Headed to the Flower Gardens (Texas Gulf Coast)

[TexasMike]

In early July, I plan on diving the Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary for the first time off either the MV Fling or MV Spree for 3 days.

Can the folks who have gone on that trip provide information on what I should plan on to make the trip as enjoyable as possible? I'd like to get tips on what (and what not) to bring, what I should expect, conditions expected, gear considerations, etc. etc. etc.

This will also be my first outing with an u/w camera (considering the Reefmaster). Should I bring along the detached strobe or will the onboard flash be sufficient for "general" snapshots?

Thanks in advance

 

[Corsair]

Hey Mike,

I'm going on that trip on june 16 & 17, aboard the MV Fling (I think). Same operator for Fling & Spree. I'm taking the trip through Dive West in Dallas. If you haven't already, check out http://www.rinnboats.com for a rundown on the boats, amenities, etc.

I'll give you the dirt on the trip after we get back. From everything I've heard, it's gonna be good!

 

[Natasha]

Looking forward to that dive report.
:sunny:

 

[herman]

Hi Mike,

If you are going to be taking any pictures UW then by all means TAKE THE STROBE. The internal one is ok for above water shots but it actually causes problems below the surface (backscatter). Do you even think you might get sea sick??? EVERYBODY does at some time. If so, it may be advisable to look into seasick med. Be sure to post a report, been thinking about the gardens as a possible trip. If this is your boat trip, I might suggest you leave the camera on the boat for the first dive. That way you can reduce your task loading some and make the dive more enjoyable (you will not believe the extra task loading a camera adds).

 

[socaldiver]

Mike,

I agree with Herman. The strobe is a MUST. When I first got my Reefmaster I took pictures u/w without the strobe and the backscatter was terrible. After I "broke down" and shelled out for the strobe (and macro lens) my pictures have been much better.

Now I only need how to frame properly ;-).

If you are like me (totally fascinated with the u/w life) you will enjoy your pictures much better with the strobe.

Socaldiver

 

[Rick Murchison]

The diving is intense if you do every one. You won't need much other than your bathing suit and some lounging around clothes. There is a large sundeck above the cabin, but our routine was pretty much dive - eat - dive - eat - dive - eat - dive - snack - dive - sleep - dive etc...
The diving there is great!
Rick

 

[Dee]

You'll board the ship between 7-9pm and the berths are usually on a first come basis, so go claim one as soon as you can. I like the berths in the bow of the ship, farthest away from the engines, best but any of them are fine. You won't be in them very much! Take a small pillow or plan to use your clothes bag, they provide you with sheets and a blanket. Also tank a couple of towels.

After you've claimed your bunk, find a spot on the boat you like and set up your gear. I like to be toward the back of the boat but still under the cover and close to an exit point. You'll keep the same tank all 3 days, the DM will move the fill whips to the tanks, so your gear is never removed. After you've set up your gear, stow your dive bag under your alloted bench space out of the way.

The conditions 110 miles out varies. I've seen it flat as a pancake when we leave and there be 5ft seas when we get to the Flower Gardens. Rinn makes the final decision to go or not at noon on Friday (or the day you are to leave). 5ft seas and over and the trip is cancelled...so if you're traveling from afar, you may want to have a plan B in case it gets blown out. In early July there's a good chance it'll go.

As for your gear, a SMB/safety sausage is a must! A whistle, Dive Alert or other loud audioable device is a good addition. Currents out there can get pretty stiff. If you miss the tag line for some reason, Rinn has a rubber panga they will pick you up with but they have to be able to see you/find you first! A single diver on the surface can be hard to see. I always take a pony bottle but that's a personal choice. Make sure all your gear is in good working order, your tank has the proper in date stickers, and you have a supply of extra o-rings.

Be prepared for 8ft. giant strides! One of the crew will hold your camera as you jump in and will hand it to you as you surface. This can be kinda tricky if there are strong surface currents. I have a strong, flexible nylon rope about 3ft long with large brass clips on each end. One end is attached to my camera and the crew person will lower my camera to me with the rope. I'll attach the other clip to my BC to secure the camera to me in case I need to release it for some emergency.

Did I leave anything out? LOL Oh...the inside galley where you'll eat your meals, watch videos and visit is air conditioned. A warm Chammys/sweatshirt jacket is really nice when you're wet and that cold A/C hits you!

Have a blast! And keep your eyes peeled for whale sharks...I saw 2 on my last FG trip.

 

[Corsair]

Hey Dee,

Thanks for the tips. It'll be our first time out on that trip as well. Looks like I've still got a couple of things to pick up...

 

[TexasMike]

Mucho Thanks for all of the great tips about going to the Flower Gardens.

The tip about not taking the camera the first time makes sense since it always takes me one dive to "get my bearings" and since this will be my first boat dive since my o/w cert (got it out of Cairns, Aus, on the GBR, nyah! ), I like the idea of keeping the task loading to a minimum. But it would be just my luck that a whale shark cruises by at just the right depth/place.

Thanks for insight on the strobe. This will be one of my first opportunities to take u/w photos, so your tips are very useful.

And Dee, thanks for your insight as to where to get setup for bunk and gear. At our club's "orientation" meeting tonight about traveling to Freeport and all, I found out that we will be 1 group of three with an estimated 34 divers on board, so I'll do my best to get the good spots you mentioned.

BTW, I plan on diving nitrox, and was told by our trip coordinator that they will provide the tank. Can anyone confirm this?

Finally, how are the dives conducted? Do they do a "guided tour" thing or do you and your buddy do your own thing based upon the dive brief?


And I will be sure to post both a comprehensive dive report and photos once I get them together.


If anyone else has info to contribute, please post. I love hearing all the great tips you have to offer!

 

[TexasMike]

Corsair,

We are on the Fling as well. So I'd be very interested in your experience.