FREEPORT GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Days on the Banks: A Freeport Weekend of Mantas, Rigs, and Turtles
A two-day guided dive tour out of Freeport that packs seven dives across West and East Flower Garden Banks, an oil-platform dive (if available), and Stetson Bank—this guide explains the flow, logistics, and what to bring.
Two Days on the Banks: A Freeport Weekend of Mantas, Rigs, and Turtles.
This most-popular guided tour from Freeport is a two-day, multi-dive excursion into the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, where mornings on the West Bank put divers under manta rays, midday dives visit an offshore oil platform, evenings on the East Bank reward divers with inquisitive turtles, and a final run to Stetson Bank finishes the itinerary.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
West Bank Manta Encounters
The West Flower Garden Bank is famed for cruising manta rays; divers are warned to "look up" during dives because mantas often pass overhead.
The Oil Platform Surprise
An afternoon dive on an oil platform (when available) delivers unexpectedly impressive deep-water structure and is frequently singled out by divers as a trip highlight.
East Bank Turtles and Night Diving
Evening dives at the East Bank commonly feature turtles that hang out with divers, plus a scheduled night dive before the overnight transit.
What the day feels like
What the Weekend Feels Like
You board in the evening in Freeport, motor overnight to the West Bank, surface for a continental breakfast and then chain together morning, midday and evening dives over two full days—seven dives total—moving between the West and East Banks, an oil-platform site if available, and ending with two dives at Stetson Bank before returning to port late Sunday.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this weekend suits — and who to think twice about
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All your dive gear (including weights, wetsuit), dive light and backup light, tank light, surface marker buoy, a couple of towels, necessary medications, sea-sickness medication, and personal toiletries; gratuities for the crew are not included.
All meals and snacks during the trip; AL 80 cubic-foot tank provided; 27–32% Nitrox available; seven dives as per the itinerary.
Boarding begins Friday evening with a 7:00 PM pier check-in and departure from Freeport; the trip returns to port Sunday evening with an estimated arrival around 5:30–6:00 PM.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Weekend Flower Garden Tour?
The tour is two days in duration.
How many dives are included?
The trip includes seven dives across the banks and platform dives outlined in the itinerary.
What is included in the trip price?
All meals and snacks, an AL 80 cf tank, 27–32% Nitrox, and seven dives are included.
What gear and personal items should I bring?
Bring all your personal dive gear (weights, wetsuit), dive lights and backups, a tank light, a surface marker buoy, towels, necessary medications, sea-sickness medication, and toiletries; gratuities are not included.
When and where do we meet to board?
Divers arrive at the pier in Freeport at 7:00 PM on Friday to check in and board for departure that evening.
Are there age restrictions for participation?
Yes—the tour accepts divers aged 10 and older.