| t/b/d $510 |
Flower
Gardens
Gardens
| FLOWER GARDEN TRIP INFORMATION |
Many of our diver friends know little about the Flower Gardens and Stetson Bank National
Marine Sanctuary or the live-aboard dive boat called the M/V Spree. Here is a brief
description of what to expect aboard a "100 foot" live-aboard in the Gulf of Mexico.
The M/V Spree is a converted crew boat now utilized as dive boats with bunks for thirty one
divers, three shop divemasters and six crew member - two berthing compartments, one
forward and one amidships (center of boat below the galley). In addition there are three
restrooms or "HEADS" as they are called aboard ships. they have a galley (kitchen) where the
cooking takes place and a Salon which seats about 24 people. Three meals are served daily
plus a continental breakfast before the first dive of the day. Quick energy snacks are always
available and iced tea, orange drink or coffee are provided free. If you want soda, i.e. coke,
etc., they are for sale on board. Beer too, after the diving is over.
The galley crew keeps a tally of what you owe and collects before returning to the dock. The
boats have three large diesel engines and have a cruising speed of approximately 17 knots.
The boats take about six to seven hours to reach the West Flower Gardens and forty five
minutes to move to the East Flower Gardens. In addition these dive boats have their own high
pressure air compressors, so you will always have plenty of air. And new for 1999, Nitrox is
available on board both vessels.
West Flower Gardens
The Flower Gardens are really our Texas Caribbean reef system. They are located about 110
miles southeast of Freeport and consist of two salt dome structures called the East and West
Flower Gardens. The West Flower Garden is the deepest structure and for that reason is
normally the first dive site. Maximum dive depth is generally less than 80 feet.
For most trips, we encourage the divers to arrive at the boats around 8:00 PM to sign in and
fill out release forms. You may board the boat no earlier than 8:30 pm the night of departure.
Please allow at least 1-1/2 hours drive time from downtown Houston to Freeport.
Upon arrival at the boats, you will need to load and stow your dive gear on the back deck,
then make a bunk selection. There are four to six bunks to each room. Sheets, a pillow, pillow
case and blanket are provided. Do not forget to take a towel along. With sleeping
arrangements completed, and equipment tucked away, it's just wait for departure time and
chat with all your fellow divers.
During a briefing you will be introduced to the boats' captain (per regulations the boat always
has two captains aboard), the volunteer boat divemasters and galley crew. The briefing is
conducted by one of the captains and boat divemaster as the boats head to the jetties. Most
people turn in before the boat reaches the jetties. You will need your rest, as diving is hard
work and much safer if you are well rested. Most people sleep well and begin waking up when
the hum of the diesels slow indicating your pending arrival. A continental breakfast of sweet
rolls, fruit, coffee or juice is already laid out by the volunteer galley crew and a full breakfast is
served after the first dive. The normal routine is for the galley to take the first dive while the
divemasters prepare the divers with a briefing which normally occurs at 7:00 am. The boats
have two boat divemasters who are assisted by divemasters from the sponsoring dive shops.
The policies and procedures in effect are calculated to provide the greatest safety and best
experiences possible. It is always safety, safety and more safety. Like most good dive boats,
entry and exit times, along with depths, are monitored by the divemasters. Entry is achieved
via a giant stride off either side. Dives are limited to a maximum depth of 100 feet, and you
should always surface with 500 pounds pressure in your tank after a required safety stop.
The boats have three weighted safety stop lines suspended to about 40 feet with a second
stage regulator available on the starboard stern line for an out-of-air situation. A 300 foot
safety line with float extends from the boat's stern for the diver who miscalculates and misses
the entry ladder. If you really "miss the boat" and the safety line, there is a Zodiac, a rubber
boat with motor. the boats have one very important rule, a required 2 1/2 hour surface
interval between dives. So if you are diving with a computer and do all the dives possible, you
can dive seven, possibly eight times on a two day trip and twelve dives on a three day trip.
After the briefing you can enter the water and take your first glimpse of these unique reefs,
large boulders and spectacular coral heads measuring 10 feet across. The West Gardens
have grown to within 65 feet of the surface and covers nearly 100 acres. Many queen
angelfish, groupers, amberjacks, great barracuda and red snapper inhabit this reef. there are
175 resident tropical species as well as numerous migratory species. If you are lucky you may
see an Atlantic Manta. These majestic pelagics can have wing spans over 10 feet. On
occasion, divers have actually had the opportunity to pet a whale shark, "some fish story to
tell your dive buddies".
Upon completion of your first dive it is time to partake of a delicious breakfast and a brief rest
in the sun before making dive two. Generally all divers are finished with the second dive by
12:30 PM and the crew is raising the entry ladder for the move to the East Flower Gardens.
Oil and Gas Production Platforms
Water conditions permitting, the next stop is a deep sea Oil and Gas Production Platforms.
Rig diving is very popular among many Texas spearfishermen, however for safety reasons,
the Fling does not permit spearfishing. The rig structures are covered with barnacles, which
are like hundreds of small castles, each inhabited by a unique creature. Two plates that look
like a bird's beak protrude from the openings of the small castles, opening periodically to pass
a feathery tail into the surrounding environment. Barnacles are crustaceans and
hermaphrodites-(male and females sexual organs within one body). The barnacles hatch tiny
free swimming larvae called nauplii and are a source of food for many animals living in the
sea.
One can also find many other fish including soapfish, damselfish, blennies, butterflyfish,
angelfish, spadefish and larger predatory fish such as barracuda, amberjacks and groupers
among the pipes and valves. Oil companies periodically clean the rigs' legs for safety
reasons, so this can be an opportunity for salt water aquarium owners to collect crustaceans
to add to their tanks. One of the advantages of rig diving. The rig dive permits divers to dive
many depths. In this way the rig dive offers variety for everyone. But for safety reasons, after
many dives within a two day period of time, shallower depths are encouraged. The Gulf of
Mexico has a great number of rigs in place that represent a very significant artificial reef
system for divers and fishermen alike.
East Flower Gardens
The actual distance between the banks is eight miles. The East Flower Gardens is shallower.
About 55 feet and for this reason is dived later in the day. The East Flower Gardens is larger
than the West and covers 400 acres. The fish life is similar to the West but at this location
after two afternoon dives, you have an opportunity to do a night dive. The night dive starts
before 9:00 PM, a highly recommended experience. Naturally, glow sticks, a dive light and a
backup light are required for the safety of everyone. At days end you are probably tired, as
five dives makes for a long day. Normally, most divers turn in early. However, for the foolhardy
someone usually has a video tape of the days activities or a movie to watch.
Stetson Bank
On October 11, 1996, President Clinton signed the bill which added Stetson Bank to the
Flower Gardens Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
About 3:00 AM the boat hoists anchor for the trip to Stetson Bank. Stetson Rock as it is
sometimes called, represents the second distinct dive site of our trip and lies atop a salt dome
approximately 70 miles from Freeport, Texas. the name comes from the outline of the
outcropping hence the name Stetson. The sediments from the Gulf floor have been pushed
up by the salt dome and created visible strata of claystones and siltstones. Stetson has an
unusual amount of marine life including turtles, stingrays, manta rays, scorpionfish,
barracuda, amberjacks and groupers. Average dive depth is 80 feet. We normally dive two
dives on Stetson and pull anchor about 11:30 AM for our return trip to Freeport.
Medical Insurance is Strongly Recommended.
DAN Medical Insurance NAUI Sponsored Diver Protection Insurance
Marine Sanctuary or the live-aboard dive boat called the M/V Spree. Here is a brief
description of what to expect aboard a "100 foot" live-aboard in the Gulf of Mexico.
The M/V Spree is a converted crew boat now utilized as dive boats with bunks for thirty one
divers, three shop divemasters and six crew member - two berthing compartments, one
forward and one amidships (center of boat below the galley). In addition there are three
restrooms or "HEADS" as they are called aboard ships. they have a galley (kitchen) where the
cooking takes place and a Salon which seats about 24 people. Three meals are served daily
plus a continental breakfast before the first dive of the day. Quick energy snacks are always
available and iced tea, orange drink or coffee are provided free. If you want soda, i.e. coke,
etc., they are for sale on board. Beer too, after the diving is over.
The galley crew keeps a tally of what you owe and collects before returning to the dock. The
boats have three large diesel engines and have a cruising speed of approximately 17 knots.
The boats take about six to seven hours to reach the West Flower Gardens and forty five
minutes to move to the East Flower Gardens. In addition these dive boats have their own high
pressure air compressors, so you will always have plenty of air. And new for 1999, Nitrox is
available on board both vessels.
West Flower Gardens
The Flower Gardens are really our Texas Caribbean reef system. They are located about 110
miles southeast of Freeport and consist of two salt dome structures called the East and West
Flower Gardens. The West Flower Garden is the deepest structure and for that reason is
normally the first dive site. Maximum dive depth is generally less than 80 feet.
For most trips, we encourage the divers to arrive at the boats around 8:00 PM to sign in and
fill out release forms. You may board the boat no earlier than 8:30 pm the night of departure.
Please allow at least 1-1/2 hours drive time from downtown Houston to Freeport.
Upon arrival at the boats, you will need to load and stow your dive gear on the back deck,
then make a bunk selection. There are four to six bunks to each room. Sheets, a pillow, pillow
case and blanket are provided. Do not forget to take a towel along. With sleeping
arrangements completed, and equipment tucked away, it's just wait for departure time and
chat with all your fellow divers.
During a briefing you will be introduced to the boats' captain (per regulations the boat always
has two captains aboard), the volunteer boat divemasters and galley crew. The briefing is
conducted by one of the captains and boat divemaster as the boats head to the jetties. Most
people turn in before the boat reaches the jetties. You will need your rest, as diving is hard
work and much safer if you are well rested. Most people sleep well and begin waking up when
the hum of the diesels slow indicating your pending arrival. A continental breakfast of sweet
rolls, fruit, coffee or juice is already laid out by the volunteer galley crew and a full breakfast is
served after the first dive. The normal routine is for the galley to take the first dive while the
divemasters prepare the divers with a briefing which normally occurs at 7:00 am. The boats
have two boat divemasters who are assisted by divemasters from the sponsoring dive shops.
The policies and procedures in effect are calculated to provide the greatest safety and best
experiences possible. It is always safety, safety and more safety. Like most good dive boats,
entry and exit times, along with depths, are monitored by the divemasters. Entry is achieved
via a giant stride off either side. Dives are limited to a maximum depth of 100 feet, and you
should always surface with 500 pounds pressure in your tank after a required safety stop.
The boats have three weighted safety stop lines suspended to about 40 feet with a second
stage regulator available on the starboard stern line for an out-of-air situation. A 300 foot
safety line with float extends from the boat's stern for the diver who miscalculates and misses
the entry ladder. If you really "miss the boat" and the safety line, there is a Zodiac, a rubber
boat with motor. the boats have one very important rule, a required 2 1/2 hour surface
interval between dives. So if you are diving with a computer and do all the dives possible, you
can dive seven, possibly eight times on a two day trip and twelve dives on a three day trip.
After the briefing you can enter the water and take your first glimpse of these unique reefs,
large boulders and spectacular coral heads measuring 10 feet across. The West Gardens
have grown to within 65 feet of the surface and covers nearly 100 acres. Many queen
angelfish, groupers, amberjacks, great barracuda and red snapper inhabit this reef. there are
175 resident tropical species as well as numerous migratory species. If you are lucky you may
see an Atlantic Manta. These majestic pelagics can have wing spans over 10 feet. On
occasion, divers have actually had the opportunity to pet a whale shark, "some fish story to
tell your dive buddies".
Upon completion of your first dive it is time to partake of a delicious breakfast and a brief rest
in the sun before making dive two. Generally all divers are finished with the second dive by
12:30 PM and the crew is raising the entry ladder for the move to the East Flower Gardens.
Oil and Gas Production Platforms
Water conditions permitting, the next stop is a deep sea Oil and Gas Production Platforms.
Rig diving is very popular among many Texas spearfishermen, however for safety reasons,
the Fling does not permit spearfishing. The rig structures are covered with barnacles, which
are like hundreds of small castles, each inhabited by a unique creature. Two plates that look
like a bird's beak protrude from the openings of the small castles, opening periodically to pass
a feathery tail into the surrounding environment. Barnacles are crustaceans and
hermaphrodites-(male and females sexual organs within one body). The barnacles hatch tiny
free swimming larvae called nauplii and are a source of food for many animals living in the
sea.
One can also find many other fish including soapfish, damselfish, blennies, butterflyfish,
angelfish, spadefish and larger predatory fish such as barracuda, amberjacks and groupers
among the pipes and valves. Oil companies periodically clean the rigs' legs for safety
reasons, so this can be an opportunity for salt water aquarium owners to collect crustaceans
to add to their tanks. One of the advantages of rig diving. The rig dive permits divers to dive
many depths. In this way the rig dive offers variety for everyone. But for safety reasons, after
many dives within a two day period of time, shallower depths are encouraged. The Gulf of
Mexico has a great number of rigs in place that represent a very significant artificial reef
system for divers and fishermen alike.
East Flower Gardens
The actual distance between the banks is eight miles. The East Flower Gardens is shallower.
About 55 feet and for this reason is dived later in the day. The East Flower Gardens is larger
than the West and covers 400 acres. The fish life is similar to the West but at this location
after two afternoon dives, you have an opportunity to do a night dive. The night dive starts
before 9:00 PM, a highly recommended experience. Naturally, glow sticks, a dive light and a
backup light are required for the safety of everyone. At days end you are probably tired, as
five dives makes for a long day. Normally, most divers turn in early. However, for the foolhardy
someone usually has a video tape of the days activities or a movie to watch.
Stetson Bank
On October 11, 1996, President Clinton signed the bill which added Stetson Bank to the
Flower Gardens Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
About 3:00 AM the boat hoists anchor for the trip to Stetson Bank. Stetson Rock as it is
sometimes called, represents the second distinct dive site of our trip and lies atop a salt dome
approximately 70 miles from Freeport, Texas. the name comes from the outline of the
outcropping hence the name Stetson. The sediments from the Gulf floor have been pushed
up by the salt dome and created visible strata of claystones and siltstones. Stetson has an
unusual amount of marine life including turtles, stingrays, manta rays, scorpionfish,
barracuda, amberjacks and groupers. Average dive depth is 80 feet. We normally dive two
dives on Stetson and pull anchor about 11:30 AM for our return trip to Freeport.
Medical Insurance is Strongly Recommended.
DAN Medical Insurance NAUI Sponsored Diver Protection Insurance
| On-Site Registration Click Here Flower Garden Registration |
| On-Site Registration Click Here Flower Garden Registration |
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