The Orion, formerly known as the Trinidad, is a 120-foot steel-hulled tugboat that sits upright in 95 feet of water approximately 3 miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, Florida. Originally constructed in 1928 for the Panama Canal Company, the vessel served for nearly 50 years before being intentionally sunk in 1981 as part of Dade County’s Artificial Reef Program. Today, the Orion stands as one of Miami’s most popular dive sites, attracting experienced divers eager to explore its intricate passageways and diverse marine life.
The Orion teems with a rich variety of marine life, making it a haven for underwater enthusiasts. Divers can encounter an abundance of fish species, including angelfish, butterflyfish, grunts, snapper, and barracuda. Crustaceans like lobsters, shrimp, and crabs also frequent the wreck, while eagle rays, turtles, and even the occasional shark have been spotted in the surrounding waters.