A Deep Dive into Scuba Diving in Houston
- Explore Underwater Planes in 288 Lake
- Swim Backwards in Time at the Athens Scuba Park
- Dive Under the Surface at the Blue Lagoon
- Plunge into the Depths of Clear Springs Scuba Park
- Delve into the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
- Discover the Kraken Freighter
- Immerse Yourself in the Waters of Lake Longhorn
- Navigate the Treasures within Lake Travis
- Descend into History at Mammoth Lake
- Engage in a Relaxing Dive at the Reveille Peak Ranch
- Uncover Crystal Clear View in Spring Lake
- Venture Aboard The Texas Clipper at Excambion
- Witness a the One of a Kind Valhalla Missile Silo
- Swim with the Fish at Stetson Bank
Dive enthusiasts, get ready to explore the submerged beauty right here in the heart of Houston. Scuba diving might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this bustling Texan hub, but there’s an aquatic world waiting to be discovered just under.
While Houston may not be a coastal city, it does have unique underwater locations that are worth the dive. From crystal-clear freshwater springs to intriguing underwater quarries, we’re about to unveil the top scuba diving spots in and around Houston.
So, gear up, take a deep breath, and let’s embark on an underwater adventure to the best and most highly sought out places to go scuba diving in Houston. Get ready to dive right in!
Explore Underwater Planes in 288 Lake
Address: 4800 Schurmier Rd, Houston, TX 77048, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 870 3049
Pricing: $20
Hours:
- Friday from 1 pm to 7 pm
- Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm
The well-known 288 Lake is Houston’s hidden gem for scuba divers. Tucked away in downtown Houston, this lake spans over 20 acres and goes 12 to 15 meters deep which means a lot of space to explore underwater.
Its waters are renewed by a fresh spring which makes for crystal clear waters. The average temperature remains at a constant 66 to 70 degrees throughout the seasons for a comfortable dive anytime of the year.
There are a lot of unique diving sites you can find here including abandoned cars, school buses, and even parts of a plane. These offer lots of nooks and crannies where you’ll encounter a lot of species of fish and corals at a closer proximity.
| Pro Tip: There are other water activities at the lake like kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and swimming which can disrupt the water near the surface and scare off some fish, so we suggest going deeper for more encounters with marine animals. |
Swim Backwards in Time at the Athens Scuba Park
Image Source: Athens Scuba Park Website
Address: 500 N Murchison St, Athens, TX 75751, United States
Phone Number: +1 903 675 5762
Pricing: $25 for daylight dives, $30 for night dives, $200 for season pass
Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm
The Athens Scuba Park, an old quarry which was turned into a scuba spot by local Houstonians in 1980, is a one stop shop for diving and snorkeling. This place is a favorite for local divers and is frequented by visitors from all over the country.
The open lake features 25 real wrecks that feature planes, boats, and underwater obstacles. Average depths range from 6 to 11 meters while the maximum depth reaches 28 feet.
This lake spans 7 acres and is most known for night diving where underwater lights illuminate the diving sites for a one of a kind view and vibe.
| Pro Tip: They offer scuba diving classes for absolute beginners and training for advanced divers that you can tak eadvantage of. They also have a rental store on site with everything you’ll need like scuba diving gear, oxygen tanks, and masks. |
Dive Under the Surface at the Blue Lagoon
Image Source: Blue Lagoon Website
Address: 649 Pinedale Road, Huntsville TX 77340, United States
Phone Number: +1 936 438 8888
Pricing: $25 for divers; $30 for general public; $10 for children under 9 years old
Hours:
- For certified divers: Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 5pm
- For general public: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm
Blue Lagoon, known as one of Houston’s premier scuba spots, has been operational for more than 2 decades. It offers an array of amenities for divers in the large open bodies of water with underwater training platforms, and swim-through attractions.
With depths of around 8 to 9 meters, visibility of 3 meters, and shallow shores for easy entry points, it’s perfect if you’re looking to learn diving or for if you haven’t gone diving in a while and want to brush up on your skills.
They offer air tank refills and scuba gear rentals for your convenience. You can also enjoy picnic areas and lawn spaces to relax in after your dive.
| Pro Tip: Although they have different schedules for the general public to enter, there are times when they don’t allow people in for crowd control. So, if you want to guarantee being able to try scuba diving here, the best way is to sign up for a class! |
Plunge into the Depths of Clear Springs Scuba Park
Image Source: Clear Springs Scuba Park Website
Address: 8131 Co Rd 346, Terrell, TX 75161, United States
Phone Number: +1 940 765 3483
Pricing: $20
Hours: Hours vary every season and entry is by reservation only
Also known as The Scuba Ranch, the Clear Springs Scuba Park is owned and run by a local family with a dedication to providing great opportunities for divers of all levels. With 22 acres of crystal clear lake water, there is a lot to explore.
This diving site has everything from facilities for new divers to train in, to 6 different dive platforms and entry points. The 40 to 65 meters of depth and clear waters of this location provides a beautiful backdrop for underwater explorations.
Visibility here can go from 12 to 30 meters because of the spring water which does affect the temperature. So, it’s recommended to use full wetsuits of at least 3mm.
| Pro Tip: Beyond scuba diving, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and even camping for a well rounded adventure. You can consider camping overnight for an unforgettable experience under the stars and early diving sessions the next morning. |
Delve into the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Image Source:Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Website
Address: 4700 Avenue U · Building 216. Galveston, TX 77551, United States
Phone Number: +1 409 621 5151
Pricing: $250 – $1000
Hours: Dependent on the charter you book
Off the shore in the Gulf of Mexico, the Flower Garden Banks which form a natural reef, are a must-visit for adventurous divers. The banks are teeming with aquatic life, from colorful fish and corals to hammerhead and whale sharks.
Situated about 80-125 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, these natural reefs require charter services to access. The 2 main clusters, the East Flower Garden and the West Flower Garden, promise a paradise for intermediate to advanced divers.
The currents here can be hard to handle as they run in different directions, speeds, and depths, so only trained divers are advised to explore the area.
| Pro Tip: You can only access the Flower Garden Banks through a dive charter for safety reasons. There are some reputable ones listed on the website to choose from but we recommend Texas Caribbean Charters’s weekend tour for around $800. |
Discover the Kraken Freighter
Image Source: Kraken Freighter PADI Website
Address: 715 N Holiday Dr. Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Pricing: $340 and above
Hours: 24/7
The Kraken Freighter is an artificial reef located 67 miles off the coast of Galveston. This sunken ship was named after the legendary sea monster and serves as a captivating underwater playground for divers after it was sunk.
The Kraken Freighter is located between 75 to 140 meters down from the surface, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. The exterior of the vessel plays host to corals and sponges that attract fish like angelfish.
If you make your way near the bottom or even inside the vessel, you might encounter some AmberJacks, Barracuda, and red snappers.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you have the necessary training and experience for deep diving to fully explore this location with knowledge and skills in wreck diving and cave diving. The Texas Dive Center has a good program in place you can avail of to guide you. |
Immerse Yourself in the Waters of Lake Longhorn
Image Source: Lake Longhorn PADI Website
Address: 2391 Gun Range Rd, League City, TX 77573, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 757 2293
Pricing: $15
Hours: Everyday from 9 am to 6:30 pm
Lake Longhorn, located in League City just a short drive away from Bayou City, is a haven for watersports enthusiasts. Beyond being a prime spot for paddleboarding, open-water swimming, kayaking, fishing, it’s a popular scuba diving location.
This freshwater lake offers water that spans over 49 acres with visibility that ranges from 3 to 10 meters varying from season to season or the weather conditions. Temperature stay comortably from 50 to 80 degrees.
They have underwater training platforms, big ships and swim throughs for an exciting diving experience, especially for beginners.
| Pro Tip: The Lake Horn management requires all divers to provide their certification cards. Only those with solo scuba diver certification can go alone, if not you’re required to dive with a buddy. |
Navigate the Treasures within Lake Travis
Image Source: Lake Travis Website
Address: 6506 Bob Wentz Park Road Austin, TX 78732, United States
Phone Number: +1 512 266 3337
Pricing: $10
Hours: 24/7
If you ask Texans for recommendations for dive spots, Lake Travis will be a name you hear a lot. The crystal clear waters of this lake is known for its underwater visibility of 30 feet which is among the highest across the Lone Star State.
Beneath the surface, you’ll find thriving species of freshwater animals like sunfish and white bass. You’ll even see remnants of the old dam.
But the true gem is the Wreck Alley, a permanent course featuring shipwrecks dating close to centuries and abandoned sailboats. There are also sculptures and platforms to explore for those who want a more relaxed dive.
| Pro Tip: There are many entry points to go scuba diving in Lake Travis, but one of our favorite ones (aside from joining a charter) is the Windy Point Park. You can enjoy a day in the water which you can access through their beach-like shores or stairs. |
Descend into History at Mammoth Lake
Image Source: Mammoth Lake Visit Brazosport Website
Address: 330 N. Dixie Drive, F, Lake Jackson, TX 77566, United States
Phone Number: +1 979 288 6118
Pricing: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
If you’re looking for a diving site with a fascinating past, Mammoth Lake offers a peek into history along with some quality underwater fun. The area where the lake is now was once a huge sand pit that hosted nomadic tribes throughout prehistoric times.
In 2003, a Colombian Mammoth skull from the Ice Age was discovered there aling with some remnants from a sber tooth tiger, camels, and other human artifacts. The discovery then inspired its name when it was turned into a lake in 2006.
Today, you can explore the bed of the lake and encounter fish, turtles, and aquatic plants that live there.
| Pro Tip: The Dive Park in Mammoth Lake is open to the public for free, but you do have to sign a safety and liability waiver before entering the park. You might want to consider scheduling your dive on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. |
Engage in a Relaxing Dive at the Reveille Peak Ranch
Image Source: Website
Address: 105 Co Rd 114, Burnet, TX 78611, United States
Phone Number: +1 512 755 1177
Pricing: $20
Hours: Open 24/7 except on Tuesdays
Reveille Peak Ranch is a scuba diver’s dream, nestled in the heart of the Texan countryside. This peaceful ranch offers 1,300 acres of outdoor space, along with two of Texas’ clearest lakes.
You can descend into the depths of these pristine waters, reaching up to 100 feet with a visibility of 3 to 5 meters that stays consistent even down to 30 feet into the water.
And it’s not just for scuba enthusiasts. Reveille Peak Ranch caters to various water sports with areas for fishing, swimming, paddle boarding, and canoeing.
| Pro Tip: The Reveille Peak Ranch makes for a great spot for newbies in the game during the day time. It’s best to get there early in the morning if you want to make the most of your trip because the water gets cold and dark quickly when the sun starts to set. |
Uncover Crystal Clear View in Spring Lake
Image Source: Texas State University Website
Address: 201 San Marcos Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States
Phone Number: +1 512 245 7590
Hours: Everyday from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Spring Lake is renowned for its crystal clear waters which are created and continuously fed by over 200 small freshwater springs. This makes it one of Houston’s best scuba diving spots.
The water pressure is always constant and regulated and you can expect temperatures that average at 72 degrees for the whole year. These factors make for an ideal environment for divers, especially those who are just getting into the stride of things.
There are endangered marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Spring Lake is also home to the densest population of sea turtles in the United States, making it a must-visit for underwater nature enthusiasts.
| Pro Tip: In order to dive in Spring Lake, you need to take the Spring Lake Dive Authorization Course which can cost around $230. After you pass it, it grants you certification for life and free visits in the future. |
Venture Aboard The Texas Clipper at Excambion
Image Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Website
Address: 6121 S. Padre Island Dr Corpus Christi TX 78412, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 779 8977
Pricing: $300 to $600
Hours: Open 24/7
If you have had your fair share of natural reefs as the backdrop to your diving experiences, maybe exploring a World War II War ship can add a little spice to your experience.
The Texas Clipper was used to transfer troops from inland to the U.S.S. Queens. It was sunk later on and now rests 17 miles off South Padre Island. Exploring this site for divers is a must as the country’s 3rd biggest man made coral reef.
The surfaces on the ship are covered in mussels, spongers, corals, oysters, and barnacles. You will encounter an array of marine animals like cobia, spadefish, and many types of sharks as well as sea turtles.
| Pro Tip: Even the best of divers often return for multiple trips to uncover and check out the entire ship, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t complete your exploration in one go. You should definitely check out the map of the ship on the website to plan ahead! |
Witness a the One of a Kind Valhalla Missile Silo
Image Source: Brandon on Drive Dive Devour Website
Address: Dive Valhalla Missile Silo, US-277, Tuscola, TX, United States
Phone Number: +1 915 686 7333
Pricing: $45 to $100
Hours: Depends on owners
For a completely unique and unforgettable scuba diving adventure, you cannot pass up on visiting the Valhalla Missile Silo, a historical site dating back to the 1960s. This location isn’t your average diving spot.
It used to serve as the container for a now decommissioned Atlas F-hardened nuclear missile. The silo’s concrete walls now enclose around 130 feet of groundwater.
Although the site may be a bit chilly and dark, it’s still a must try experience. If you just bring proper lighting gear with you, the water is exceptionally clear. You can see the left over panel boards, shoots, and ladders that were left behind when it was emptied.
| Pro Tip: The Family Scuba now privately own and operate the silo as a diving site. So, if you want to exprience the excitement of diving there, you’ll have to get in contact with them to reserve a slot. |
Swim with the Fish at Stetson Bank
Image Source: Stetson Bank NOAA Website
Address: Galveston Bay, TX 77551, United States
Pricing: Differs depending on dive charter you hire
Hours: Open 24/7
The Stetson Bank is mostly made of stiltstone and claystone and is considered a sanctuary for marine animals and an official dive site. The natural and progressive breakdown of some of the rock formations forms the site’s iconic parallel ridges.
The Sierra Madracis named after the star coral that dominates the area is the highest point of Stetson Bank and is also the liveliest part of the bank. Fish of different species can be seen swimming here, including lobsters.
More unique marine life you can encounter here are the scorpionsfish, stingray, turtles, and sea urchins. If you dive enough, there might be a shark sighting here and there.
| Pro Tip: The underwater area in Stetson Bank gets colder in the winter compared to other diving sites, so it’s best to visit during warmer months. Don’t expect to see lots of corals too. Because of the cooler temperatures, you’ll likely find algae and sponges. |
