The Ultimate Guide To The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a hidden gem in Santa Rosa, New Mexico!
The Blue Hole is an artesian spring with dark blue crystal-clear water, a popular dive destination in the US!
The Blue Hole, a geological wonder located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, is a flowing artesian spring with an underwater cave system. The natural pressure from the underlying surrounding rocks creates a constant water flow of 3000 gallons per minute and maintains a constant temperature of 61-62 °F.
The Blue Hole is a deep bell-shaped artesian well, so deep that it appears to be bottomless. It’s more than 80 feet deep, and the diameter at the surface is 80 feet, which widens at deeper depths, and expands to a diameter of 130 feet at the bottom, giving it a bell shape.
The deep blue color of the Blue Hole is due to its depth and crystal clear water.
The Blue Hole is part of a larger geological phenomenon, the Santa Rosa sink, a collection of a collapsed sinkhole with a network of connected lakes, including Hidden Lake, Twin Lakes, Perch Lake, Bass Lake, Post Lake or Swan Lake, and Rock Lake.
The unexplored underwater cave networks, clear water, and constant warm water temperatures make Blue Hole a popular diving destination in the US!
Here is my ultimate guide to the Blue Hole in New Mexico, featuring things to do and recommendations on hotels and restaurants near Blue Hole, Santa Rosa.
Getting To The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, just off the historic US Route 66.
The Blue Hole is located in Santa Rosa city in northeastern New Mexico. Though visiting the Blue Hole doesn’t require more than a couple of hours, unless you’re planning to dive, the Santa Rosa city has ample lodging and dining options if you plan to spend more time in the city.
In New Mexico, public transportation options are limited, so I highly recommend flying into the closest possible airport near the Blue Hole, renting a car, and driving to the Blue Hole.
International Airports Near The Blue Hole, Santa Rosa
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, about 122 miles from The Blue Hole, around 1 hour 50 minutes drive.
Domestic and Regional Airports Near The Blue Hole, Santa Rosa
There’re a few regional and domestic airports near The Blue Hole, but the flights will most likely include multiple layovers, depending on your departure location.
Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is 118 miles from The Blue Hole, about 1 hour 40 minutes drive.
Roswell International Air Center (ROW): Located in Roswell, New Mexico, 143 miles from The Blue Hole, 2 hours 10 minutes drive.
Amtrak offers passenger train service on the Southwest Chief that runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, stopping at few major cities in New Mexico Amtrak stations, including Albuquerque (ABQ), Gallup (GLP), Lamy (LMY), Las Vegas (LVS), and Raton (RAT).
However, there are no direct train or bus services to the Blue Hole. So, hiring a taxi, ride-hailing services like Uber, Lyft, or renting a car is the only way to get to the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa from the airport or a train station.
The best way to get to the Blue Hole or any other attractions in New Mexico is by flying into the closest possible airport and then renting a car and driving to different places within New Mexico.
Driving distance to The Blue Hole from major cities in New Mexico
- Santa Rosa to The Blue Hole: 0.6 miles, less than 5 minutes drive
- Santa Fe to The Blue Hole: 110 miles, about 1 hour 40 minutes drive
- Albuquerque to The Blue Hole: 118 miles, 1 hour 50 minutes drive
- Carlsbad to The Blue Hole: 216 miles, 3 hours 20 minutes drive
- Roswell to The Blue Hole: 134 miles, 1-hour drive
- Alamogordo to The Blue Hole: 178 miles, 3 hours drive
The driving time may differ based on the weather and road conditions. You can find other details about New Mexico, including weather, transportation options, and more in my New Mexico Travel Guide.
Things To Do In Blue Hole
Exploring the gorgeous turquoise spring, swimming and diving are the main activities at the Blue Hole!
The Blue Hole, accessible right from the parking lot, has no guided tours, and the Blue Hole is the only attraction. You can tour the Blue Hole and the nearby area, and go swimming and diving in the Blue Hole.
Timing: Open all year 8 AM – 5 PM
Address: 1085 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
Phone: 575-472-3763
Parking/Entry fee: $5 parking fee
Visitor Center
There’s a small visitor center with a few exhibits, an information booth, a viewing area, a dive shop, changing rooms, and restrooms. The Blue Hole diving center offers SCUBA diving training on weekends or by appointments during weekdays.
Swimming & Scuba Diving in Blue Hole
Swimming & Cliff Jumping: With crystal clear water and constant water temperatures, the Blue Hole is a great place to go swimming. The raised platform on the cliffsides is a great place for cliff jumping. Permits are not required for swimming and cliff jumping. However, there’re no lifeguards, so please be careful when swimming and plunging into the Blue Hole.
SCUBA Diving: The remarkable blue crystal clear water and underground caves draw divers from all over the country. However, permits are required to dive in the Blue Hole. There’s also a diving center onsite that provides diving lessons and equipment rentals.
Lodging & Dining Near The Blue Hole
While many people visit Blue Hole while passing by the town and spend a couple of hours exploring the gorgeous blue artesian well. However, if you’re planning to stay longer, Santa Rosa has a few decent lodging and dining options.
Hotels In Santa Rosa
There are no resorts and luxury boutique hotels in Santa Rosa, but there are a few big brand chain hotels and bread and breakfasts, including Holiday Inn Express Santa Rosa, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa, and Hampton Inn Santa Rosa.
Restaurants In Santa Rosa
You will find a few fast-food chains in Santa Rosa and some local restaurants worth trying, including Annie’s Restaurant serving American food, Joseph’s Bar & Grill serving American and Mexican dishes, and Silver Moon Cafe serving Mexican, steak, sandwiches, and seafood.
Other New Mexico Attractions & Related Posts
I hope you enjoyed reading the post, The Ultimate Guide To The Blue Hole, and I hope this will help you plan your trip to the Blue Hole. Blue Hole is a hidden gem and a must-see in New Mexico.
Happy feeding your soul!
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