Advice Request: Heading to Corpus Christi

[muddyh2o]

Hey guys

I'm heading to Corpus Christi in the next few weeks and would like to get (at least) a few days of diving in. I'm looking for advice. I've had a poke around and have searched a bit here on SB, but could use some straightforward tips.

So, can anyone help a bit?

• Where are the hotspots to dive near Corpus Christi?
• I've seen liveaboard ads and stories, but is that the best way to get great diving in?
• What's the water temp? I've mainly been diving in Africa in usually warm water (5mm in winter, baggies in Summer) so what should I expect?
• What are the conditions generally like and what can I expect / hope to see?
• Who are the recommended dive outfits? (I know this will be contentious- please paint with a broad brush if you think you'll anger anyone! )

And any other advice you could offer would, of course, be appreciated!

Thanks

 

[redacted]

The closest diveable water to Corpus right now may be Lake Travis in Austin. But you can call the larger LDS their and see if they have anything: South Texas Scuba Diving - Scuba Pro Shop They might be able to set you up with a day trip but the Gulf tends to be a bit rough this time of year.

The other option is an FGB trip. They are trying to go out on weekends and Freeport is probably about 3 to 4 hours up the coast towards Houston: Fling Charters

 

[Smurf Stomper]

yea unfortunately CC isn't like, say, Florida. The only shore diving will be found around the jetties, info here:http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/trips-local-marketplace-texas/361635-corpus-christi-tx.html

The best diving experience I've had in Texas so far has been the Comal River in New Braunfels (3.5 hrs from CC), look around the board and you'll get all the info you need.

 

[CCTX50]

Muddy, about the only diving in Corpus Christi is the Jetties in Port Aransas about a 20 minute drive from CC. Diving here is hit and miss. Right now the current is ripping and the vis is about 5 feet. The vis can change pretty quick with the tides also. The best time of year to dive here is July-Sept. This is when the blue water comes in.

The next closest place to dive is the Gulf of Mexico. Copelands and Ascuba Venture are the two dive shops in Corpus Christi. Both are great shops but I recomment Ascuba Venture. You might be able to catch a dive boat going on through them.

Next closest is Comal River then Canyon Lake then Lake Travis. Wish you luck and hope this helps you out. If you need more details PM me and we can talk more. I live in CC.

 

[muddyh2o]

eek. OK, that sounds grim.

If I change plans and head further south toward Harlingen/South Padre/Port Isabel will I far any better?

Thanks for all the info so far. You guys are already helping me to shape this trip.

-j

 

[CCTX50]

South Padre has a dive shop that runs trips to the rigs and also out to the Texas Clipper Wreck. I beleive the name of the shop is American Divers but just google dive shops South Padre and it should pop up. Not sure if they are running any trips at this time though. If you are wanting to dive in the CC area or South Padre area the best times of the year are mid to late summer. The blue water comes in closer to shore thus boat rides are not as long. Let me know if I can help out more.