Diving & Water Activities at Stetson Coral Spawn Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable with night diving and handling gear.
Overview
Dive into the vibrant world of Stetson Bank during the iconic coral spawning event under a full moon. With abundant marine life and geological marvels, this adventure offers a truly unforgettable underwater experience.
Stetson Coral Spawn Adventure
Ages 10+ • 3 Days • 7 Dives
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About This Adventure
Experience world-class diving at Stetson Bank, where unique geological formations create an underwater paradise. Join the thrilling night dive to witness the magical spawning of Madracis corals under the full moon. With abundant marine life, including moray eels and sharks, this three-day adventure promises unforgettable memories for diving enthusiasts.
World-class, blue-water diving!
Duration
3 days
About
Stetson Bank is another salt dome, pressed upwards by geological forces and reaches to within 70 feet of the ocean surface. Slightly cooler water here means the corals did not take hold as on the East and West Banks. What does that mean for divers? There's nowhere for the animals to hide!!!
Stetson is famously sharky, and there's absolutely no better place to go find eels. You WILL see moray eels here! The striated rocks provide hide-outs and protection for all forms of life. Just be careful, there's a "healthy" population of fire coral here too.
This year, we're timing our Stetson-Kraken excursion with the full moon, in an effort to catch the Madracis corals spawning at Stetson Bank. These corals release their "gametes" into the ocean currents ON the full moon, a week before the reef banks to the East put on their mass spawning event (nights 7-8-9-10 after the full moon). The magic of spawning corals, animals without brains, or eyes, is the timing, and the great hope it inspires - sending the promise of the next coral colonies drifting to find suitable locations.
In our top three dives, as reported by divers over three decades, is the night dive at Stetson Bank. It's a real treat you won't want to miss!
Schedule
Friday: Joining the boat, boarding, and departure
- 7pm divers arrive at the pier
- Divers board the boat and check in
- Departure!
Saturday:
- 7am Wake-up
- Dives 1&2 at the Stetson Bank
- Dives 3-4&5 back at Stetson Bank - Find the madracis coral on dives 3&4 for the night dive looking for spawning!
Saturday:
- Wake-up at 7AM
- Dives 6&7 at the Stetson Bank
- Return to Freeport at about 5:30-6PM
What's Included
- All meals and snacks
- AL 80 cf tank
- 27-32% Nitrox
- 7 Dives (see itinerary)
What to Bring
- All your dive gear, weights, wet suit, dive light, back-up light, tank light, surface marker buoy, everything.
- A couple of towels
- Necessary medications
- Sea-sickness medication
- Personal hygiene / toiletries
- Gratuities are not included in your booking. The crew works for tips. They work hard for you, so please remember them at the end of the trip.
Adventure Tips
Night Dive Safety
Always dive with a qualified guide, especially during night dives and spawning events.
Gear Up Properly
Bring a powerful dive light, wetsuit, and reef-safe sunscreen for comfort and safety.
Check the Moon Phase
Schedule your trip around the full moon to witness the coral spawning spectacle.
Book Early
Popular dates fill quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawksbill turtles
- Manta rays
History
The area has been a favored fishing and diving site for decades, due to its rich biodiversity and geological formations.
Conservation
Texas Caribbean Charters emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including reef-safe products and responsible diving to protect the delicate marine environment.
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Adventure Hotspots in Houston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Full wetsuit
Keeps you warm during night dives in cooler waters.
all specific
Dive light
Essential for night navigation and observing marine life.
all specific
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin without harming the delicate marine ecosystem.
summer|fall|spring|winter specific
Surface marker buoy (SMB)
Helps signal your location during dives for safety.
all specific