Scuba diving in Islamorada

Islamorada may be better known for sportfishing, but its stretch of the Florida Keys reef tract holds some of the chain's most rewarding diving — anchored by the Eagle, a 287 ft freighter sunk as an artificial reef in 1985 that now lies on her side in about 110 ft, split by hurricanes into two dramatic sections wrapped in baitfish and patrolled by goliath grouper. Around it spreads the usual Keys embarrassment of riches: shallow spur-and-groove reefs, coral gardens, and a historic lighthouse reef, all inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The reefs

Alligator Reef, marked by its 1873 lighthouse, is the local flagship — fingers of coral in 10–40 ft dense with schooling grunts, snapper, parrotfish, and barracuda, equally good as a second dive or a snorkel. Davis Reef's ledge draws green morays and angelfish; Hens and Chickens, closer in, is a patch reef bristling with boulder corals; and Cheeca Rocks' shallow mounds are a favorite for new divers and families. Most sites sit on mooring balls a short ride from the marinas.

Conditions and season

It's the same friendly envelope as the rest of the Keys: mid-80s °F water in summer, low-to-mid 70s in winter, visibility typically 40–80 ft on the outer sites, and light current on the reefs. The Eagle sees more water movement and is properly an Advanced Open Water dive; everything on the reef line suits any certification. Winter cold fronts are the main thing that reshuffles schedules.

Good to know

Charters run two-tank trips morning and afternoon from marinas along the Overseas Highway. Pair the Eagle with Alligator Reef for a classic deep-then-shallow day. Spearfishing and lobstering rules change zone by zone inside the sanctuary, so ask the shop before bringing gear.