DIVING ZONES

The remains of a number of Spanish galleons devastated by the hurricane 1733 can be found in these waters, including El Infante, San Jose and El Capitan. The San Jose was carrying almost 7 million pesos in gold when she sank, and was salvaged by both Spanish and modern day salvors. Treasures and artifacts to this day continue to be found here.

Some of the dive shops in Islamorada specialize in diving these wrecks, and a few even offer underwater archeology specialty classes where students, under the direction of professionals, learn the art and science of studying the remains of these long lost vessels.

The remains of a number of Spanish galleons devastated by the hurricane 1733 can be found in these waters, including El Infante, San Jose and El Capitan. Treasures and artifacts have been found by divers on these wrecks since the 50's.

Some of the dive shops in Islamorada specialize in diving these wrecks, and a few even offer underwater archeology specialty classes where students, under the direction of professionals, learn the art and science of studying the remains of these long lost vessels

The Eagle Wreck is a very popular destination for dive resorts in the Islamorada area.This 287 ft freighter was donated by Eagle Tire Company for the enjoyment of sport divers and fishermen in 1985. The ship lies on her side and there is easy access to the cargo holds and superstructure.

In 1825, the USS Alligator schooner "discovered" the reef here when it ran aground.

Nowadays Alligator Reef is a very large reef structure. This popular reef is alive with fish, from blue tangs and yellowtail snappers to damselfish, butterflyfish, parrot fish, schoolmasters and grunts. You might find a yellow stingray hiding in the white sand bottom, or the occasional flounder.

This ship was part of the 1733 Galleon Fleet sunk in a hurricane. The site is well buoyed by the State, easily spotted once past Indian Key, and is visited by hundreds of boats from Islamorada and Marathon and elsewhere each year.

The remnants of the 287 ft vessel are surrounded by turtle grass. There are 90 linear feet of ballast stones and red ladrillo gallery bricks which share a sandy patch reef with a healthy population of marine life. Protected as part of Florida's Underwater Park System the ship itself is off limits to souvenir/treasure hunters and salvage crews.