Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is one of 14 federally designated underwater areas protected by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. It is the only sanctuary site located in the Gulf of Mexico, 155 southeast of Galveston.
Visitors will be awed by the diversity of marine life hidden under the waves. Magnificent coral reefs present a colorful display atop underwater mountains rising from the depths of the Gulf of Mexico. The exceptional underwater visibility allows divers to experience spectacular sights throughout the water column: coral heads the size of cars, schools of fish, graceful eagle and manta rays, and even a chance to witness majestic whale sharks during summer visits to the area.
| Nail Sea Star | Courtesy Steve & Brandi Miller via flowergarden.noaa.gov |
Diving
The banks of the sanctuary include over a dozen moored dive sites, with typical dive profiles of 70-130 feet. Situated 70- 115 miles offshore, the sanctuary is only accessible by boat, so divers interested in visiting these hidden gems can book dive charters for a truly unique and authentic Gulf of Mexico experience.
Fishing Charters
Several Galveston fishing charters offer trips for anglers wanting to fish the Flower Garden and Stetson Banks. Snappers, jacks, barracuda, and wahoo are just a few of the fish commonly caught by sport fishing enthusiasts.
