If you think of the Lone Star State as a place where there's not much to do or see beyond rodeos, glittering city lights, and endless expanses of prairie, think again! There are many fantastic places to dive in Texas, each with a number of appealing features. Here are a trio of lakes you're sure to enjoy exploring.
Twin Lakes
Offering 31 fantastic acres of clear, aquifer-fed water, Twin Lakes is an abandoned rock quarry located just a little more than 15 minutes south of Houston. Once operated as a travel park designed just for campers and RV's, the site has been opened to diving and is now steadily improving, with training platforms, floating docks, and a number of sunken attractions for divers to explore including boats and a bus. Watch for striper and panfish, perch, catfish, and some big bass here, in addition to quite a few turtles. In addition, there are picnic tables and shady pavilions topside. With visibility averaging 15-20 feet, this site offers maximum depth at 50 feet. Divers are required to sign a waiver, present a C-Card, and pay the small entry fee in cash. Air fills are available on site. A great place to enjoy a weekend of camping and diving, Twin Lakes has something for everyone.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis was born when the Mansfield Dam was completed in 1941. Today, when the lake is full, maximum depth is 180 feet, making it an exciting destination for technical divers. Underwater, you'll find what remains of the Shaker Plant, which was used to process the construction materials used to build the dam, with some features at recreational depths and others extending beyond 100 feet deep. In addition, there are walls and grottoes to explore, along with forests of sunken pecan trees. Along the aptly named Wreck Alley, you'll find a permanent line that leads to a series of wrecks ranging from houseboats to sailboats, and as you make your way from one site to the next, you'll find yourself in the company of yellow spotted and channel catfish, perch and bass, tilapia, and crappies. Visibility averages 8-10 feet, and charters are available. Located just 14 miles northwest of downtown Austin, this is a great place to spend a day or make several dives over the course of an extended period of time.
Medina Lake
Located less than an hour west of San Antonio, Medina Lake has plenty to offer, including maximum depth at about 100 feet when at full water level, and decent visibility at 10-15 feet on average. While you're there, explore Joe's Place, which was once a fishing camp and which features a cove full of fantastic features installed just for divers. There are training platforms here, plus there are markers mapping out several sunken attractions including a tower, boats, a van, and much more.
There is a fee for use, and non-divers will find plenty to do topside, as there's a great swimming beach, designated fishing areas, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, and more. Camping is available, and air fills can be obtained in San Antonio. Reservations are recommended for anyone hoping to camp, especially on busy weekends.
With plenty to see and great attractions topside, plus located in close proximity to some of Texas' most stunning cities, these three lakes won't let you down.