Dry Tortugas National Park

Introduction

Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West, Florida, is a unique and historically rich destination. The park's history dates back to the early 16th century when Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León discovered the islands in 1513. He named them "Las Tortugas" (The Turtles) due to the abundance of sea turtles in the area. The term "Dry" was later added to indicate the lack of fresh water on the islands.

The most significant historical structure within the park is Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress constructed between 1846 and 1875. Built to protect the strategic shipping lanes in the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, composed of over 16 million bricks. Despite its impressive size, the fort was never completed due to supply issues and the advent of more advanced military technology.

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated Fort Jefferson as a national monument. The area was later expanded and re-designated as Dry Tortugas National Park in 1992 to protect its natural and historical resources.  The park covers an area of approximately 101.08 square miles (261.8 square km). The park is predominantly water, with only about 1% of its area consisting of dry land. The park includes seven small islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, East Key, Hospital Key, and Middle Key.  The park receives around 80,000 visitors annually.

The park is renowned for its diverse and vibrant wildlife, both above and below the water's surface. The coral reef and seagrass communities are among the most pristine in the Florida Keys, providing habitat for a myriad of marine species.  For more information, go to the park's wikipedia site.

Getting There and What to Bring

Dry Tortugas is located 70 miles (113 km) from Key West, Florida.  There are two ways to get there, a ferry or by seaplane.

Ferry  The Yankee Freedom leaves every morning for Garden City.  The ferry ride takes approximately three hours.  There are bathrooms and a galley.  Reservations can be made at their website.

Seaplane  Seaplane Adventures operates the only seaplane to the national park.  The trip takes around 40 minutes.  More information and reservations can be found at their website.

There are no restaurants at the park.  Bring whatever you want to eat and drink along with you.  We also recommend looking at the weather before leaving (especially during the hurricane season).

Snorkeling and Diving

Dry Tortugas is reknown for snorkeling and diving.  The ferry and seaplane cannot accomadate compressed air tanks.  Divers must either charter a trip or have their own boat to bring over the tanks.

Our favorite places to snorkel are below.

Moat Wall.   This is a great place to see the abundant sea life without having to charter a boat.  The moat wall was constructed to protect the fort from hurricanes and other rough water.  

Historic Coaling Pier Pilings is another great place to snorkel.  These pilings were constructed to refuel ships with coal.  The piers were destroyed by a hurricane but the pilings support schools of fish.

The Windjammer Shipwreck is the most popular place to dive in the park.  Unfortunately, it is located off shore and requires a boat to get there.

Accomodations

Hotels There are no hotels or Lodges within the park.  

Camping

There is only one campground in the park.  The Garden Key campground is close to the public dock.  The sites are first-come, first-served. to choose from with the park boundaries.  Check with the ferry boat operator before departing.  Once on the island, you are guaranteed a place to camp, though it may be in the overflow are.  It is important to bring all your water and food.  Compressed gas canisters are not allowed on the ferry.  For more information, go the NPS website.