Cannabis Cruiser

The history of the “Cannabis Cruiser” wreck is as fascinating as it is notorious. In the 1970s, this trawler was actively used in the smuggling of drugs into the United States, achieving a degree of infamy for its success in these illicit operations. The crew’s smuggling runs came to an abrupt end when paranoia set in during one of their journeys. Believing that the Coast Guard was on their tail and close to apprehending them, they made the drastic decision to intentionally sink the vessel near Alligator Reef Light, off the coast of Islamorada. The “Cannabis Cruiser” found its final resting place three miles west of Alligator Reef Light, settling upright in approximately 110 feet of water. For five years, the wreck’s location remained a mystery until it was accidentally discovered by two scuba divers exploring the reefs of Islamorada. Remarkably, when found, the trawler still contained all of its navigational equipment and a significant amount of marijuana. Today, the “Cannabis Cruiser” serves as an artificial reef, providing shelter and habitat for a variety of marine life. It has become a popular dive site, attracting divers not only for its vibrant underwater ecosystem but also for its intriguing history and the stories that lie within its submerged structure.