It’s obvious the vibe is different as we cruise into Islamorada. The welcome sign featuring a tarpon with rod and reel might make you think this is an angler’s domain. But as we continue our drive south, the light sun shower can’t mask the bright coastal art galleries and funky-colored breweries that line the highway.

A slew of unique resorts passes by our SUV’s windows before we arrive at the Postcard Inn. From check-in desk to the shores of the inn’s private beach, it’s all in the details here. Large underwater-inspired murals adorn the property as you make your way from the lobby to your room or over to the on-site dive shop, where Islamorada Dive Center is ready to take you out to nearby reefs or wreck of the Eagle.

It’s one of nine wrecks that make up the official Florida Keys Wreck Trek, and not one to miss. The former freighter is covered in beautiful soft coral growth and is home to resident angelfish and green moray eels. A morning of diving calls for more grub (on any successful road trip, the food gets equal billing). In Islamorada, the views are as important as the restaurant.

An oceanfront lunch at Lazy Days is just what I need to refuel; a cool breeze rolls in as we scan the robust menu for the perfect dish. The atmosphere is classic Keys casual by day; when the sun sets, lighted tiki torches set the mood for a romantic evening. Back at Postcard Inn, we review videos and images from our morning dives while pondering our next activity. With so much to do at the resort, there’s really no need to leave, but Islamorada is home to the History of Diving Museum, ideal for a rainy day or when you can’t get enough of the deep but aren’t scheduled for another dive until morning. There’s a culture and a sense of community that exists in this section of the Keys; it’s more pronounced than ever with a visit to Key Dives on our last morning here. Owner Mike Goldberg has helped to spearhead and co-found the I.CARE organization, which encourages the Islamorada community to act now to save their coral reefs. It’s a team effort, and one that nearby Islamorada Dive Center and Conch Republic Divers have joined to offer coral restoration dives to the public. Weekly trips are not only about coral transplanting but also reef monitoring and marine debris cleanup—today we are diving to remove coral-eating sea snails from previously transplanted coral.

After an inspiring experience, we leave Islamorada feeling refreshed and like we’ve been adopted by this community of conservationists and divers. Onward!

MUST STAY: A resort with an on-site dive shop— need we say more? Postcard Inn packs in the amenities and gives you no reason to ever leave.

MUST EAT: Lazy Days will cook your catch, and if that’s not your thing, sea-foodies, meat lovers and vegetarians will find plenty to choose from when dining at this waterfront spot.

MUST DIVE, WRECK: The Eagle sits at a maximum depth of 110 feet and can be appreciated from as shallow as 70 feet. This advanced dive features stunning coral growth and marine life.

MUST DIVE, REEF: At the Davey Crocker dive site, the marine life is abundant and the fish greet you in schools.

Explore all stops on the Ultimate Scuba Road Trip through the Florida Keys:
Key Largo | Marathon | Big Pine Key | Key West