COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closings are constantly evolving. There is no guarantee that the dive sites mentioned within this article will be open at your time of travel.

Located about 100 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is a remote reef system that protects 21 species of coral and hundreds of invertebrate and fish species. It comprises three underwater banks: East Flower Garden Bank, West Flower Garden Bank and Stetson Bank. But it might be under threat. Researchers are studying the sanctuary for signs of stony coral tissue loss disease, which has already spread across a large swath of the Florida Reef Tract. Flower Garden Banks is a fragile yet monumental dive experience.

DAY ONE
To dive the banks aboard M/V Fling, take the hour-and-a-half drive from Houston to Freeport, Texas, where charters depart. Because the hard-coral reef is well off the coast, arrive at the dock by evening for the liveaboard departure. Once at the dock, all divers rinse gear in chlorhexidine to help prevent the spread of hard-coral disease. Throughout the night, the boat will travel 110 miles to the first dive site and arrive at the mooring ball by morning. This time is well spent briefing for dives and setting up gear.

DAY TWO
The first dive day is packed with five dives, including a night opportunity. Currents and visibility determine reefs selected for dives, but East Flower Garden Banks 1 and 3 are stunning locations. Giant brain corals dominate the landscape on these deep reefs, creating a rolling landscape of coral heads. Eels and lobsters hide between corals while mantas and even whale sharks may pass by overhead on nutrient-rich days. Complete the adventure with a night dive to observe feeding corals and emerging wildlife.

DAY THREE
Food is provided before the first dive and between every dive, so everyone is full of energy for a full dive slate before the six-hour return trip. An oil rig and West Flower Garden Bank may also be included on the itinerary, but Stetson Bank is often visited on the return trip. Though the reef is sporadic and dominated by sand and a wall, Stetson Bank is home to big animals such as sandbar and silky sharks, sea turtles and southern stingrays.

NEED TO KNOW

When to Go: Fling Charters runs during the summer and early fall.

Dive Conditions: Temperatures are typically in the mid-70s F, and visibility ranges from 5 to 60 feet.

Operators: Fling Charters (flingcharters.com) runs two-and three-day liveaboard trips to the banks.