Imagine yourself surrounded by crystal clear waters, powdery pristine white beaches, a historic fort, the gentle clapping of waves, and the songs of exotic birds, all to yourself! Welcome to Dry Tortugas National Park, a hidden gem in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, where adventure, history, and unparalleled natural beauty converge.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote paradise located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. One of the main highlights of the park is Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress that dates back to the 19th century. This fort was built to guard the crucial shipping route between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. After its construction ended in 1875, the fort surprisingly transformed into a military prison during the Civil War.
The fort’s impressive architecture and the stories of its past captivate every visitor. Beyond the fort, the park boasts turquoise crystal-clear waters, beautiful white sand beaches, and a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life, shipwrecks and lighthouses. The park was designated as a national park in 1992 to protect its unique ecosystems and historical structures.
Our visit to the park on April 22, 2024 was nothing short of magical. These photos capture the essence of our adventure, showcasing the stunning landscapes and unforgettable moments we experienced.
Quick Facts and Tips
- Best Time To Visit: December to May
- December to February (Winter): Mild temperature, less humid, fewer crowds, ideal for sightseeing/outdoor activities, higher accommodation costs due to holiday season.
- March to May (Spring): Warm, sunny, cooler water, peak season, more crowds, and higher accommodation costs.
- June to August (Summer): Hot, humid, warm water, fewer crowds, affordable accommodations, perfect for snorkeling and other water activities.
- September to November (Fall): Unpredictable weather, hurricane season. Budget-friendly hotels.
- Fly Into:
- Key West International Airport (EYW): Closest to the park (68 miles). Offers flights to/from major Florida cities and has easy access to the ferry along with seaplane services to the park.
- Miami International Airport (MIA): Located approximately 165 miles from the park. A major hub with a wide range of domestic and international flights. Requires travel to Key West for ferry or seaplane.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 190 miles from the park. Convenient with various flights. Travel to Key West needed for a ferry or seaplane.
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW): 200 miles from the park. Potentially better flight deals. Longer drive to Key West for ferry or seaplane.
- Clothing:
- Casual t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, capris, rain jackets, swimsuits and cover-ups, change of dry clothes, comfortable hiking shoes, light jackets or long sleeves for cool mornings and evenings.
- Essentials like sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, bug spray, microfiber towels, phone protection, backpack or waterproof bag, umbrella, rain gear
- Accommodations:
- No hotels or lodges inside the park.
- Key West: The most convenient and closest option, offering a wide range of accommodations from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. Choose wisely to best suit your budget and preferences.
- Florida Keys: The towns like Marathon and Islamorada, provide casual and upscale accommodations with easy access to the park, requiring about a 2 hrs drive.
- How to reach: The park is quite remote and can only be accessed by boat or seaplane.
- By Ferry: The Yankee Freedom Ferry is a popular choice, departing from the Key West Ferry Terminal at 100 Grinnell Street in the Historic Seaport. It offers both day trips and camping trips to the park. While tickets can be purchased at the terminal, it’s highly recommended to book online in advance, as the ferry trips often sell out quickly. Tickets are priced at $220, and the ferry operates daily from 7 am.
- By Seaplane: Key West Seaplane Adventures offers a scenic and popular way to reach the park, departing from Key West International Airport providing both half-day and full-day trips. While walk-up purchases are possible at the airport, it’s highly recommended to book online in advance to secure your spot as seaplanes often sell out. Tickets cost $451 per adult for a half-day trip, with multiple daily departures from Key West.
- By Private Boat or Charter: If you have your own boat or prefer a private charter, you can also reach the park this way. Permits are required.
- What to Expect:
- The magnificent 19th-century fortress Fort Jefferson, a remote and stunning marine ecosystem teeming with vibrant coral reefs, diverse sea life, including sea turtles, tropical fish, and nurse sharks, a variety of bird species and crystal clear waters with white sand beaches
- Check the Park Website for current information on closures, alerts, and weather forecasts. Be aware of potential thunderstorms.
- Entrance Fee: $15 per person, which only covers entry into Dry Tortugas National Park. This fee does not include the cost of transportation, whether by ferry or seaplane. You will need to purchase separate tickets for your transportation to the park, which include the entry fee.
- How many days: One day is enough unless you plan to camp overnight.
- There are no restrooms or showers inside the park. The changing rooms are available, but visitors need to return to the ferry for access to freshwater restrooms.
- There are no food stations inside the park. Visitors need to bring their own food and drinks, or rely on the ferry service, which typically provides meals and snacks.
- Snorkeling gear is provided by the Yankee Freedom ferry service.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
- Familiarize yourself with the designated areas for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring. Some areas are recommended for experienced snorkelers.
- Best Things to Do
- Explore Fort Jefferson on your own or guided tour. Take a guided tour to learn about Fort Jefferson and its fascinating history and the role it played in American history. Don’t miss the chance to climb the fort and experience the stunning vistas from its highest point.
- Experience the thrill of vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life by snorkeling at the best spots in the region.
- Enjoy watching exotic birds, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
- Take a breather by swimming in the crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.
- Explore the park’s waters by kayak or paddleboard.
- Nearby Attractions
- Key West, Florida
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Florida State Parks
- Bahia Honda State Park – (Bahia Honda – Florida State Parks)
- Cape Lighthouse Florida – Florida State Parks
- Biscayne National Park (Biscayne – U.S. National Park Service)
- Everglades National Park (Everglades – U.S. National Park Service)
- Miami, Florida
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