Dry Tortugas National Park
The Florida Reef extends from Fowey Rocks in Biscayne Bay to Loggerhead Key, the westernmost of the Florida Keys, and home to Dry Tortugas National Park.
The blue waters surrounding Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park sits 70 miles west off the coast of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. This remote, 65,000 acre park sees nearly 57,000 visitors annually, all of which must arrive by boat or seaplane. To put that number into perspective, Great Smoky Mountain National Park averages nearly 39,000 visitors every day!
The Dry Tortugas Lighthouse on Loggerhead Key at Dry Tortugas National Park
The park is comprised of 7 islands, coral reefs, and the surrounding open water. Aside from private boat, access to this park is limited exclusively to seaplane or ferry tours. Information for both can be found here.
Seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park
Most visitors to this remote, watery paradise stay on land and enjoy exploring the massive Fort Jefferson. This iconic former military fortress on Garden Key was constructed with over 16 million bricks, and is the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere.
The courtyard within Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park
Depending on the tides, access to Bush Key is possible from Garden Key and provides a vast array of tropical birds. Visiting Loggerhead Key, on the other hand, is only possible by personal watercraft.
Bush Key as viewed from atop Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park
The impressive Fort Jefferson provides endless opportunities for exploration within and around the enormous structure. The moat walk which runs around the exterior of Fort Jefferson gives you the feeling of walking on water as you are surrounded by pristine blue water teeming with coral and tropical fish. Additionally, be sure to look for aquatic life within the moat, as Green turtles and various fish species can often be washed into the moat with the various storms that hit Dry Tortugas National Park.
A Green Turtle enjoying the quiet tranquility of the Fort Jefferson moat at Dry Tortugas National Park
The name of the park dates back to its rich history in which Ponce de Leon caught 160 sea turtles in 1513. The “Dry” aspect of Dry Tortugas relates to the absence of fresh water on these remote keys. Today, Fort Jefferson offers a small gift shop and park ranger station within its walls.
A park ranger taking some time for two Junior Rangers at Dry Tortugas National Park
Aside from touring Fort Jefferson, the shallow surrounding waters are full of colorful coral and countless fish that make for an incredible snorkeling experience. For those visiting by Yankee Freedom Ferry, snorkeling gear is included with your boat ride.
The turquoise, coral-filled water around Dry Tortugas National Park
Overnight camping is permitted at the park, and is available on a first come first served basis. The 6 primitive campsites, located just off the dock on Garden Key, provide you with night sky views from one of the darkest locations on the planet! These campsites are quite popular, and its best to contact the park prior to your visit for additional information.
The many boats just offshore at Dry Tortugas National Park
While the seaplane provides excellent aerial views of Dry Tortugas, the ferry provides a glimpse into the aquatic life found along the Florida Reef. Passengers on the ferry should keep an eye out for the many sea turtles swimming through these shallow waters, as well as the flying fish skimming across the waters surface!
A flying fish skipping across the glassy waters around Dry Tortugas National Park
This remote and somewhat difficult to access park displays the beauty of the Florida Keys unlike any other location along the great reef. The rich history of Fort Jefferson, the vibrant and colorful aquatic life, and the tranquility of these isolated islands makes Dry Tortugas National Park a must-see destination.
