Krasnyi Kluch

About this dive site

This dive site is located in the Nurimanovskiy rayon of Bashkortostan, Russia. It’s a remarkable natural phenomenon – the Red Spring (Krasny Klyuch), one of the world's largest springs and rivers by debit (14,88 m³/sec) and size. It also serves as the primary source of drinking water for Russia, ranking among the largest in Europe and globally. The spring’s unique character stems from ancient karst formations that developed tens of thousands of years ago. Water flows through extensive underground channels and fissures within the Yaman-Yelga River basin, originating on the slopes of the Karatau mountain range. After 8 kilometers, the river enters an underground channel, continuing for another 40 kilometers in these karst passages before resurfacing 16 kilometers from its mouth. The Red Spring itself is formed by the outflow of a powerful stream from two massive, joined karst sinkholes. One sinkhole reaches a depth of 20 meters, while the active sinkhole plunges to 38 meters. This area offers a fascinating glimpse into the power and complexity of underground water systems.