Balmorhea State Park Dive

Join us for an incredible weekend adventure in West Texas as we explore the wonders of Balmorhea State Park! Dive into the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, spanning an impressive 1.3 acres with depths of up to 25 feet. Fed by the pristine San Solomon Springs, the pool’s temperature stays a refreshing 72-76°F all year. Perfect for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, its crystal-clear waters offer up to 100 feet of visibility, making it an underwater paradise.

Don't be surprised:  Texas Parks and Wildlife requires all divers to bring their certification, sign a Diving Agreement, and follow buddy system rules.

Diving Schedule

• Friday to Sunday: Diving is available all weekend. Most participants arrive throughout Friday. Dive leaders will be on-site starting Friday morning to assist with setup, provide briefings, and help you get in the water.

• Saturday Morning Briefing: For overnight arrivals, there will be a 10 a.m. briefing. Dive leaders conducting training will also be available to dive with you throughout the day.

• Night Diving: It is not normally permitted in the park. We are working on getting special permission and will advise participants if this is arranged. 

Please Note: There is no dive shop within 100+ miles, so be sure to bring all your gear. Two tanks are generally sufficient for two days of diving. The club will provide extra gear, weights, Save-a-Dive Kit, and Save-a-Diver Kit for minor issues that might arise.

Accommodations

• Motor Lodge at Balmorhea State Park: We’ve reserved three rooms for divers, available for rent through event ticket purchases.

• Camping and RV Spots: Book directly through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.  Click here for access.

• Nearby Hotels: Great options include The Eleven Inn and El Oso Flojo Lodge, just minutes from the park.

Food

• Refreshments: The club will provide prepackaged snacks, water, lemonade, and non-alcoholic drinks in the pool area on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

• Potluck Dinner: On Saturday evening, enjoy a potluck with grilled main dishes and sides provided by the club. Bring your favorite side dishes or desserts to share!

Other Activities

• Star Party at McDonald Observatory: Gaze at the cosmos under some of the darkest skies in the U.S. This unforgettable experience, just over an hour away in Fort Davis, includes a guided night sky tour and telescope views of celestial wonders. Starts at 9:15 p.m.—bring warm clothing and cash for hot chocolate!  Click here for more information.

• Fort Davis National Historic Site: Step back in time at this well-preserved 19th-century frontier military post. Explore restored buildings, ruins, and exhibits that capture the challenges of the Indian Wars era. Located about an hour from Balmorhea.

• Davis Mountains State Park: Enjoy hiking, wildlife, and stargazing at this expansive park.

For those who prefer to stay within the park, Balmorhea itself offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

Education Opportunities

• Fish Identification Course: Did you know that some fish, like the parrotfish, play a crucial role in maintaining coral reef health by eating algae and even excreting (pooping) sand? Learning about these behaviors adds a whole new layer of appreciation to your dives!  Our resident Marine Biologist, Alba Salvat, is conducting the SSI Fish Identification Course which is a fascinating program designed to teach divers how to recognize and classify common families of reef fish. For the Balmorhea State Park trip, she is adding a fresh water fish section and will be conducting some research and fact finding dives in the springs, on this trip.  Through this course, you'll gain the skills to identify fish with ease, enhancing your underwater adventures.  

  
  

• Photography Course:  Join Dave Harrah for the SSI Video and Photography Specialty Course. We are very excited to have Dave offering this course.  If you have been in the store, you have seen some of Dave's stunning and fascinating underwater images and videos.  Dave's presentation of this program combines classroom and in-water work to help develop your skills. The course covers essential techniques for using, maintaining, and storing underwater camera systems. Dave will be conducting in-water sessions in Balmorhea where you will  practice buoyancy control, framing, and lighting to create high-quality visuals. This hands-on experience in this pristine site ensures divers can safely and confidently document their underwater adventures.

Information / Resources