by David Miner
Islamorada is located in the Florida Keys approximately a quarter of the way down A1A towards Key West between mile markers 85 and 80 or so. Islamorada is known for its fishing, shopping, good restaurants, and quality hotels/resorts. But Islamorada also offers fantastic diving opportunities. Dive sites are within four miles from shore and include primarily reefs and wrecks. A spectacular coral reef runs down the entire Florida Keys coast offering some of the best diving in the U.S. The Gulf Stream runs just offshore providing the nutrient-rich water that helps to sustain the coral gardens and keeps the water very clean offering excellent visibility that can range from 50 to 100 feet.
Islamorada reef dive sites include Alligator Reef that has a great shallow section dive (8 to 20 feet deep) where some of the best fish populations of any reef in the Keys reside and a deeper section (50 to 80 feet deep) where large Grouper, turtles, Snook, rays, and other larger species roam. Crocker Reef, which has a fantastic 6 to 12+ foot ledge where sightings of turtles and large rays is not uncommon. Crocker Reef depths range from 50 to 80 feet deep in the deeper section and 10 to 30 feet deep in the shallow section. Hens and Chickens Reef, which is a shallow dive (8 to 15 feet deep) with an assortment of fish and large patches of reef structure.
Alligator Reef
One of the other most popular dive sites in Islamorada is the 269-foot long shipwreck of the Eagle. The Eagle was a tire transport ship that was sunk as an artificial reef in 110 feet of water. During Hurricane Georges in September of 1998, the Eagle broke into two pieces. Lying on its side, the Eagle is a spectacular dive offering sightings of Goliath Grouper, huge rays, green morays, large schooling Permit, and gigantic Tarpon. You never know what you’re going to encounter when you descend on the Eagle, making every dive different and exciting. The Eagle is a must dive in the area!
Islamorada offers some of the best of everything when traveling to the Florida Keys. If you’re looking for a diving vacation where you can shop, eat well, fish, and enjoy nightly entertainment, then Islamorada is a perfect spot. Plan your trip early and allow enough time to take in everything Islamorada has to offer.