Just 70 miles west of Key West lies a remote paradise steeped in history, wildlife, and crystal-clear waters. Dry Tortugas National Park spans 104 acres of land—and nearly 100 square miles of sea—making it one of the most unique destinations in the National Park System. With dramatic shipwrecks, coral reefs, and Fort Jefferson at its center, it’s a haven for nature lovers, snorkelers, and curious explorers.

Recommended For

  • History buffs and fans of maritime stories
  • Bird watchers and sea turtle enthusiasts
  • Snorkelers, scuba divers, and shipwreck explorers
  • Campers seeking a remote island experience
  • Eco-conscious travelers and dark-sky watchers

What to Expect

  • Access only by ferry, private boat, or seaplane
  • Primitive camping with strict pack-in, pack-out rules
  • Fort Jefferson tours, snorkeling, and birdwatching
  • Day-only access to Loggerhead Key and seasonal closures on Bush Key
  • Limited visitor numbers—plan and book well in advance

Park Highlights

  • Fort Jefferson: The largest brick masonry structure in the Americas, this 19th-century fort was built to protect strategic shipping lanes and now offers captivating tours.
  • Underwater Shipwrecks: Dive or snorkel around sunken ships, including a Norwegian vessel near Loggerhead Key—still partially unexplained today.
  • Loggerhead Key Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse with ghostly legends and structural quirks, surrounded by loggerhead turtles and coral reefs.
  • Submerged Cultural Resources: Discover cannons, anchors, and more retrieved by archaeologists and on display at the South Florida Collections Center.

Nature & Wildlife

  • Sea Turtles: Spot five species—loggerhead, green, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley, and hawksbill—nesting and swimming near shore.
  • Birdwatching: Visit Bush Key to see sooty terns and brown noddies during nesting season (Feb–Sept, closed to visitors).
  • Reefs & Coral: Swim among living coral heads and witness vibrant marine ecosystems that thrive just below the surface.
  • Ecological Protection: Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976, the park balances conservation with limited public access.

Outdoor Activities

  • Snorkeling & Diving: Explore historic Coaling Pier Pilings, sea life, and shipwrecks in clear turquoise waters.
  • Night Sky Viewing: With no light pollution, the stargazing here is spectacular—perfect for photographers and romantics alike.
  • Paddlesports & Geocaching: Kayak the islands or join the world’s largest treasure hunt using GPS.
  • Fishing: Allowed only in specific areas with strict rules. Spearfishing and lobster harvesting are prohibited.

Camping & Facilities

  • Garden Key Campground: Limited to 20 people, this is the park’s only campsite. Expect primitive conditions and carry all essentials, including 2 gallons of water per person per day.
  • Composting Toilets: Available but non-operational from 10am–3pm daily—use ferry facilities during that time.
  • Quiet Hours: 10pm to 6am; electronics discouraged to preserve natural soundscapes and wildlife rest.

Good to Know

  • Limited Access: Fewer than 70,000 people visit each year. Only 68 visitors allowed per ferry trip—arrive early to secure a spot.
  • Weather Conditions: The subtropical climate can shift quickly. Winds can be strong and unpredictable—check forecasts and advisories before departure.
  • UNESCO Status: Part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve and protected under the Antiquities Act since 1935.
  • Geology: Islands formed from sediment deposits on the Florida Platform over 200 million years ago, now made up of dolomite, limestone, and coral.

Main Islands

  • Garden Key: Home to Fort Jefferson, visitor services, and the campground—most developed for public access.
  • Loggerhead Key: Day visits only; known for turtles, a lighthouse, and excellent snorkeling.
  • Bush Key: Closed seasonally for bird nesting—open when safe for wildlife and visitors.

Visitor Information

Map:

Plan Your Trip