Dry Tortugas National Park

The Basics

With a name derived from the Spanish word for “turtles,” it might not come as a surprise that wildlife is the main attraction at Dry Tortugas National Park. Escape to these secluded islands on a high-speed catamaran cruise from Key West, during which you can swim and snorkel with dolphins and sea turtles around the park’s coral reef, explore 19th-century Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, and learn about your surroundings from an on-board naturalist. Avid scuba divers can head to Loggerhead Reef, made famous by the Windjammer Wreck—the remains of a Norwegian ship that sank in 1907. If you like bird-watching, take a boat ride to Bush Key, a nesting site for seabirds such as sooty terns and brown noddies.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Plan to drink plenty of water during a day trip to the Dry Tortugas; tours can last 10 hours or more, and it’s easy to get dehydrated without even feeling thirsty.

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

• Some charter boats are wheelchair accessible, but visitors should give advance notice. Fort Jefferson has three floors, with only the first accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Public ferries and seaplanes depart regularly to the park, and fishing and dive charters can be booked from the Florida Keys and Naples. Private boats and seaplanes must acquire a permit before entering the park.

When to Get There

The park is open year-round. Most visitors choose to visit in winter and early spring to avoid summer’s high temperatures and humidity. During the rainy season (May through October), warmer waters and crystal-clear visibility make for superb snorkeling, swimming, and diving. The Middle and East keys are closed from April through October for sea turtle nesting, while Bush Key is closed from January through September for bird nesting.

The Windjammer Wreck

The history of Dry Tortugas National Park resides both above and below its waters; here, shipwrecks are almost as abundant as marine life. The most famous of these is the Windjammer Wreck. Built in 1875, the NorwegianAvanti—a triple-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship—wrecked on Loggerhead Reef in 1907. Today the site is a perfect spot for both snorkelers and experienced scuba divers. Because it serves as an artificial reef attracting dozens of species of fish, the site is a veritable aquarium of reef-dwelling, free-swimming, and bottom-dwelling life.

Ways to explore

Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is an adventure in itself—travelers come via seaplane, high-speed ferry, or tours by private boat. Once you arrive, you can take guided or self-guided tours of Fort Jefferson. Then, focus on taking in the natural world. Popular activities at Dry Tortugas National Park include snorkeling, scuba diving, bird-watching, fishing, and more. You can even spend the night at Garden Key, where basic campsites in a spectacularly remote location are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessibility

Some boats to Dry Tortugas National Park are wheelchair accessible, as are some portions of the first floor of Fort Jefferson.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen

What to wear

Bring layered clothing, as well as a change of clothes for the return trip—even on warm days, it can get chilly on the water in the evening.

Not allowed

Drones, large coolers, pets

Amenities

Visitor center, restrooms

Address

Dry Tortugas National Park is located around 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Public ferries and seaplanes depart regularly to the park, and fishing and dive charters can be booked from the Florida Keys and Naples.

Driving

To reach Key West, where many tours depart for Dry Tortugas National Park, follow the scenic Overseas Highway, Route 1—famous for its many bridges over turquoise waters—south from Miami.

Public transportation

Several companies run shuttles to Key West from Miami, a roughly 4.5-hour journey.

Best times to visit

The ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park leaves first thing in the morning—be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Best days to visit

Weekends are popular with day-trippers, so visit on a weekday when possible.

Best months to visit

The May through October summer season generally brings warm, sunny weather. Come in March, April, or May to enjoy prime weather conditions, great bird-watching, and good underwater visibility.

Special events

Spring and fall bird migrations at Dry Tortugas National Park are major events. The spring migration generally peaks in April–May, while raptor numbers soar in September and October.