Texas Travel

Best Scuba Diving Spots in Texas

By James Mayfield 7.9.14

The words “Texas” and “scuba diving” are rarely used in the same sentence — except by those who know where to find our state treasures. Look here:

Athens Scuba Park, Athens

With 30-plus wrecks to discover, where do you begin at this former day quarry? Dock 11, the final destination of a Lockheed JetStar USAF plane? The triple-deck houseboat and DART bus at Dock 7? Wherever you go, you’ll find visibility ranging from 35 to an astonishing 70 feet.

Clear Springs Scuba Park, Terrell

From Dallas/Fort Worth, this is the closest freshwater lake specifically for scuba diving. Nature lovers rejoice at the 22 acres of beautiful and natural habitats running up to 63-feet deep. Bring cash only and a full wetsuit — there’s a thermocline at 20 feet.

San Solomon Springs, Toyahvale

An oasis in Balmorhea State Park’s Chihuahuan Desert, the cool waters of the world’s largest spring-fed pool hover at just 72 to 76 degrees year-round. Up to 28 million gallons of fresh West Texas water flow through the pool daily keeping the deepest areas teeming with fish and aquatic vegetation.

Mammoth Lake Scuba Park, Lake Jackson

The largest scuba-diving-specific lake in the U.S. offers 55 acres of clear water and 70 wrecks — everything from antique fire trucks to remnants of Houston’s AstroWorld theme park.

Lake Amistad, Del Rio

Really want to get away? This Pecos River-fed reservoir straddles the U.S.-Mexico border with 540 miles of Texas shoreline. Underwater cliff dives promise features from the usual — bass and catfish — to a fully submerged Texas ranch house.

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