Situated 80 to 125 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, the beauty and biological diversity of the Flower Garden Banks prompted researchers and recreational divers to seek protection for this area. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary protects thriving shallow water coral reefs, algal-sponge communities, and deeper mesophotic reefs full of black coral, octocoral, and algal nodule habitats. While this sanctuary may be a challenge to visit, visitors can enjoy it by diving and fishing in these waters.

Roughly 110 miles south of the Galveston, Texas border.