How's the diving at Bonneville and Homestead?

[superchoriflai]

I've got the big ski vacation planned in March and I also wanted to check out Bonneville Seabase and Homestead Crater. Is it worth the price of admission?

 

[jchull]

I was at the crater this past weekend. It was interesting, certainly unique and a nice warm dive. I think it's worth doing once. Never been to seabase

 

[Desert Pirate]

Agreed about the crater, there is a report on Sea Base i just posted under Sea base anyone? I really like it.

 

[superchoriflai]

Thanks for the input -- I read the report and will definately check it out when I'm there. I read on their website that the facility can be rented for $90 for 1/2 day. Does it make sense to do that Mon - Thu or just do the weekend dives along with everyone else?

 

[rollerboi]

They're only closed Mon-Wed, according to their website. If your group is large enough (or you want it bad enough), you can contact them to open it special...

 

[Desert Pirate]

i would just call Linda with the number on their website, Bonneville Seabase - Utah Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Location - Inland Scuba Diving and Snorkeling and make a reservation. the only reason to do this is if there is a ton of cert. agencies doin classes at the same time. When I was there a few weeks ago, besides our group, there were only about 6 other divers. It wasnt crowded at all.
DP

 

[georoc01]

I did my cert dives at the crater. It is truly diving in a hot tub. Not bad after a day of skiing. Same deal with all of the certification agencies, especially this time of year when local sites are frozen over.

 

[Mitchell]

I've been to both.
Seabase was very silty and salty. It kinda reminds me of a M.A.S.H. unit in the middle of nowhere. A onetimer.
Homestead was very hot. I think I got down to 50 feet and and went back up it was just to hot. Very salty so make sure you wash everything. Also a onetimer.

Both are unique and might impress a new diver. Good Luck.

 

[Clanggedin]

The Crater isn't as hot as a Hot tub. A water temp in a hot tub will sting your face when you stick it under the water. The crater stays around 89-92 degrees in the winter. It's probably a hot tub in the summer, but its a nice dive when you dont want to cut a hole in the ice.

I dove to 60' there on Wednesday where the vent is that pushes in the fresh hot water. It still wsn't very hot. It kinda felt like a pool vent. If you dive after 4pm its you may want to bering a light. They have some lighting there, but it's almost a night dive.

I'm waiting for my brother to finish certifying before I hit the seabase.

 

[Snowfire]

I've been to the Crater several times, and will be going back next month because:

A) Its steamy, volcanic-like ceiling makes me feel like I'm diving in a secret lair.
B) The resort itself is homey, cozy, and has decent food.
C) It's the only place I can dive in the winter without freezing my *&%! off.

That said, some people get bored with it after a couple visits. There's not much to see underwater (other than a plastic crocodile, a suspended wagon wheel and some platforms) and I've heard it's a little too toasty for some in the summer months.

However it's a *great* value if you're looking for a unique place to practice skills or test out equipment -- or simply if you need a quiet, relaxing mountain getaway.

Some pics:

Homestead Crater on Flickr - Photo Sharing!