Dry Tortugas National Park

• What is the historical and ecological significance of Dry Tortugas National Park?

  • Blending history with undisturbed natural artifacts, Dry Tortugas National Park is like a little sacred place that was discovered by colonialists who had the foresight not to interfere with the area’s ecosystem. In 1976, it was ratified as part of the Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, which falls under the guardianship of UNESCO. Tortugas means “Turtles” and “Dry” refers to the fact that there is no fresh water on these islands, and this we know from the diaries of 16th century European explorer Juan Ponce de León, who documented that he caught some 160 turtles here when he landed in 1513.

• What is known about shipwrecks in Dry Tortugas?

  • In 1971 one of Dry Tortugas’s most famous shipwrecks was discovered off the coast of Loggerhead Key, one of the park’s islands. The vessel was only identified in 1990 as a Norwegian ship that had sunk in 1907. The reasons for the wreck are still unknown today. There are still parts of it down there, which you can explore when diving in the area.

• What is unique about Fort Jefferson?

  • Fort Jefferson took nearly 30 years in the 19th century to be built, and in all its hexagonal glory, it is still not finished. When you visit, you will be enthralled by the series of arches and beautiful brickwork that constitutes this fascinating construction, which was designed to protect the harbor. At the time, it was one of America’s most important deep-water gulfs, and also assisted ships seeking refuge from storms or in need of restocking. From the air, Fort Jefferson looks like it is emerging magically from the sea, occupying all the available ground on Garden Key.

• What stories are connected to the Loggerhead Key lighthouse?

  • The lighthouse on Loggerhead Key, built in the 1820s, has some curious tales to tell. Soon after it was built, it was discovered to have a design flaw—a door obscured its visibility to ships. Though addressed over the years, it has remained a problematic lighthouse, possibly contributing to the number of shipwrecks in the area. Dry Tortugas is known for ghost stories and nautical folklore tied to these events.

• What artifacts can visitors view from underwater discoveries?

  • Visitors can see a variety of objects recovered from the sea, including cannons, anchors, and other artifacts at the South Florida Collections Management Center. These were retrieved from wrecks by the Submerged Cultural Resources Unit, which conducts specialist deep sea archaeological research. A Research National Area surrounds Dry Tortugas to explore ecological integrity and its potential for self-renewal.

• When was Dry Tortugas first protected, and how old is the area geologically?

  • The area was first recognized for its heritage potential by President Roosevelt in 1935, who made it a monument under the Antiquities Act. Geologically, it’s estimated that the archipelago formed about 200 million years ago. The islands are considered to be accumulated sediment on the Florida Platform, composed of carbonate rocks, dolomite, and limestone. The pristine coral formations remain preserved, and the sea around Dry Tortugas is more than 10,000 feet deep.

• What are the main islands in Dry Tortugas National Park?

  • The three main islands in Dry Tortugas National Park are Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, and Bush Key. The other islands, which are considerably more hostile to human visitors, are Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key. Garden Key has had the most human impact and is also the location of the information desk and resource center for the park. While each island has glorious beaches, take care to adhere to the swimming rules, bearing in mind that certain areas aren’t suitable for swimming due to the force of the sea. There are many things to do in this area, including night sky watching, snorkeling, diving, as well as ranger-guided tours and paddlesports.

• What is special about Loggerhead Key?

  • Located 3 miles from Garden Key, Loggerhead Key is distinguished by its lighthouse. It’s named for the many loggerhead turtles which frequent the island. You can only visit Loggerhead Key during the day. There are guided hikes and tours available, but no camping site.

• Why is Bush Key closed during certain times of the year?

  • Bush Key is the place where two types of bird, sooty terns and brown noddies, make nests in masses between February and September each year. For this reason, the island is completely closed to human visitors during this time. When you do visit it, make sure that you carefully adhere to the trails to avoid disrupting natural life.

• What types of sea turtles are found in the Dry Tortugas?

  • Named for the island are the sea turtles themselves, which are a core part of the Dry Tortugas experience. Five distinct species of sea turtles — the loggerhead, green turtle, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley, and the hawksbill — nest and breed in the area annually. However, several of them are, sadly, endangered species.

• Is there geocaching in Dry Tortugas National Park?

  • Yes! If swimming and observing wildlife on a beautiful Edenic piece of nature isn't your thing, Geocaching might be. It’s the world’s largest treasure hunt game, using GPS and cell phone technology to get people exploring and giving back to the world. The Dry Tortugas National Park has Geocaching sites for your pleasure.

• What makes the underwater experience at Dry Tortugas special?

  • Remember that 99% of this national park is water, so if you’re not a water baby, you might miss out on seeing some amazing sites. These include shipwrecks under the sea, astonishing living coral heads, and historical Coaling Pier Pilings from the 1800s, among other things.

• How many people visit Dry Tortugas National Park annually?

  • Since 2000, the park has averaged less than 70,000 annual visitors, and this might have to do with it being a cherished secret some 70 miles from Key West, or with the fact that you cannot just arrive there. A visit to Dry Tortugas National Park needs careful planning and packing, and if you’re not early, you might not be allowed on. The number of people allowed on the islands at any one time is strictly limited to 68, and it’s first come, first served.

• Is camping allowed in Dry Tortugas National Park?

  • There is only one campsite on the archipelago, located on Garden Key near Fort Jefferson, and it can house up to twenty campers at a time. To visit, you need to pay a nominal entrance fee. It’s a “pack in pack out” area, which means you must take away everything, including your refuse. All you can leave are your footprints.

    It is a primitive camping experience with many restrictions, including bringing your own drinking water (about 2 gallons per person per day), no wood fires, and no fuel allowed on the islands. Despite these rules, it is an unbelievably beautiful place to be.

• Can you fish in Dry Tortugas?

  • While neither spearfishing nor lobster fishing is allowed in the park, in certain areas, you may fish—however, please check all the regulations before doing so. Given the research, preservation ethos, and awareness of potential species extinction, it's important not to disrupt ecological balances.

• What should campers know about facilities and quiet hours?

  • The National Park’s compost toilets do not work between 10am and 3pm (you can use the ferry’s facilities during this time). Campers are asked to observe quiet time between 10pm and 6am. Out of respect for the environment, it’s recommended to leave electronic sound equipment at home.

• How does weather impact visits to Dry Tortugas?

  • Weather is always an important consideration when visiting an island, and that is especially true for Dry Tortugas. The weather is unpredictable and described as borderline subtropical. Take careful precautions—particularly regarding strong wind, which can be severe. This area is also known for the occasional sighting of American crocodiles. Get the latest info.

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