Houston Scuba Diving at Kraken Artificial Reef
Private Trip
Scuba Diving
Private 12-hour diving charter explores Texas Kraken Artificial ReefThree guided dives at historic wreck site 60 miles offshoreSmall group experience accommodates maximum six certified divers
When you're looking for world-class diving in Texas waters, the Kraken Artificial Reef stands as one of the Gulf's most sought-after dive sites. This 12-hour private charter takes you 60 miles offshore to explore one of the most impressive wrecks in the region. With Action Outdoor Fishing & Diving, you'll get three full dives at this renowned underwater playground, giving you plenty of bottom time to really explore what makes this site special. The Kraken wreck sits in about 70 feet of water, making it accessible for intermediate divers while still offering the kind of marine diversity that keeps advanced divers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early - we're talking 5 AM departure from the marina to make the most of those calm morning seas. The 60-mile run offshore gives you time to gear up, go over dive plans, and maybe catch some sleep if you're not a morning person. Once we reach the Kraken site, you'll see why this artificial reef has become such a customer favorite among Gulf Coast divers. The structure rises from the sandy bottom like an underwater city, creating the perfect habitat for everything from schooling fish to larger pelagic species. Each of your three dives will reveal something different - the morning dive often offers the best visibility, while afternoon dives tend to bring more fish activity. With only six divers maximum on this private charter, you'll have plenty of space to move around and won't feel rushed during your safety stops.
We're running full nitrox on this trip, which means longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals between your three dives. If you're not nitrox certified yet, don't worry - we can set you up with regular air, though you'll want to plan your dives accordingly. The Kraken sits upright on the bottom, so navigation is pretty straightforward once you get oriented. Most divers like to start at the bow, work their way along the superstructure, then finish up exploring the stern area where the bigger fish tend to hang out. Water temps typically run 75-80 degrees in summer and can drop to the mid-60s in winter, so plan your exposure protection accordingly. The boat carries emergency oxygen, first aid, and all safety equipment, plus we've got a dive platform that makes entries and exits smooth even when there's a bit of chop on the surface.
Red snapper are the stars of the show at Kraken, and for good reason. These bright red beauties grow big in the Gulf - we're talking fish in the 15-20 pound range that aren't particularly shy around divers. They school up around the wreck's superstructure, especially during summer months when the water's warmest. What makes red snapper so exciting to encounter is their curious nature - they'll often follow divers around the wreck, making for some amazing photo opportunities. Peak season runs from May through September when water temperatures bring them in from deeper waters.
Amberjack patrol the deeper sections of the Kraken and can reach impressive sizes - 40-50 pound fish aren't uncommon here. These powerful swimmers are built for speed, with their streamlined silver bodies cutting through the water around the wreck's edges. They're most active during dawn and dusk dives, which is perfect timing for your first and last dives of the day. Amberjack are naturally curious about divers, but they're also easily spooked by sudden movements, so slow, deliberate swimming gets you the best encounters. Fall months tend to produce the largest specimens as they move through Texas waters during their migration.
King mackerel show up in numbers during their seasonal runs, typically spring and fall when water temperatures hit that sweet spot around 72-78 degrees. These sleek predators can stretch over three feet long and are absolute rockets in the water. You'll spot them cruising the edges of the reef structure, often in small groups hunting baitfish. What makes kings so exciting to observe is their hunting behavior - when they're feeding, the action is fast and intense. Their razor-sharp teeth and torpedo-shaped bodies make them perfectly adapted Gulf predators, and getting to watch them hunt around the artificial structure is always a highlight of any Kraken dive.
The Kraken Artificial Reef represents some of the best diving the Texas Gulf has to offer, and this 12-hour private charter format gives you the time to really experience it properly. With three separate dives, you'll get to explore different sections of the wreck, observe how marine life changes throughout the day, and build the kind of underwater memories that keep divers talking for years. The combination of accessible depth, diverse marine life, and the convenience of a private charter makes this a top-rated option for serious divers. Whether you're looking to log some quality bottom time, work on your underwater photography, or simply enjoy world-class Gulf diving, the Kraken delivers every time. Book your spot now - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak diving season when visibility and marine life activity hit their peak.
The Offshore Dream is your gateway to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico. This solid 38-foot Luhrs dive boat handles the 60-mile journey to the Kraken Artificial Reef with ease, powered by reliable twin Yanmar engines that'll get you there and back safely. Built for serious diving operations, she's got the space and stability you need for gear setup and surface intervals between dives. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 divers, giving everyone room to suit up without bumping elbows. Her deep-V hull cuts through Gulf swells smoothly, while the wide beam provides a stable platform for entries and exits. With plenty of deck space for tanks, BCDs, and dive bags, plus areas to relax during the ride out, this boat is set up specifically for multi-dive charters. The twin 420HP engines cruise efficiently at 15-20 knots, meaning more time exploring the wreck and less time getting there. Perfect for accessing those deeper offshore dive sites that smaller boats can't reach.
Galveston