6 Tips for Exploring Dry Tortugas National Park

Home to Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas islands, Dry Tortugas National Park is located about seventy miles west of Key West and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. This remote national park offers beautiful views of crystal clear ocean waters, a rich military history, and opportunities for adventure. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path getaway, check out these six tips for planning a Dry Tortugas escape.

Getting to the Park

The most popular way to reach the park is by the Yankee Freedom ferry, which departs daily from Key West and takes about 2.5 hours each way. For a quicker and more scenic route, you can book a 40-minute seaplane trip that offers a bird’s-eye view of the park’s turquoise waters and coral reefs.

Tours of Fort Jefferson

One of the most educational Dry Tortugas activities is a tour of Fort Jefferson. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry fort in the Western Hemisphere. Constructed in the mid-19th century, this military structure provided the United States with a valuable harbor for ships patrolling the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida – it was also used as a prison for Union deserters and convicts. Two of the best ways to learn about the fort’s intriguing role during the Civil War is to take a ranger-led tour or self-guided tour.

Experience Snorkeling or Diving

The waters surrounding Dry Tortugas National Park are a snorkeler’s paradise. Crystal-clear visibility will give you stunning views of vibrant coral reefs, colorful marine life, and historic shipwrecks. Popular snorkeling spots include the Moat Wall, located just off the fort, and the coral heads at Garden Key. For experienced divers only, the Pulaski Shoals area (on the eastern boundary of the park) offers deeper water exploration opportunities where you are likely to see grouper, snapper, eagle rays, sharks, and sea turtles.

Birdwatching at the Park

The Dry Tortugas are a birdwatcher’s dream destination, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. The park is a migration stopover for hundreds of bird species, including Caribbean short eared owls, shiny cow birds, warblers, and cuckoos. The diversity of avian life here is unmatched, making it one of the best (and most unique) birding experiences in the Florida Keys.

Camp on Garden Key

For true lovers of the outdoors, camping at Dry Tortugas offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature in an isolated paradise. The Garden Key campground provides basic facilities, and the absence of light pollution means there are stunning stargazing opportunities. Imagine falling asleep under the stars while listening the sound of the waves, and then waking up to the sunrise over the ocean.

Practice Conservation and Preservation

When you visit national parks, including Dry Tortugas, conservation and efforts to protect the environment are critical. Dry Tortugas National Park’s fragile ecosystems, including coral reefs and nesting grounds for sea turtles, are carefully protected. Be sure to pack out what you pack in and follow the “Leave No Trace” principles.
 

A visit to Dry Tortugas National Park is an experience where history and nature converge. Whether exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling among the marine life, or camping under the stars, every moment spent in this remote destination will be memorable.