The Texas Tube Chute is a favorite spot for tubing enthusiasts, known for its winding water flows and exciting rapids. But when the summer crowds clear out, the riverbed becomes a treasure hunter’s paradise. Armed with scuba gear and metal detectors, we decided to explore this iconic spot to see what treasures lay hidden beneath the waters—and what we found was nothing short of incredible.

The journey began early in the morning when the park was quiet, and the waters were calm. As we descended into the crystal-clear waters of the chute, we were immediately greeted by a stunning underwater landscape. Rocks, sand, and small items left behind by tubers over the years created a unique patchwork beneath the surface. It didn’t take long for our metal detectors to start beeping wildly.
The first few finds were fairly typical—sunglasses, coins, and a few water shoes that had escaped their owners. But as we ventured deeper, the discoveries became more exciting. Nestled in the cracks of the rocky riverbed, we uncovered several expensive items:
- A Gold Ring: This elegant piece of jewelry, encrusted with small diamonds, seemed to have been lost for quite some time. It was slightly tarnished but still gleamed in the sunlight.
- A High-End Smartphone: Encased in a waterproof pouch, the phone was in surprisingly good condition. After drying it out, we were able to power it on and track down its grateful owner!
- A Luxury Watch: Found wedged between two rocks, the watch had stopped ticking but was easily identifiable as a high-end brand worth a small fortune.
- A GoPro Camera: Fully intact, the camera contained hours of footage, capturing the adventures of its previous owner.

Each discovery added to the thrill of the hunt, and by the end of the day, we had amassed an impressive haul of treasures, from the practical to the luxurious. Many of the items we found were returned to their rightful owners, while others, like the coins and smaller trinkets, will be cleaned and preserved as part of our collection.
This adventure at the Texas Tube Chute proved once again that there’s treasure waiting to be found in even the most unexpected places. Beyond the material value of our finds, the real reward was the experience itself—exploring, discovering, and making memories in one of Texas’s most famous water attractions.
