Plongée à Flower Garden Banks — United States

The Flower Garden Banks sit 100 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico — the northernmost coral reefs in the continental US. The 52% coral cover (compared to 2% in the wider Caribbean) is remarkable, and the annual mass coral spawning in August draws divers from across America. Getting there requires a 12-hour liveaboard trip, but the pristine reefs are worth every minute.

Score
63.0
Visibilité
15–40m
Température
20–29°C
Meilleurs mois
June, July, August
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World Class
Intermediate
Flower Garden Banks
United StatesNorth America
63.0

SCORE

27.8983°N

-93.5972°E

The Flower Garden Banks sit 100 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico — the northernmost coral reefs in the continental US. The 52% coral cover (compared to 2% in the wider Caribbean) is remarkable, and the annual mass coral spawning in August draws divers from across America. Getting there requires a 12-hour liveaboard trip, but the pristine reefs are worth every minute.

The Gulf of Mexico's Hidden Coral Oasis

Visibility15–40 m
Temperature20–29°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$200
Best MonthsJune, July, August, September
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML74.0CH72.0VIS85.0SV28.0TMP57.0DA62.0OP73.0TS64.0GT68.0VAL32.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

74.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
96
Megafauna Encounters
84
Reef Fish Abundance
98
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
50
Marine Life Diversity
74.0
Coral & Reef Health
72.0
Visibility & Conditions
85.0
Dive Site Variety
28.0
Water Temperature
57.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
73.0
Topside Experience
64.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
32.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Galveston beach town (departure point)offshore fishing along the way

Non-Diver Score

2/10

Dedicated dive destination — not ideal for non-divers.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber200 km — Memorial Hermann Hyperbaric Medicine, Houston/Galveston
Nearest Hospital200 km

Offshore site — 12+ hr boat ride to Galveston; Coast Guard helicopter available; liveaboard trips only

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Fling Charters

PADI

4.8
180 reviewsNITROX

Texas Flower Gardens

PADI

4.7
120 reviewsNITROX