Gulf of Mexico’s Flower Garden Banks

August 3-6, 2008

The Flower Garden Banks are one of 14 federally designated underwater areas protected by NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program. Located roughly 100 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, these underwater communities rise from the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, atop underwater mountains called salt domes.

The Flower Garden Banks were discovered by snapper and grouper fishermen in the late 1800s. They named the banks after the brightly colored sponges, plants, and other marine life they sometimes snagged and brought to the surface.

The reef caps are about 60 feet from the surface on all three banks. That’s the very top, with the banks dropping off well past the reach of recreational divers. The West and East Banks of the Flower Gardens are coral banks covered with 21 different species of coral — mostly hard corals, no fans or whips. Stetson is a clay bank with approximately 40 percent sponge cover and very few places for the fish to hide!

Over 300 species of fish, 250 species of invertebrates and 21 species of coral inhabit the Flower Gardens. Loggerhead turtles are year-round residents. In late summer around coral spawning time, whale sharks are frequently sighted. Other large pelagics include manta rays, eagle rays, southern and roughtail stingrays, and occasionally spotted dolphins.

Our base of operation for this three-day/three-night expedition is the liveaboard MV Spree. Its captains and crew know the Flower Gardens better than just about anyone, and can help guarantee us just about the best time possible.

Only twelve spaces are available for this trip. (Last year’s trip filled without our even putting it on the website.) If you don’t want to risk missing out, call today or reserve on line.

Sign Up On Line Space on all Just Add Water group trips is limited, and many trips fill almost as soon as we announce them. Don’t let someone else claim your spot. Sign up today using our convenient on-line registration form. Get started now…

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Just Add Water
36200 Euclid Avenue
Willoughby, OH 44094

(440) 942-7575

The Trip at a Glance
Departs	August 3, 2008
Returns	August 6, 2008
Duration	• 3 Days • 3 Nights
Cost	• $650/diver
Deposit	• $300 at sign-up • Balance due July 1 • No refunds after “Balance Due” date unless someone takes your place
Price Includes	• Accommodations • Use of tanks and weights • Two and half days of diving • Meals on board
You Provide	• Air fare • Transfers • Hotel August 6

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