TEXAS DIVING HOT SPOTS
 
LAKE AMISTAD
Del Rio, TX
For more information, see contact info below. They offer a pool for practice, tours on the lake, compressor, tanks, BC rental.  

Richard D. Urban, Padi instructor (23 years)
(830)778-9207

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ATHENS SCUBA PARK
Athens, TX
Athens Scuba Park is nestled in the small town of Athens,TX. It is located just outside of the town square in an abandoned clay quarry. The park has many sights to see but lacks "abundant" fish and plant life due to the high PH of the spring fed quarry. The park offers a full service dive shop on-site with a bar/grill style eatery. The staff is very friendly and knows how to have a good time. As far as the diving goes, there is a lot to see such as airplanes, motorcycles, boats, and buses. The profile ranges from up to 35 feet with average visibility of 30 feet, however the silty bottom is easily stirred up. The average water temperature ranges from the high 80s in the summer to the low 50s in the winter. The park is only for divers which means no boats, jet skis, or fisherman to contend with and offers a safe place to practice and hone in on skills. The park also offers the normal amenities of a training facility such as seven under water platforms, easy entry docks, showers, and on site camping. 

Directions from DFW: 

  • Take Interstate 20 East to Highway 175. 
  • Take Highway 175 East through downtown Athens. 
  • On the other side of town turn left (North) on Murchison St. 
  • The park is approximately three blocks on the right along side the railroad tracks. A large dive flag sign can be seen from the road at the park's entrance. 
Athens Scuba Park (903) 675-5762

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ATLAS MISSILE SILO
Abilene, TX
It is an abandoned missile silo located near Abilene, and is open by appointment only. You have to have a guaranteed group of about 10 people, because it has some technical aspects to it. They require divers have at least an advanced certification, unless it is an advanced class under the direct supervision of an instructor. Mostly, it is cold and dark, and you must climb down a 25 ft. ladder to get in the water. Visibility is maybe only 100 feet. You can almost see to the bottom. (130 feet) The water is ground water that has seeped in over the years, through 10 to 13 feet of concrete. So it is extremely clear until people start stirring up the sediment. Contact information is listed below.  

Linda or Mark Hannifin
Family Scuba Center
P.O. Box 11182
Midland, TX 79702
(915) 686-7333

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BALMORHEA STATE PARK
Toyahvle, TX
Description soon to come! 

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BLUE LAGOON
Huntsville, TX
Description soon to come! 

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THE OASIS - Closed
Denton, TX
Per Island Divers, the Oasis has been closed. The Oasis is located about 15 miles west from downtown Denton. The park is located in a flooded rock quarry in the midst of large Texas pastures. The quarry is spring fed and offers excellent visibility and abundant fish life. The main attraction is the number and size of the friendly catfish located beneath the surface. Just a few crumbs in the water will create a frenzy of the well spoiled catfish. The average cat is around 2 feet long and they love to be hand fed. The are also several nice size bass and very aggressive groups of sunfish. If your lucky you might even run into a pair of red ear turtles skimming the bottom of the quarry. The bass are timid but you can sneak up to get a good look at one if your careful. As for the perch, you better keeps your hands, arms, and legs in the car until the ride is over, they tend to think of the divers as an afternoon snack. You especially need to make sure you remove all visible jewelry, it attracts them like a magnet. The Oasis also offers the amenities of the normal dive site such us underwater training platforms, sunken boats, and other neat things to look at. The profile ranges from up to 25 feet with average visibility of 15 feet, however the silty bottom of the spring is easily stirred up. The late summer algae blooms can cut the visibility in half so plan your dive accordingly. The average water temperature ranges from the high 80s in the summer to the low 50s in the winter. The park is only for divers which means no boats, jet skis, or fisherman to contend with and offers a safe place to practice and hone in on skills. 

Pictures from the Oasis. 

Directions from DFW: 

  • Take Interstate 35 North to Highway 380. 
  • Take Highway 380 West about 15 miles. 
  • Turn right at the dive flag sign which is Country Road 2513 (Allison Rd.) 
  • Turn right at the next dive flag, I believe its the first right you can take. 
  • The park entrance is just down the road on the left side as soon as you pass the Emu ranch. 
The Oasis (Island Divers) (940) 383-3483

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POSSUM KINGDOM - SCUBA POINT
Mineral Wells, TX 
Lake Possum Kingdom is located just outside of Mineral Wells. The lake is large and deep, which offers the die-hard diver a plethora of diving. Scuba Point offers divers a safe haven from fishermen, boats, and the like. The park is equipped with full service dive shop with "Gold-Finger" air filling. As for the profile, divers can easily reach the recreational limits and visiblity ranges from 20 feet to the palm of your hand. The lake has very distinct thermoclines and it is easy to get chilled at depth. More to come....  

Directions from DFW: 

  • Take Interstate 30 West to Highway 180.
  • Take Highway 180 West to Highway 337 which is on the other side of Mineral Wells.
  • Turn right on Highway 337.
  • Head North for 11.9 miles to a stop sign at Highway 254.
  • Turn left on Highway 254.
  • Head West for 7.6 miles until the road forks.
  • Take the left fork Highway 16.
  • Head South on Highway 16 for 2.1 miles.
  • Turn right on Park Road 36.
  • Head West for 4.8 miles on Park Road 36.
  • Take the left fork on Park Road 36.
  • Turn left at the stop sign.
  • Turn left again at the next left.
  • Turn right into Scuba Point.
Scuba Point (817) 779-2482

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SAN MARCOS RIVER
San Marcos, TX
Description soon to come! 

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LAKE TRAVIS - SCUBA PARK
Austin, TX
Visibility is about 15 to 25 feet in the summer and 25 to 45 feet in the winter. It is an absolutely great place to dive. One of the nice things is that the dive area is roped off to where boats can't enter. No fishing is allowed either, so the fish are big hungry pets. Once you go in, you stay for the day, so bring any food, drinks or whatever you want in with you. Nothing is sold onsite but drinking water is available. They provide the tanks, shade, and a place to sit and dive. The park does not encourage children or non-divers, but they can come out and stay on the dock for 10$ a weekend. They are not allowed in the water, anyone getting in the water costs the normal diver's fee. The cost is 60$ for two days, or 40$ for one. You must go with a dive shop, instructor, or dive-master because he does not carry insurance and the person or organization you go with should cover you. The center listed below welcomes anyone who wants to go with them. They take all their classes there for open water certification.  

Linda or Mark Hannifin
Family Scuba Center
P.O. Box 11182
Midland, TX 79702
(915) 686-7333

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LAKE TRAVIS - WINDY POINT
Austin, TX
Lake Travis is nestled in rolling hills near the outskirts of Austin. The lake is formed by the Colorado River channel and offers some of the best fresh water deep-diving in the state. The depth ranges up to 150+ feet and has an average visibility of 15-20 feet. The water can be somewhat cooler at the lower levels and averages in the high 80s during the summer and can dip down into the lower 60s during the cooler months. There are several entry points in the lake but the easiest is Windy Point. Windy Point offers the diver the standard amenities of a dive park plus camping facilities. The park offers carts for toting your gear around and has on-site fills for a full day of diving. The underwater amenities include diving platforms, several steel sculptures, boats, and cars. The park has walk down platforms for entry and the water is buoyed off about 200 feet out. The water drops off quickly and around 115 feet you will come upon a huge pecan grove. The fish are tame and like to nip at exposed body parts (especially the ears) and jewelry. There are large bass, catfish, and perch which will try to do tricks for scraps. Other areas of interest in the lake include an old sunken construction site left behind from the building of the dam and several wall-type dives which are easily accessed by boat.  

Directions from DFW: 

  • Take Interstate 35 South to Highway 620 in Round Rock. 
  • Take Highway 620 West past 183 until you reach Highway 2222.
  • Turn right on 2222 (Bullick Hollow), you will be head North for 1 mile. The turn is between a Circle K and 7-11.
  • Turn left on Oasis Bluff, its the first left.
  • Turn right on Comanche Trail, its about 6/10ths of a mile down Oasis Bluff.
  • Take Comanche Trail about 1.9 miles past Hippie Hollow and Bob Wentz Park.
  • Turn left at Ridgetop Terrace, this road is hard to see so watch your mileage.
  • As soon as you turn left the park entrance is to the immediate right. 
Windy Point Park (512) 266-3337

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