Attention: Classes have been temporarily suspended for the duration of the Habitat Restoration Project. Classes will resume when the project is completed.
 | Diving for ScienceAre you tired of scuba diving in murky water? Spring Lake offers some of the finest freshwater scuba diving in Texas. Spring-fed water from the Edwards Aquifer provides excellent visibility and keeps the temperature at approximately 72 degrees year-round. The aquatic plants and animals are also very compelling. For good reason, Diving for Science is the most popular program at Aquarena Center. The Diving for Science class is divided into two parts. The first part involves classroom lecture, where divers will learn about the Edwards Aquifer, endangered species, archaeology and both state and federal regulations pertaining to Spring Lake. During the second part of the class divers will don their scuba gear and learn to work in our liquid laboratory (Spring Lake). The focus is on diving techniques to ensure protection of Spring Lake and its related ecosystem. After completing the two-day Diving for Science course, volunteers and researchers will be authorized to work in Spring Lake. The program provides countless opportunities year-round for volunteers and researchers to scuba dive in Spring Lake in support of program objectives. When you return to Aquarena Center as a Diving for Science volunteer, you will be involved in one of the largest habitat restoration projects in the country. Price: $230 Schedule: TBA Prerequisites: Open water scuba certification Register: Contact Eric Peterson or sign up at a host dive store in your area |
 | Underwater NaturalistWant to learn more about the flora and fauna in Spring Lake? Aquarena Center and Spring Lake provides a critical habitat for many plants and animals. Home to eight federally listed endangered species; Spring Lake’s ecosystem is very unique. Mary Wicksten, Texas A&M University Biology Professor, educates divers on the different native and nonnative plants and animals found in Spring Lake. After taking the Underwater Naturalist class, you will be able to identify and make sense of the different aquatic species found in Spring Lake. Price: $150 Schedule: TBA Prerequisites: Diving for Science level 1 Register: Contact Eric Peterson or sign up at a host dive store in your area |
 | Underwater ArchaeologyIf you are interested in archaeology and scuba diving, Underwater Archaeology may be the class for you. Registered as an archaeological site, Spring Lake is governed by the Antiquities Code of Texas. The focus of this class is on underwater archaeology as it pertains to Aquarena Center. Fritz Hanselmann, Underwater Archaeologist, teaches divers lift bag techniques, how to survey an area and how to identify an artifact. During this class you will also get a chance to work on Shiner’s dig site. After taking the Underwater Archaeology class, you will have a greater understanding of the history of the San Marcos Springs and gain hands on experience in underwater archaeology. Price: $230 Schedule: TBA Prerequisites: Diving for Science level 1 Register: Contact Eric Peterson or sign up at a host dive store in your area |
Are you interested in capturing the underwater world through a camera lens? Digital media provides a way to capture, share and remember breathtaking moments underwater. Aquarena Center is the perfect place to bridge the gap between land-based photography and underwater photography. Diving conditions in Spring Lake are ideal for underwater photographers and videographers looking to hone their skills. Spring-fed water from the Edwards Aquifer provides excellent visibility and keeps the temperature at approximately 72 degrees year-round. And an abundance of flora and fauna provide endless opportunities for photographers and videographers.
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