Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is the place where history and marine wildlife meets to ensure that everyone has a good time.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the operating hours of the park?

Dry Tortugas National Park is open 24/7. Visitors are welcomed anytime.

How much does it cost?

The entrance fee is $10 per person. This lasts for a maximum of seven days in a row.

Does the park allow camping?

There is lodging facility available in Garden Key, which is close to the dock and just where Fort Jefferson is located.

What kind of food is available here?

Dry Tortugas islands are situated far from the mainland so there aren’t refreshment facilities in the park, aside from small concession ferries. Tourists are recommended to bring their own food.

Does the park allow fishing?

Only in very specific areas. Spearfishing is completely prohibited.

What are the rules on bringing a private boat?

Private boats require a special permit approved from Garden Key. Fees might be required if parking for a significant amount of time.

Does the park allow swimming?

Only in designated swimming areas, especially the spots assigned for snorkeling. Keep in mind that physical interaction with corals or the underwater wildlife isn’t encouraged.

How can Fort Jefferson be reached?

While yachts and seaplanes are the best way to reach the fort, the general public can use the ferry that leaves from Key West.

Is there any educational center on marine life nearby?

The national park offers access to the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, which provides all the information one would need to be aware of the wonder of the nature of these parts. The center emphasizes on preserving the tropical environment so the wildlife can continue to exist in an untouched territory.

What historical architecture can be found here?

Cannons from olden wars serve as attractions in Fort Jefferson. Monumental lighthouses such as the Loggerhead and the Garden Key Lighthouse are prime examples of history in these parts.

Description

The first thing anyone would notice about the Dry Tortugas National Park is its peculiar shape. The entire island is structured like a giant hexagon, with a very thin stretch of land extending from one end. It is situated along the Gulf of Mexico and consists of Floridian coral reefs. The national park houses the legendary Fort Jefferson and with it, the seven Dry Tortugas islands. These islands are the mainstay of the whole place, since they are filled with an almost untouched distribution of natural habitat for exotic flora, fauna and various life forms that call this paradise home.

Dry Tortugas National Park is like a dream of a sea adventure come true. Not only is this place filled with rare animals, it is a site of many sunken ships and with that, lost treasures. The islands of the national parks are the embodiment of histories centuries old, and is situated in a tropical environment that no tourist can get enough of. The island remains large uninhabited even today, mostly due to its inaccessibility. The only way to get here is through boats, finding which are easier said than done. Nonetheless, the authorities of the national park have turned this ancient archipelago into an exciting source of experience for visitors all over the world.

Fort Jefferson:

Dry Tortugas National Park is surrounded by a formation of stone structure, which are parts of the giant coastal bulwark known as Fort Jefferson. Originally created for navy uses, the fortress remained unfinished despite active uses during the American Civil War. Enriched with history, the fort is a major attraction in the Dry Tortugas National Park, and brings a large number of tourists interested in the war stories associated with the fort. The park authorities offer exclusive tours around the fortress, which can last up to an hour. Tour guides provide information regarding the fort’s origin, and enables tourists to imagine life in those war-ridden times.

Florida Birding Trail:

Olden buildings aside, Dry Tortugas National Park is a cove of a variety of amazing wildlife. In the Great Florida Birding Trail, tourists get access to watch migrating birds, which include hummingbirds, cuckoos, albatrosses, falcons and so much more. A total of over 300 different species of birds can be found here, making it a treasure cove for ornithology enthusiasts. What’s more, birds can be found all around the year and not only in warm months. In winter, gulls roam the sea, while in fall raptors and hawks soar the sky. The coral reefs house various shapes and sizes of corals, along with countless marine animals that can be seen near the beaches. One activity that all those who visit the Dry Tortugas National Park should undergo is snorkeling. Since the archipelago is a collection of reefs and beaches, there are plenty of shallow water spots where tourists can dive and witness the sea life from up close.