Rocky shores and good snorkeling may not be the first thing that pops into your head when you hear Texas, but believe it or not Galveston snorkeling is some of the best snorkeling in Galveston TX and in the country. Texas’ location on the Gulf of Mexico makes it a really interesting location to partake in Galveston snorkeling and see some interesting sea life. Guests are able to swim in the warmest waters and catch a glimpse of what lies beneath the water. Here are some of the best Galveston snorkeling locations as well as few tips on getting ready to go!
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is one of the best places in to snorkel. Scuba Diving magazine has rated South Padre Island in the Top 100 snorkeling sites in 2010 due to its diverse nature. The beach jetties provide homes to many types of fish that are normally only found in reefs, including wrasse, trumpetfish, and triggerfish. The only issue with the island is the strong undertow found around the island, so make sure to be cautious during your adventure.
Laguna Madre Estuary
The Laguna Madre Estuary is located where the Rio Grande River enters the Gulf. This estuary is another Galveston snorkeling opportunity near South Padre Island to look for interesting sea life. The Estuary has several beds of natural sea grass that will give you a chance to see sea turtles. These little guys love nibbling on the sea grass beds and have been reported to frequent the area. The area does get rather murky after large storms, so make sure that you keep an eye out for sharks.
Flower Garden Banks
Flower Garden Banks is a marine sanctuary that is located on the southeast side of Galveston. The Flower Garden Banks are made up of two reef formations: The East Flower Bank and the West Flower Bank. These formations grow as salt domes on the top of sea mounts and are full of brain coral, fan coral, sponges, and several types of reef fish. The Flower Garden Banks is long boat ride away, but the reef is well worth the trip.
Stetson Bank
Another location that is a bit of a ride away is Stetson Bank. The water around the bank is much cooler, allowing for more sponge formations than coral formations. In addition to coral fish, snorkelers also see barracudas, rays and hawksbill turtles that like to feed off of the sponges.
Getting Geared Up:
What Snorkeling Gear is Needed?
Not everyone is fortunate enough to live by the water, and as such, many people don’t know what equipment they might need for snorkeling—aside from what they may have seen on television or in the movies—so we’re here to help! The most important pieces of snorkeling equipment are the mask and the snorkel. The snorkel tube helps you breathe while your head is underwater, and the mask must be properly fitted to avoid water getting inside and obscuring your view. Optional fins make it easy for you to glide through the water, becoming one with the creatures you are swimming with, and for those who have difficulty staying afloat (or who may become tired more easily), a snorkeling vest allows you to float comfortably or take a breather when you need a moment. Not of dire importance, but greatly recommended is the underwater camera; you are going to want a concrete reminder of the beauty you experienced under the sea!
No Need to Buy Your Equipment
There are plenty of shops in Galveston that will rent you what you need or if you want to buy it because you picture snorkeling becoming your newest hobby, you can buy it at the same shops that rent it out. Southern Spears Surf Shop in Galveston, or Maximum Scuba in nearby League city are two of our favorite Galveston area snorkel suppliers.
