There are a few quarries such as Mammoth Lake, The Blue Lagoon, and Lake Longhorn.
The best diving is offshore on the Rigs, the 374' Kraken Freighter sunk by TP&W, and The Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary including Stetson Bank. They are done one a live aboard from 2 to 5 days depending on the trip. There are some dives that can be done on a day trip but be prepared to spend the whole day. These sites are a number of hours offshore and are not quick, easy, and convenient like a barrier reef can be. They have great visibility (50-100) most of the year but recent hurricanes can affect this greatly. The FGNMS is one of the most pristine reefs in the world with a higher density of corals than many Carribean reefs.
Diving in this part of the Gulf is seasonal and is usually done from Feb to Nov. Many of the boats are down for the winter for maintenance and the crews have time off since this is the off season for the area. There are 3 times during the season that people want to go. Feb to Apr is the Hammerhead Migration that many want to experience. The full moon in August is the Coral Spawning that many want to see and is always sold out. Jun-Aug is a desirable time because it provides some of the calmest seas without the spring or winter fronts messing up the Gulf.
The M/V Fling is the only live aboard that offers regular, reliable service to the Flower Gardens NMS. There are a few day charters that offer day trips to part of the Sanctuary such as Stetson Bank or to the Kraken Freighter sunk by TP&W nearby. Your local dive shops are the spots to check to see who has trips available to book.
This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Texas Dive Center, Gigglin' Marlin Dive & Swim. Disclaimer
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