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.

Courses and Events

Try Scuba

The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today!

28 March +1 More
€21.65
$25.00

Computer Diving

SSI designed the Computer Diving program to help certified divers become familiar with the features and benefits of using a dive computer. By understanding and knowing how to use all the functions of a dive computer, you will not only increase your dive safety but also make planning and executing your dive easier. The SSI Computer Diving program explores the functions and capabilities of different dive computers and explains how to use these functions before, during, and after your dive. Often, divers purchase a computer and only use it for its basic information. Get the most out of your investment by learning to use your dive computer to its full potential. Start your SSI Computer Diving specialty online today!

28 March +84 More
€64.96
$75.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

09 April
€562.10
$649.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

28 March +9 More
€151.57
$175.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification. Call us at (806) 393-0798 to schedule you to begin your adventure.

28 March +15 More
€519.66
$600.00

Open Water Diver - March/April

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

28 March +3 More
€389.75
$450.00

Scuba Skills Update - March

It is easy for dive skills to get rusty and to lose confidence when you have not dived for a while. With the SSI Scuba Skills Update, we will get you back in the water and diving with ease in no time. This scuba refresher course allows you to review and practice scuba skills you learned in your Open Water Diver program, under the guidance of an SSI Professional. This is a great course to take just before a dive holiday, so you spend less time worrying about your skills and more time admiring the marine life. If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.

28 March
€108.26
$125.00

Try Scuba

The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today! Call Dive World Scuba West for alternate dates to meet your schedule! (210) 734-5526

28 March +17 More
€43.31
$50.00

Fish Identification

The world’s oceans are home to thousands of fish species, and you will encounter plenty of these fascinating creatures on your dives! In this course, you will be taught all the skills and concepts you need to identify common families of Caribbean, Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reef fish. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Fish Identification specialty certification.

29 March +5 More
€64.96
$75.00

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.

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: 19

iStock-ANDY_BOWLIN

Bass
14k Sightings
J
601
F
701
M
996
A
830
M
1.7k
J
2.2k
J
2.1k
A
1.9k
S
1.3k
O
1.1k
N
664
D
493

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

Total number of species: 3

iStock-jpa1999

Perch
12k Sightings
J
388
F
426
M
596
A
552
M
1.5k
J
2.1k
J
1.9k
A
1.8k
S
1.2k
O
903
N
516
D
314

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

Total number of species: 360

iStock-ChristinaPrinn

Turtle
6.2k Sightings
J
411
F
538
M
611
A
423
M
547
J
768
J
726
A
667
S
460
O
420
N
393
D
274

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

Total number of species: 3000

Shutterstock-zsolt_uveges

Catfish
3.3k Sightings
J
34
F
72
M
174
A
191
M
388
J
475
J
512
A
512
S
455
O
283
N
143
D
27

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

Total number of species: 7

k

Gar
1.3k Sightings
J
67
F
112
M
152
A
91
M
135
J
148
J
187
A
102
S
68
O
67
N
72
D
77

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

Total number of species: 30

Shutterstock-Rostislav Stefanek

Carp
1k Sightings
J
8
F
1
M
35
A
27
M
113
J
280
J
194
A
120
S
80
O
79
N
30
D
33
k

Blue Tilapia
909 Sightings
J
89
F
122
M
118
A
23
M
85
J
45
J
56
A
71
S
87
O
53
N
75
D
85

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.

Dive Centers

Toms Dive & Swim

5909 Burnet Rd, 78757 Austin, TX - United States

Woodlands Dive Center

25701 Interstate 45 North, 77380 Spring, TX - United States

Sport Divers of Houston, Inc.

20814 Gulf Fwy, Ste. 60, 77598 Webster, TX - United States

Texas Dive Center, Inc., John Miller, Instructor Trainer

3602 Slide Road Suite B34, 79414 Lubbock, TX - United States

GULF COAST SCUBA, GULF COAST SCUBA, LLC

3206 MERCER ST, 77027 HOUSTON, TX - United States

High Tide Scuba and Water Sports, Kevin L Williams

1315 HWY 1187, Suite 101, 76063 Mansfield, TX - United States

Dive World Scuba

2250 Thousand Oaks Blvd #211, 78232 San Antonio, TX - United States

Dive World Scuba

2110 West AVE, 78201 San Antonio, TX - United States

Divetech Inc

5325 Cornish St, 77007 Houston, TX - United States

Scuba Divers Paradise

2170-A N Main St, 76513 Belton, TX - United States

The Scuba Shop

8451 Blvd 26, 76180 North Richland Hills, TX - United States

Phantom Training Center

Fort Hood Army Military Base, 76544 Ft. Hood, TX - United States

Dive Masters Of San Antonio

451 McCarty Road, 78216 San Antonio, TX - United States

Dive Sites

Divetech, Inc, 77007 Houston

Valhalla Missile Silo (★4.5)

This dive site is privately owned and rented out to official dive groups from their website. Just google it. Suggested for those in good physical condition as there are a lot of steps down.
GULF COAST SCUBA, 77027 HOUSTON

Mammoth Lake (★4.0)

Located just one hour south from downtown Houston, Texas, this 70 acres dedicated scuba park is a fun destination for scuba divers of all levels. For more information please check their website: https://mammothlaketexas.com/
Ascuba Venture, Inc, 78412 Corpus Christi

Joe’s Place Marina & Resort (★4.1)

This dive site has camping & RV sites. The office building is right next to the designated scuba area. The building has a Party Room that can be rented. Phone 830-612-3775 Website: www:joesmarina.com Availability is Wednesday through Sunday, 8 AM to Dusk. Call to verify rates.
Ascuba Venture, Inc, 78412 Corpus Christi

Windy Point Park (★3.7)

Deep diving off the wall. Several platforms and things to dive on and around. First come first serve on the camping - NO reservations. NO Glass Containers or Firearms. Phone # 512-266-3337 Website: windypointpark.com Check website for current fees.
Ascuba Venture, Inc, 78412 Corpus Christi

The Blue Lagoon - Texas (★3.6)

This is a disused quartz rock quarry, which is now filled with water. Maximum depth 8 - 10m. Phone 936-438-8888, call ahead to make reservations for dives and check rates. Website: bluelagoonscuba.net. Visit website to check rules and fees.
Ascuba Venture, Inc, 78412 Corpus Christi

North Park, Canyon Lake (★3.6)

North Park is a Primitive TENT CAMPING park ONLY! NO DAY USE! This means the park has a restroom, no showers, two water fountains with drinkable city water, and that each site has a table, benches, fire ring/grill, and lake access. Campsites for weekend use only. Not open during the week. Open 1 April to 30 Sept.
Misty L. (#2993364)

South Padre Island (★4.5)

The South Padre Island Jetties are accessible through Isla Blanca Park, managed by Cameron County Parks. Parking is available. There is a fee to enter the park. This is shore diving and conditions vary greatly. Always check local tides and weather before diving this site. Average visibility is 5 feet or less.
Dive Masters Of San Antonio, 78216 San Antonio

Overlook Park, Canyon Lake, Texas (★4.0)

Overlook Park is a public, day-use park with spectacular views of Canyon Lake’s south side. Trek through the park’s 1-mile loop hiking trail or meander the Verada Real walking trail, which will take you all the way across the dam.
Dive Masters Of San Antonio, 78216 San Antonio

Aquarena Springs / Spring Lake (★4.3)

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, formerly known as Aquarena Springs, has been a local favorite for outdoor and water recreation. Due to protected and endangered species, water access is limited to those in scuba classes or volunteer divers who have completed the Center’s Volunteer Diving Program.
Scuba Divers Paradise, 76513 Belton

Stillhouse Park (★4.3)

Stillhouse Hollow Lake is located in central Texas and is open year round. Stillhouse Park is an easy shore dive and popular amongst locals. There is a dive shop at the marina on the NE side of the lake making air fills convenient. Visibility is usually 5-15 ft.
Arnie W. (#3091638)

Scuba Divers Paradise Dock (★4.3)

Training Dock located just outside of the Dive Shop. Divers giant stride into 12 feet of water and follow the buoy down to the platform. “This is the official “Starting Point“ of dive.
Paul H. (#379630)

Brandy Branch Reservoir Boat Launch (★2.8)

4.1 Miles South of I-20 on FM 3251. (Look for sign “Public Boat Ramp“) Its only a mile down Boat Launch. Vegetation can be thick in the summer. Start dive at boat launch. 330° or NNW 200 yards and your out of the vegetation. Depth is about 24 feet. A lot of stumps and trees. Wall of grass you can follow.
Ascuba Venture, Inc, 78412 Corpus Christi

Port Aransas Jetty South (★2.6)

Water entry is off of very large boulders. Incoming/outgoing tides need to be considered. BE AWARE people are fishing in the adjacent along the Jetty. Visibility varies with tides and weather (fair to poor). Sandy bottom around 20-foot depth (+/-) dependent on the tide.
Andrew S. (#4635776)

Longhorn Lake, League City, Texas (★3.4)

This is a lake available to swimmers, scuba divers and fishermen. People use this lake to train for triathlons and other water activities. There are boats, boat motors, bathtubs, and other items sunken to find while scuba diving.
James T. (#2188058)

Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (★5.0)

The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is an astronaut training facility and neutral buoyancy pool operated by NASA and located at the Sonny Carter Training Facility, near the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.