showers, rentals, snacks, and more, and it's open for diving and snorkeling day and night, all year round.
The Crater at Homestead Resort
This amazing feat of nature naturally formed over about 8,000 years is located only a few miles away from Utah’s ski areas, on the Wasatch Mountains’ eastern slopes. In keeping with its location, Homestead does offer cross country skiing, so if you want to explore tree-lined trails, then dive in 95 degree water, you can do both on the same visit.
The Crater’s dome resembles a massive beehive, dwarfing the resort’s historic, wonderfully upscale hotel. 55 feet high and about 400 feet across, the dome has a small opening at its summit, which was once the only way in. In the early 90’s, a 110 foot long tunnel was blasted into the Crater just above water level, and in July of 1996, the Crater was opened for therapeutic mineral baths as well as snorkeling and diving. Inside the Crater you’ll find an air fill station, equipment as well as changing areas, and outside in a separate building, there are classrooms and a reception area where you check in first. The water is a beautiful blue and crystal clear. It is 65 feet deep, with high magnesium and calcium concentrations that prevent animal or plant life from taking hold. The spring’s water flows at a rate of 140,000 gallons per day, translating to a complete water change about every two days. Outfitted with underwater lighting, and lit by sunlight from above during the day, the Crater has three training platforms at 20 and 40 feet. Full gear rental and scuba instruction is available on site.
Belmont Hot Springs
Located along the banks of the Malad River, which is thermally active, Belmont Hot Springs is located just off I-15, about 1 1/2 hours north of Salt Lake City at an altitude of 4,400 feet. In case you've ever wondered where some of the farmed aquarium fish come from, many are sourced from ponds located nearby. Fed by superheated 125 degree water, the two ponds that are open to diving average around 90 degrees. Visibility averages 10 feet.
The main pond covers two acres and has a maximum depth of 35 feet, and there are platforms at 3 and 20 feet to prevent divers from resting on the bottom, which releases bubbles like the fizz in carbonated water. Pillows of Kara, which is an algae, grow along the bottom; and along the banks of the pond, little aquarium fish and cornucopia snails thrive.
Amenities here include locker rooms and showers, a cafe, and a meeting area. There is also a golf course here, along with a campground and therapeutic hot-springs fed hot tubs.
If you want to dive at any of these sites, you'll need to contact the site ahead as the number of divers allowed on any given day is limited. Each site also charges fees for diving and using other amenities. No matter where you're coming from, you'll find that traveling to Utah in search of warm water diving is well worth the effort.