You drop in and immediately see the ghostly outline of a ship, split in two. Fish weave through the channel separating the halves. This is the Eagle, the crown jewel of Islamorada’s wrecks.

The 287-foot freighter was formerly in the service of the Eagle tire company, thus its unofficial name. Now, it lies on its side at a maximum depth of 110 feet. As the Eagle takes shape beneath you, you’ll experience sensory overload. Descend and part the curtain of schooling blue runners to begin your exploration atop the wreck. You’ll be drawn to the beautifully adorned crow’s-nest and forward cargo boom, both of which are thickly covered in coral, sponge growth and an array of fish. Schools of baitfish swirl around the Eagle’s superstructure and gaping cargo holds.

You have Hurricane Georges to thank for severing the vessel in two, allowing divers to peer into the belly of the ship without entering an overhead environment. In addition to various varieties of grunts and snapper, divers routinely encounter bigger life, such as schools of horse-eye jacks, spadefish, greater barracuda and groupers, including large goliaths. But keep an eye on the blue: The ship is a favorite with divers, but it’s even more popular with pelagics, from bull sharks to sawfish, cruising the Gulf Stream.

The only regret you’ll have diving this beautifully adorned wreck is leaving when your dive computer tells you it’s time to ascend.

The island itself, just a few hundred yards wide, is a family-friendly water sports paradise 17 miles south of Key Largo. Come evening, take dinner outside. Most restaurants and bars face either the Atlantic or Gulf. Watch the sunset and first evening stars appearing on the horizon while filling up on fish tacos, conch fritters and Key Conch chowder — and at least one frozen rum runner to wash it down.

Become a Florida Keys Wreck Trekker!

The Eagle is one of 12 wrecks in the Wreck Trek program. Click here for more details on how to dive them all.

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