Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote cluster of seven small islands located approximately 70 miles (110 km) west of Key West, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. The park's crown jewel is Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson — the largest all-masonry fort in the United States. Built between 1846 and 1875 to protect the nation's gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Jefferson was never fully completed and later served as a Federal prison during the Civil War, housing three of the Lincoln conspirators in 1865. President Franklin Roosevelt declared the fort and its surrounding waters a National Monument in 1935, and it was later redesignated as a national park.

The Dry Tortugas exist in a subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-80s°F (12–29°C). April and May are often idyllic, with calm seas and warm temperatures. The winter season (December–March) can be windy with rough seas, while the tropical storm season (June–November) brings hot, humid weather and the possibility of severe weather events. Due to the ever-changing weather patterns, an accurate weather forecast is recommended before your visit.

The park is open year-round during daylight hours and is accessible only by boat or seaplane, making it one of the most secluded national parks in the system. There are no restaurants, stores, or lodges on the islands — visitors must bring all supplies, including drinking water. The isolation is part of the appeal: pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and the sense of stepping back in time within the walls of a Civil War–era fortress.

By Plane

The nearest commercial airport is Key West International Airport (EYW), about 70 miles east of the park. From Key West, the only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas is Key West Seaplane Adventures, located at 3471 South Roosevelt Blvd (+1 305-293-9300, [email protected]). The flight takes approximately 40 minutes. Pricing is $361 per person for a half-day trip and $634 per person for a full-day trip (prices as of 2020).

The park consists of seven small islands not connected by causeway to the rest of the Florida Keys. Travel between the islands is by boat or seaplane only. The largest island, Garden Key, hosts Fort Jefferson, and all traffic within the park is on foot. Walking tours of the fort are provided, and the surrounding waters are ideal for snorkeling. The park is compact enough to explore entirely on foot during a day visit.

• Fort Jefferson — The largest all-masonry fort in the United States, built between 1846 and 1875 to protect the nation's gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. During the Civil War, it served as a Federal prison for Union deserters, and in 1865 three of the Lincoln conspirators were imprisoned within its walls. The fort is open for walking tours and is the main attraction on Garden Key.

• Loggerhead Key — The largest of the seven islands, Loggerhead Key is home to a historic lighthouse and pristine coral reefs. It is accessible by private boat and offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

• Bush Key — A small island adjacent to Garden Key, Bush Key is connected to Garden Key by a sandbar at low tide and is a nesting site for sooty terns and brown noddies.

• Snorkeling — The waters around Garden Key andLoggerhead Key offer excellent snorkeling with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is included with the Yankee Freedom III ferry day trip.

• Scuba Diving — The park's coral reefs and shipwrecks provide outstanding dive sites. Dive charters can be arranged through operators in Key West.

• Guided Fishing Trips — Fishing is permitted in designated areas of the park. Guided fishing trips are available through authorized outfitters.

• Guided Wildlife Viewing Trips — The park's waters are home to sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and a rich variety of tropical fish. Guided boat tours depart from Garden Key.

• Sailing Charters — Multi-day sailing charters from Key West offer an immersive way to explore the park's remote islands and reefs.

There are no restaurants or food services within Dry Tortugas National Park. All visitors must bring their own food and beverages — this is critical, as the islands have no stores or vending machines. The Yankee Freedom III ferry day trip includes two meals (breakfast and lunch) with the ticket price. If camping overnight on Garden Key, plan to carry all meals and snacks from Key West. Pack non-perishable items, plenty of water (at least one gallon per person per day), and a cooler with ice. The Key West ferry terminal area and the island's historic district offer numerous restaurants for meals before and after your trip.

There are no bars, cafés, or beverage services within Dry Tortugas National Park. Visitors must bring all drinking water and beverages — tap water is not available on the islands. A minimum of one gallon of water per person per day is recommended, especially during the hot summer months. The National Park Service emphasizes that dehydration is a real risk on the islands. Key West has numerous bars, breweries, and cafés for refreshments before and after your visit.

• Budget: Garden Key Campground — A primitive campground on Garden Key, a short walk from the public dock. Eight sites plus overflow space. All sites are first-come, first-served. Individual sites can accommodate up to three 2-person tents (total of 6 people). $15 per night (2020 rates). You must bring all your own drinking water.

A small National Park Service Gift Shop is available inside Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. It offers a very limited selection of items including books, postcards, and souvenirs. Visitors should bring all other supplies from Key West, as there are no stores on the islands.

• Key West (70 miles east, 2.5 hours by ferry) — The southernmost city in the continental US, famous for Mallory Square sunsets, Duval Street nightlife, and Ernest Hemingway's former home.
• Islamorada (approximately 130 miles northeast along the Overseas Highway) — The "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," with world-class deep-sea fishing and the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center.
• Everglades National Park (approximately 200 miles northeast) — The largest subtropical wilderness in the US, best explored by canoe, airboat, or walking boardwalks.
• Fort Myers (approximately 250 miles north) — The winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, with the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and nearby Sanibel Island.
• Miami (approximately 350 miles northeast) — Florida's cosmopolitan capital, famous for South Beach, Wynwood Walls, and world-class dining.