Iconic Blue Hole's shutdown is temporary, but business still has been impacted

SANTA ROSA — The Blue Hole is a mecca for New Mexicans, travelers and scuba divers.

Joseph Baca, an Albuquerque resident who went to high school in Santa Rosa, said he and his family have gone swimming at the Blue Hole for many years.

“This is one of the most hidden gems in New Mexico,” he said. “It’s hard to describe what it means to the community. “

But for the past several weeks, no one has been able to cool off in the 61-degree, over 80-feet-deep spring-fed oasis.

On June 17, the circular, bell-shaped natural swimming hole closed after city employees discovered rock, 14 feet long and 10 feet wide, collapsed under water on the west wall.

It’s unfortunate because it is such a big draw, Joseph’s Bar and Grill owner Christina Campos said.

For a while, the usually pristine water had zero visibility. Blue Hole dive shop manager Mark Gallegos said after the rock collapsed, the silt floated to the top and when it mixed in with the sand, it dirtied the water.

Gallegos said after the closure was announced, “People said it was a subsurface collapse and were like, ‘Why can’t we swim? It’s underwater.’”

“You want to be safe,” he said.

Santa Rosa Mayor Nelson Kotiar told the Journal that barring any setbacks, the Blue Hole, which is owned by the city, could reopen for swimming as soon as this coming weekend. However, people will not be able to dive in when it reopens.

Scuba divers may be able to return in the next couple of weeks. Kotiar said the city will give the final determination when to reopen parts of the Blue Hole.

“God willing,” he said.

‘It’s about safety’

The Blue Hole, which once served as a national fish hatchery before becoming the Blue Hole dive and conference center, has been a New Mexico icon for generations. But for the past several weeks, scuba divers from across the country looking to train or get certified have had to look for other places to go.

The Blue Hole is an essential part of the diving community, The Scuba Company owner Yasmany Fuentes said.

One thing that stands out about the Blue Hole, he said, is how clear the water is normally. According to the Blue Hole website, visibility is 100 feet due to the water renewing itself every six hours.

The spring pumps 3,000 gallons a day, Gallegos said.

“The hole is always refreshing itself,” he said. “That’s the reason for the clarity of the water.”

Fuentes said since the closure he lost about half his business because many of the clients that come are inexperienced divers. He has gone to other lakes, including nearby Perch Lake and Rock Lake, but it has not been the same.

“Our beginner clients (are) what keeps the industry going,” he said.

Despite the inconvenience the closure has caused, Gallegos said the dive community has been “extremely understanding.”

“It’s hard for them, but it’s about safety,” he said.

Not only have scuba diving companies been affected by the Blue Hole’s closure, but some Santa Rosa businesses have lost money.

Campos said Joseph’s Bar and Grill lost over 17% (or about $15,000) in revenue in less than a half a month in June. On top of that, she said the restaurant continues to pay higher costs for its food and ingredients due to inflation.

As a result of the closure, they have been fewer customers. Scuba diving teams that used to dine in groups of as many as 30 people aren’t coming.

“Usually, the month of June is one of our biggest months, followed by July,” she said.

Campos said she expects to lose more revenue in July . But she said she has not laid off employees or cut their hours.

The situation’s hit on all tourism, however, Campos said, “will hurt us year-round.”

Kotiar said before any part of the Blue Hole is reopened, he wants to be cautious. He said signs will be placed in and under water along with a warning for people to stay away from the west wall where the rock collapsed.

“We want to make sure no one gets hurt when they get down there,” Kotiar said.