Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote park located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Consisting of seven small islands and famous for its crystal clear blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, it is a prime spot for snorkeling, diving, and exploring a tropical paradise. The park is also notable for the massive Fort Jefferson, one of the largest 19th-century American forts. It was built between 1846 and 1875 and intended to protect one of the most strategic deepwater anchorages in North America. Despite never being fully completed or seeing battle, Fort Jefferson stands as a monument to the engineering might of that era and serves as a fascinating historical site for visitors.
The park's isolated location has made it an important bird sanctuary, providing a critical nesting site for several species of seabirds, including the sooty tern. Its few land masses are relatively untouched by human development, offering a unique glimpse of the natural order of subtropical ecosystems.
Visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park can only arrive by boat or seaplane, adding to the allure and adventure of a visit to this secluded national treasure. Once there, you can camp on the beach, explore sunken shipwrecks, and tour the historic fort, making it an exceptional experience blending natural wonders with intriguing history.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Florida
Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote group of seven small islands about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and most of its roughly 100 square miles is open water. Visitors reach it only by boat or seaplane. The centerpiece is Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, a large 19th-century brick fort that was once used as a prison. Beneath the surface, coral reefs and abundant marine life draw snorkelers and scuba divers, and South Swim Beach offers calm, clear water with views of the fort. Birders come for the almost 300 species of birds that call the islands home. Loggerhead Key, about three miles from Garden Key, is reached by boat. Campers can pitch tents on Garden Key.
Park Areas
All areas →
Garden Key
Fort Jefferson, a large brick fortress built in the 19th century, is the main draw on this key and the reason most visitors spend their time here. Garden Key is also where boats and seaplanes arrive, and it hosts the park's headquarters and visitor center. Beaches on the north, south and east sides are gentle to enter, which suits beginners who want to swim or snorkel over the nearby coral reefs and wildlife. Camping on the island is remote, so campers should come prepared, but the stargazing and sunsets are a highlight. Visitors can also fish for sport or food and take paddles around the nearby waters.
Loggerhead Key
Largest island in the park, this key of about 49 acres is home to a lighthouse and the former Carnegie Tortugas Laboratory, a research station built by the Carnegie Research Institute. Its northwest shore has a calm, shallow, protected swimming beach, where snorkelers can float over Little Africa, a coral formation that resembles the continent when seen from above. Nearby, the Windjammer Wreck offers snorkeling and scuba diving. Loggerhead sea turtles are so plentiful here that they gave the island its name, and wildlife thrives on the island, from birds to turtles to the reefs offshore. Getting there takes a boat or a kayak, and the roughly 3-mile paddle crosses deep water where currents can be strong, so bring a PFD, signaling device and VHF radio.
Bush Key
An undeveloped subtropical island of only 16 acres, this key sits right beside Garden Key and offers a quiet walk. It is closed to visitors from February through September, when sooty terns and brown noddies use it as a nesting site, and its vegetation is fragile. When it is open, a one-mile round trip shoreline trail runs along the island, and visitors must stay on the path to protect plant life. The sand gives way to coral rubble in places, so sturdy footwear helps. Views back toward Fort Jefferson and Garden Key open up along the way. Depending on shifting sands, a land bridge may connect the island to Garden Key, and at other times the only way across is by kayak or canoe.
Visitor Centers
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Closed
Garden Key Visitor Center
8:30AM - 4:30PM
Campgrounds
Camping guide →
Garden Key Campground
Garden Key
About the Park
Park Areas
Garden Key is the focal point for visitors, featuring the historic Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress that offers a glimpse into the past. The key is renowned for its accessible snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters, perfect for observing diverse marine life. It also provides camping facilities, making it a convenient base for exploring the island's rich wildlife and bird-watching opportunities.
Loggerhead Key offers a more secluded experience with its pristine beaches and clear waters, ideal for snorkeling. It is home to the historic Dry Tortugas Lighthouse, operational since 1858, and supports a variety of marine life, including sea turtles. Access is limited to private vessels or by bringing kayaks or canoes via the Garden Key ferry, preserving its untouched charm and offering a tranquil escape.
Bush Key is notable for its seasonal closure to protect nesting seabirds, such as the Sooty Tern and Brown Noddy. This key provides a crucial habitat for these species, enhancing the park's biodiversity. Its sandy beaches and protected environment offer a serene setting, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts within the region. Access is restricted, underscoring its ecological significance.
Park Guides
All 11 guides →Ferry or Seaplane: Reaching Garden Key
Both the ferry and the seaplane leave from Key West, which lies 70 miles east of the Dry Tortugas.
Stormy Winters vs. Tropical Summers
The climate here is subtropical, with temperatures generally between 60 and 90 degrees. Two seasons shape any trip.
Fort Jefferson: The Western Hemisphere's Largest Brick Fort
Fort Jefferson stands on Garden Key, the second largest of the seven islands that make up the Dry Tortugas, almost 70 miles west of Key West.
Snorkeling the Southwest Corner of the Florida Reef
Dry land makes up less than one percent of the park, so the water is the best place to experience it.
Limestone Islands at the End of the Keys
The Dry Tortugas lie at the western end of the Florida Keys, about 70 miles west of Key West.
