Dive into the Gulf’s premier underwater sanctuary with Texas Caribbean Charters. This two-day trip offers seven dives among manta rays, turtles, and vibrant reefs for an unforgettable marine adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic scuba certification and be comfortable with multiple dives in varying conditions over two days.
Wildlife
History
The Flower Garden Banks was designated a national marine sanctuary in 1992 to protect one of the few coral reef systems in the northern Gulf.
Conservation
Texas Caribbean Charters follows strict sanctuary guidelines to minimize environmental impact, promoting responsible diving practices that preserve vibrant reef communities.
Texas Caribbean Charters, LLC
Dive into the Gulf’s premier underwater sanctuary with Texas Caribbean Charters. This two-day trip offers seven dives among manta rays, turtles, and vibrant reefs for an unforgettable marine adventure.
Texas Caribbean Charters, LLC is a professional dive charter operator based in Freeport, Illinois. The company organizes liveaboard-style and multi-day diving trips to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and Stetson Bank in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Trips feature encounters with manta rays, turtles, sharks, and abundant reef life around coral reefs and offshore oil platforms.
Trip lengths range from two-day weekend trips to three- and four-day adventures; itineraries include day dives and dedicated night dives, and some schedules focus on coral spawning events such as Madracis and other gamete releases during full-moon cycles. Each itinerary lists the number of dives and specific highlights: the Coral Spawn Experience includes 16 dives over four days with four night dives; the Stetson Coral Spawn Adventure centers on night spawning dives at Stetson Bank during a three-day schedule; the Three Day Extended Flower Garden Tour and the Weekend Flower Garden Tour offer multiple dives at Flower Garden Banks, oil platforms, manta cleaning stations, and turtle habitats.
Texas Caribbean Charters, LLC operates from Freeport, Illinois, providing surface support and logistics for these offshore excursions. The operator promotes safe, guided diving with experienced crews familiar with Gulf of Mexico dive sites. Booking follows published schedules and seasonal calendars, and divers should consult the operator's itinerary announcements for exact dates and availability.
Departure
Freeport, Illinois
Local boarding and logistics point
Trip Lengths
2–4 days
Weekend to four-day itineraries
Max Dives
16 dives
Coral Spawn Experience includes 16 dives
Primary Sites
Flower Garden & Stetson
Sanctuary reefs and oil platforms
Check schedules and availability from Freeport, Illinois to secure space for seasonal spawning windows, manta encounters, and night dives.
Be Prepared for Night Diving
Bring a reliable dive light and a backup, as the tour includes night dives where marine life is uniquely active.
Watch for Manta Rays Above
During West Bank dives, keep your gaze elevated—manta rays often cruise overhead and can be missed if not attentive.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the marine environment by applying reef-safe sunscreen before boarding the boat and between dives.
Secure Your Gear
Ocean conditions can be unpredictable; make sure all dive equipment is securely fastened to avoid loss during boat transfers.
Full Scuba Gear Set
Necessary for all dives, including regulator, mask, fins, buoyancy control device, and wetsuit.
Dive Light and Backup Light
Critical for night dives to illuminate marine life and navigate in low light.
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
Important safety gear for marking your position during ascents and surface intervals.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin while minimizing impact on delicate marine ecosystems.
summer