Also known as Rattlesnake Island, Starnes Island offers a wall dive to depths beyond 100′ on its south side and a gradual sloping section with five boat hulls to explore on the north side. Many of the local party barges (aka Sunglass Dispensing Units) on Lake Travis park at the island throughout the summer resulting in the opportunity to find treasures including cell phones, watches, jewelry, sunglasses, money and more that are lost to the depths of Lake Travis.
Scott Baker, Dive Instructor
Such an awesome dive site for those of all skill levels. Aside from the treasure hunting opportunities, the variety of bottom conditions means you can stay on the island all day and explore deep and shallow areas. Plus, the cut-ins (aka grottos) are really amazing.
Accessible via our partner Lake Travis Scuba, this site not only has history under the water, but also above. The 2001 movie Spy Kids used this island to film the secret hide out of Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni (Daryl Sabara). The dive staff at Mad Kraken or at Lake Travis Scuba can give you more detail on the filming location.
Beyond the treasures, wrecks and grottos, you’ll be surrounded by sun fish, bass, and buffalo carp. Don’t forget to also look for the rocks, dirt and stumps that surround the island (nah, don’t really look for that).
