Dry Tortugas National Park - 64,657 acres in Florida (US) managed by the National Park Service

Dry Tortugas National Park is a United States National Park that contains a cluster of islands about west of Key West, Florida, on Garden Key.

Understand

• Park office, +1 305-242-7700. 2022-02-19

History

Construction of Fort Jefferson was begun in 1846 but never completed. President Franklin Roosevelt declared it and the waters surrounding it a National Monument in 1935.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

The Dry Tortugas exist in a subtropical climate. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-80s (°F). April and May are often idyllic. There are essentially two seasons: The winter season (December-March), which can be windy with rough seas, and the tropical storm season (June-November) during which Dry Tortugas experiences both hot, humid weather and calm seas or severe weather events. Due to the ever-changing weather patterns, an accurate weather forecast is recommended before your visit.

Get in

The park is open year round during daylight hours, and is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

• Key West Seaplane Adventures, 3471 South Roosevelt Blvd, +1 305-293-9300, info@keywestseaplanecharters.com. The only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas. Travel time from Key West is forty minutes. $361 per person for a half-day trip, $634 per person for a full-day trip 2020-07-07
• Yankee Freedom III (ferry). Day trips include two meals, complimentary snorkeling equipment, and 45-minute tour of the historic fort. Boarding is at the Ferry Terminal at the foot of Grinnell Street in Key West, FL. Reservations recommended. $180 adults, $125 (children (age 4-16); prices include park fee

Fees and permits

The $10 (as of 2020) entrance fee for individuals is valid for seven days.

Get around

This is a cluster of 7 small islands not connected by causeway to the rest of the Florida Keys. As such the only way to reach them (and travel between them) is by boat or seaplane.

The largest of the islands, Garden Key, hosts Fort Jefferson. Walking tours are provided and snorkeling is a must. All traffic is on foot.

See

• Fort Jefferson, 24.6274°, -82.8723°. Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort in the United States, was built between 1846 and 1875 to protect the nation's gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. During the Civil War, it was used as a Federal prison primarily for Union deserters, though in 1865 three of the Lincoln conspirators were imprisoned within its walls. 2020-06-27

Do

Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, guided fishing trips, guided wildlife viewing trips, and sailing charters.

Buy

• Gift Shop. A small National Park Service Gift Shop is available inside Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. It offers a very limited selection of items.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Lodging

Camping

There's a small campground on the island, with overflow space when the official campsites are full. You must bring all your own drinking water. Camping is not allowed outside the official campground.

• Garden Key Campground, 24.6271°, -82.8729°. 8 sites, 1 group site. All sites are first-come, first-served. A primitive campground is located on Garden Key, the same island as Fort Jefferson, and is a short walk from the public dock. Individual sites can each accommodate up to 3 2-person tents (total of 6 people). Should a regular campsite not be available, an overflow area is provided. All campers, once they arrive will be guaranteed a place to camp. $15 per night (2020 rates) 2020-06-27

Backcountry

Stay safe

The invasive lionfish has been spotted around Fort Jefferson. They can be identified by their red and cream colour and long spines. Stings are excruciatingly painful and can be fatal. Any sighting of the fish should be reported to National Park Staff immediately.

Go next

Related: United States National Parks