By Katie Breaux

While scuba diving is a popular sport in sunny side states like California and Florida, the southern coastline of Texas is not generally perceived as the ideal diver’s locale.  The general conception of the lone star state conjures images from Walker, Texas Ranger, rather than 30,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  And although, this underwater recreation is not met with quite the same attention as Texas football, interest in the under publicized sport of scuba diving continues to increase in the south and across the world. 

Before strapping on a wetsuit and jumping in head first to take a leisurely swim with the sharks, divers must go through extensive training to ensure that they peruse the waters safely.  Although they are thinly spread, Texas boasts a few sites where divers can train for the open waters, or just enjoy a swim in the protected depths of diving facilities. 

One such facility is located on the beautiful coastline of the Gulf of Mexico at Texas A&M University at Galveston.  The University hones its reputation for marine studies and boasts a diving facility and training program for both recreational and scientific diving.  Texas A&M at Galveston teaches basic, advanced and rescue scuba classes.

The Diver’s Depot in Nacogdoches, Texas appeals to those looking toward diving as a career or just a recreational activity.  Owned and operated by certified PADI course directors, E.K. and Sally Sowell, the Diver’s Depot includes a retail facility, several classrooms, swimming pools, and comfortable accommodations for diving students.  More than 12,000 graduates and thousands of PADI instructors have left the Diver’s Depot confident to roam the open waters as divers and instructors. 

While both of these esteemed diving facilities are located just a short drive from Huntsville, this seemingly small town boasts an accredited diving and training facility of its own.  Located off Exit 123 on Interstate 45, the Blue Lagoon has provided local Huntsvillians with an ideal location to train for travel in the depths, or just enjoy the local underwater amenities, for over 20 years. 

The area once existed as a mere rock quarry for limestone collection, but once the limestone ceased to deposit, owners of the area allowed the aquifers to fill up the gaping land.  The water in the Blue Lagoon continues to filter through limestone, which makes for the uniquely beautiful coloring that allows for visibility up to 50 feet.  While this makes the water ideal for diving, it also provides for a sterile environment, as hardly any underwater life can survive amid the limestone. 

The area, known as “The Goon” to locals, is accredited with two lagoons for diving.  There are three large dive platforms in Lagoon I, while Lagoon II has two others.  In addition to the platforms, two boats and an air conditioning cooling tower have been sunk for underwater exploration. 

Lagoon I houses depths to 35 feet, while the waters in Lagoon II reach 30 feet.  Water temperatures in the summer months range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the chilly winter temperatures of 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit cause the facility to close down for a period from December to March.  

The facility is designed specifically for divers and dive classes, and although non-divers are permitted to enter with a certified professional, the lagoons are not open to swimmers.  Although they are not permitted to swim, several college students welcome the warm weather each year by lounging away the weekends on the sloping sands surrounding the beautiful blue depths. 

College student and Blue Lagoon regular, Brittany Whitaker, says, “I love the Goon.  There is no better way to spend a beautiful day than lounging around by those blue waters.  I don’t dive, but maybe I’ll get the courage to learn one day.  Until then I think I’ll stick to reading my magazines on the sand!” 

While many local residents and Sam Houston State University college students enjoy the amenities of this beautiful beach in their backyard, an overwhelming amount of divers travel far and wide to swim in the depths of Huntsville’s local claim to fame.  The beaches make for a relaxing weekend for out of town divers, as they can camp alongside the water’s edge.  Daytime dives and evenings spent around a campfire make the Blue Lagoon a perfect place to get away from it all and get back in touch with nature. 

Open Water classes from all over Texas travel to Huntsville to explore the clear waters of the Lagoon.  In addition to dive classes, several clubs use the location for sponsored events.  Last October, a dive store held a Halloween night dive, which provided for a safe and semi-scary traverse through the darkened depths.  Some lucky divers might find the Easter eggs left over from last April’s underwater hunt that are still waiting to be found.

Certified diver and Blue Lagoon manager, Gabe Gonzales, has enjoyed what he calls “the coolest job in Huntsville” for close to two years now.  Gonzales compliments the Goon-goers saying, “The people that come here make my job really easy.  Most of them are trained divers and practice what they do safely, and the people who just come to relax pretty much don’t move from their spots on the sand.” 

Gonzales believes that the weekend campouts provide for the best aspect of the peaceful location.  “The Goon makes for a really natural habitat for divers, in comparison to those water-filled tanks that a lot of other places have.  I love that people can come here to stay the weekend, cook out by a campfire, and have a good time.  Its not only a great place for divers, but the Lagoon is such a nice environment for anyone that loves the outdoors.” 

Experienced divers and eager swimmers can visit the Blue Lagoon’s website for more information.  Whether you’re looking to explore the mysterious depths underwater or spend a relaxing weekend away from the indoors, the Blue Lagoon in Huntsville, Texas provides the ideal location to get away from it all.