What we’re about
Welcome to our community of adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts! We are the Austin EcoExpeditions & Wildlife Meetup, a gathering of individuals passionate about wildlife and ecotourism. Our goal is to unite like-minded individuals, creating a vibrant community where we can share our love for the natural world. Through our meetings, we offer social activities and adventure opportunities, fostering an environment for thrill-seekers to connect and plan exciting travel adventures. Whether you're a beginner hiker or an experienced traveler, join us to indulge in your interests and create unforgettable memories together!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Diving the Flower Gardens National Marine SanctuaryTexas Caribbean Charters, LLC, Freeport, TX
Event Summary: This is a joint event with Austin Scuba Diving & Surfing
This is the most popular tour of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
The charter departs from Freeport, TX in the evening and motor out to the West Bank where we wake up at 7AM and dive at 8AM (and again at 11AM). The West Bank is famous for sighting manta rays, so don't forget to LOOK UP while you're on your dive, as divers sometimes miss seeing mantas passing above them!
After lunch we'll dive on an oil platform (if available). Be prepared to be impressed. Divers often go on this dive with modest expectations, but the deep-water oil platforms change a lot of minds! And most divers tell us the rig dive is the best we offer!
Next you'll spend the evening at the East Bank where you'll make one more dive before dark and a night dive. The East Bank usually has turtles that hang out with divers and aren't shy about getting their photo taken.
Overnight we motor to Stetson Bank where you'll have two more dives before heading back to port for an evening arrival around 5-6PM..Whale shark season is in full swing!!
We will host meetings to prep for the trip!SCHEDULE:
Friday, June 7th: Joining the boat, boarding, and departure- 7pm divers arrive at the pier
- Divers board the boat and check in
- Departure!
Saturday, June 8th: West Flower Garden Bank, East Flower Garden Bank, Oil Platform
- 7am wake up and continental breakfast
- Dives 1&2 at the West Bank, famous for cruising Manta Rays
- Lunch, then Oil Platform Dive
- Dives 4&5 at the East Bank, visit with the turtles
Sunday, June 9th: Stetson Bank
- 6am wake up and continental breakfast
- Dives 6&7 at Stetson Bank, nowhere for the critters to hide
- Return to Freeport at about 5:30-6PM
Date: June 7th-June 9th
Where: Freeport, TX (M-V Fling Charter pier)
Accommodations: Currently there are 13 bunker spaces left for these dates so book ASAP!! Booking with the MV Fling Caribbean Charters in Freeport, TX.
Price: $885/diver on single bunk. $985/diver on double bunk.## What's Included
- All meals and snacks
- AL 80 cf tank
- 27-32% Nitrox
- 7 Dives (see itinerary)
## What to Bring
- All your dive gear, weights, wet suit, dive light, back-up light, tank light, surface marker buoy, everything.
- A couple of towels
- Necessary medications
- Sea-sickness medication
- Personal hygiene / toiletries
- Gratuities are not included in your booking. The crew works for tips. They work hard for you, so please remember them at the end of the trip.
East Flower Garden Bank: East Flower Garden Bank | Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (noaa.gov)
West Flower Garden Bank: West Flower Garden Bank | Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (noaa.gov)
Stetson Banks: Stetson Bank | Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (noaa.gov)
MV Fling Caribbean Charters: Home | M-V FLING by Texas Caribbean ChartersHow to find us:
COMING SOON!