So my family and I spent our Christmas back in 2013 in a nearby resort and when we heard about this place we felt we just had to try it out. You do need to make a reservation which isnt hard to do, just give them a call. It isn't the cheapest activity but its by no means expensive either. I didn't have any negative experience with the staff. The crater itself was pretty amazing. Because of the cold snowy weather outside the crater was very foggy which gave it a awesome ambient setting. Their is a hole in the ceiling of the cave (hence it being called a crater) which was mainly the only light. I thought that was pretty cool. The water was very warm. I didn't think it was "hot" but very comfortable. There wasn't any divers when we went and it was pretty much just our group. I think that made the experience even better. This place made a big deal about all the natural minerals that this hot spring had. You can totally feel your skin being alot softer when your done. I would also recommend before going in to just take the stairs to the very top of the crater and you can look down into the crater. Its a great experience for everyone!

Ou family group enjoyed the swim, even though..... One of the two staff members was pleasant, but the other acted irritated whenever swimmers (as opposed to divers) were around and twice asked our group of swimmers to follow his made-up-on-the-spot rules. For example, there are cave swimming rules posted on the wall. They don't say anything about whether swimmers can go swim under water (a pretty normal swimming activity), but he told us not to, twice. His clear message was if you aren't a diver you aren't welcome.

If you are expecting a peaceful, relaxing and quiet excursion similar to a spa, don't go here. This place is not cheap and reservations are required. Since we made a reservation, I thought our group would have the place to ourselves. This crater is about the size of a swimming pool. For the first 10 minutes or so, it was quiet and relaxing. Then a group of about 10 scuba divers showed up. It was crowed and noisy as the instructor gave his scuba students a lesson. After putting on their gear and having a lesson, they dove in. Again, it was relatively peaceful, until the next group of 10+ scuba divers appeared for their lesson. By this time there were at least 30 people in the water. There was no relaxation to be had. Save your money and go somewhere else.

This place makes all its money on scuba certification, but also pedals the Crater as a relaxing natural pool in a geological cavern. The cavern itself an amazing geological feature, well-exploited by the stewards of Homestead. The experience swimming was awful. The place was packed with several groups of scuba divers, and the instructors were happy to yell at swimmers who were in their way or didn't enter the pool by the ladder. Swimmers are also required to wear cheap, uncomfortable life jackets which makes actual swimming or snorkeling impossible. It's expensive and generally unpleasant.

Not the best diving location unless you like diving in hot murky water.