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Explore Texas

Diving in Texas offers a unique blend of environments, making it a hidden gem for underwater explorers. The state's diving highlights include the vibrant reefs of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, divers are greeted by stunning coral formations and a plethora of marine life, including playful dolphins and majestic manta rays. These offshore sites often require boat diving, providing thrilling adventures for enthusiasts seeking rich marine biodiversity.

Beyond the Gulf, Texas also boasts remarkable spring-fed diving sites such as San Solomon Springs and Spring Lake. These locations are known for their crystal-clear waters, maintaining a constant temperature of 22°C/72°F year-round, ideal for divers who enjoy serene, freshwater environments. For those interested in wreck diving, Lake Travis and Athens Scuba Park offer submerged barges, airplanes, and more, creating a diver's playground of submerged history. While the Gulf of Mexico's water temperatures range from 24°C/76°F in winter to 31°C/88°F in summer, divers should be cautious of the hurricane season from May to October. With various international airports, access to these diving spots is convenient, making Texas a surprisingly diverse destination for diving enthusiasts.

Upcoming Events

Open Water Diver- Classroom / Pool Session (Fri Eve, Sat, Sun)

Open Water Diver- Classroom / Pool Session (Fri Eve, Sat, Sun)

Becoming an SSI Certified Open Water Diver is the first step in unlocking a whole new world to explore underwater. SSI's Open Water Diver Course will teach you the necessary skills needed in order to safely scuba diver underwater with a dive buddy. To enroll in SSI's Open Water Diver Course, you must be at least 10 years old and know how to swim. In SSI's Open Water Diver Course, you'll learn how to safely breathe underwater with a regulator and air tank, how to slowly ascend and descend in order to prevent decompression sickness, how to properly care for diving equipment, and much more. The academic part of the Open Water Diver Course is available online through SSI's website or directly on your phone through the MySSI app. After you complete the online course, you will take the written exam in our classroom here at The Scuba Shop. Then you will complete 6 dives in our indoor pool. Finally, you will complete 4 open water dives for your lake checkout, which is usually at Wheeler Branch Reservoir in Glen Rose, Texas, unless otherwise specified. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification after completing this program.Note:  You must have scuba mask, scuba fins, and snorkel for this class.  Snorkel gear will not be accepted.If you are registered for this course with us and purchase these items from The Scuba Shop, you will receive a 15% discount.

The Scuba Shop, 8451 Blvd 26, 76180, North Richland Hills, TX, USA
August 14, 2026 +2 More
$349.00
Earn your scuba certification now and be ready for your next vacation.

Earn your scuba certification now and be ready for your next vacation.

Do you see underwater images and wish you could be there? Do you want to travel and have new adventures? Becoming a certified scuba diver is the first step in a journey that will forever change the way you experience the world. You will explore the wonders of a weightlessness underwater world, interact with incredible marine life and discover ecosystems hidden beneath the surface.Our Open Water Diver Course is just $600 and we provide you up to 6 months dive insurance FREE while training. Who else does that? Purchase a entry level Total Dive System from us and your course is FREE!. We will even offer you 6 months interest free financing.Yes, others may charge less but what else do they want you to buy for the course – find out before making the commitment.The Open Water Diver Certification Course with TEXAS DIVE CENTER is just $300.00 to start with your digital course and your pool sessions. We will also include the Computer Diver Specialty Course when you purchase a dive computer for your training from our store. The required open water training dives can be completed on your vacation (we issue a referral and assist in coordinating it with your vacation dive shop - you pay their fee for the required dives and certification). If you continue your training with us you will pay the balance due for the required open water training sessions when you are ready to finalize your training. That is a total training cost of just $600 for the Open Water Diver certification if you own your own mask, snorkel, fins, boots and dive computer that are acceptable for your training. Otherwise you can purchase them in our store and get take your 10% off credit. We provide the rest of your required equipment.

Texas Dive Center, Inc., John Miller, Instructor Trainer, 3602 Slide Road Suite B34, 79414, Lubbock, TX, USA
August 17, 2026 +64 More
$600.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Texas

Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind for diving, but it offers a variety of underwater experiences worth exploring. Lake Travis is a top spot for shore dives, featuring sites like Windy Point Park, where divers can explore sunken boats and unique underwater sculptures. Another notable location is the Texas Clipper off South Padre Island, a popular wreck dive that provides divers with a breathtaking glimpse into marine history.

For those seeking unique experiences, night dives in Texas' freshwater lakes offer encounters with nocturnal freshwater creatures. Divers can enjoy a balance of shore and boat diving; however, liveaboards are less common, making shore and day-boat options more popular. Whether you're interested in shipwrecks or the tranquility of a night dive, Texas provides diverse opportunities for divers of all levels.

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in Texas

Diving in Texas is a year-round activity, though conditions can vary with the seasons. During the summer, water temperatures range from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, making it the most comfortable time for divers. However, visibility can be affected by increased water activity and warmer currents. In winter, temperatures drop to 15°C–20°C/59°F–68°F, offering clearer waters but requiring thicker wetsuits for comfort.

Spring and fall present moderate conditions, with temperatures averaging 18°C–24°C/64°F–75°F. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet, though can be impacted by wind and freshwater inflows from rain. While diving is possible year-round, late winter and early spring may be less favorable due to cooler temperatures and potential storms affecting water clarity and safety.

Top Wildife Sightings in Texas

Texas offers a rich marine ecosystem, with the Gulf of Mexico providing a habitat for diverse marine life. Common reef fish such as snapper and grouper are frequently spotted by divers exploring the area's coral reefs. These vibrant species are a staple of the Texan underwater landscape and are typically encountered year-round.

Beyond the reefs, seasonal highlights include sightings of various shark species, such as the blacktip shark, most commonly seen during the summer months. Additionally, the warmer waters attract loggerhead and green sea turtles, especially between April and September. Rays, including the southern stingray, are also likely to be observed by divers, particularly in seagrass beds and sandy bottoms throughout the year.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 19

Bass

Bass

16k Sightings
J
608
F
702
M
1k
A
1k
M
2k
J
2.6k
J
2.5k
A
2.1k
S
1.3k
O
1.1k
N
678
D
509

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Perch

Perch

14k Sightings
J
391
F
426
M
610
A
689
M
1.7k
J
2.5k
J
2.3k
A
1.9k
S
1.2k
O
937
N
534
D
324

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Catfish

Catfish

3.6k Sightings
J
38
F
73
M
187
A
206
M
429
J
527
J
657
A
558
S
485
O
293
N
148
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7

Gar

Gar

1.4k Sightings
J
67
F
111
M
153
A
122
M
171
J
163
J
212
A
106
S
68
O
67
N
77
D
77

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Carp

Carp

1.2k Sightings
J
9
F
0
M
35
A
41
M
149
J
338
J
296
A
131
S
87
O
80
N
33
D
35
Blue Tilapia

Blue Tilapia

970 Sightings
J
89
F
121
M
124
A
48
M
92
J
48
J
61
A
75
S
87
O
53
N
84
D
88
Common Rudd

Common Rudd

830 Sightings
J
45
F
94
M
65
A
55
M
107
J
110
J
119
A
41
S
55
O
34
N
68
D
37

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner