Sitting seventy miles west of Key West is the final group of islands within the Florida Keys. That is the situation of Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, an underrated gem within the nationwide park system. On this information we cowl every thing it’s good to know on find out how to go to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, together with the very best issues to do, find out how to get right here, when to go to, and important tricks to have the very best expertise.
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is likely one of the least visited nationwide parks within the US. In 2019, solely 80,000 folks visited this park. That averages out to about 220 folks per day. Even when this park is at its most crowded, it nonetheless feels delightfully empty.
There are a number of explanation why so few folks go to this park. For one factor, it’s comparatively distant. You possibly can solely get right here by boat and seaplane, which additionally makes this go to dearer than many different nationwide parks. And with a restricted quantity seats on the ferry and seaplanes, there’s a restrict to the quantity of people that make it Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. Since these seats promote out upfront, you need to plan your go to and ebook your tickets properly earlier than you get to Key West.
Tim and I visited Key West a number of instances earlier than this most up-to-date journey in December 2021, however we by no means made it to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. If solely we knew what we had been lacking this entire time.
For some purpose, I wasn’t enthusiastic about visiting the Dry Tortugas. Touring a fort and some seashores actually didn’t sound all that thrilling. However I cherished this journey, from begin to end. The views from the seaplane, strolling on the fort partitions, snorkeling round previous dock pilings, and strolling the seaside on Bush Key was wonderful.
I can’t wait to share this stunning, underrated park with you.
Let’s get began.
The right way to Go to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Attention-grabbing Info about Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Geography and Maps of the Park
The right way to Get Right here
Greatest Issues to Do
How A lot Time Do You Want?
Pattern Day Journey Itineraries
Pattern Multi-Day Itinerary
Greatest Time to Go to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
What to Carry
Essential Planning Info
Continuously Requested Questions
Whereas in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, please apply the seven ideas of Go away No Hint: plan forward, keep on the path, pack out what you convey to the mountaineering path, correctly get rid of waste, depart areas as you discovered them, reduce campfire impacts, be thoughtful of different hikers, and don’t strategy or feed wildlife.
Attention-grabbing Info about Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is situated on the finish of the Florida Keys. This group of seven islands sits about 70 miles west of Key West. A lot of the park is water, however it’s also dwelling to coral reefs, chicken nesting grounds, and historic Fort Jefferson.
The Dry Tortugas had been found by Juan Ponce de León in 1513. He named these islands the Dry Tortugas for the dearth of recent water (dry) and the abundance of sea turtles on this space (tortuga means sea turtle in Spanish).
Fort Jefferson, which is on Backyard Key, is the biggest brick construction within the Western Hemisphere. Development started in 1847 and it was by no means accomplished. It was used as a jail till 1874. Essentially the most well-known prisoner is Dr. Samuel Mudd, who handled John Wilkes Sales space simply after the Lincoln assassination.
This small group of tropical islands is dwelling to nearly 300 species of birds. Beneath the water’s floor are coral reefs, tropical fish, and nurse sharks, making this a superb place for snorkeling or scuba diving. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the white sandy seashores.
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a sanctuary for these animals. The park is managed by the workers at Everglades Nationwide Park and collectively these two parks kind the UNESCO Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve.
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park formally turned a nationwide park on October 26, 1992. In 2019, it had 80,000 guests, making it the eighth least visited nationwide park within the US.
Geography and Maps of Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is made up of seven islands: Backyard Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Lengthy Key, Hospital Key, Center Key and East Key. Which may sound like lots, however 99% of this park is underwater.
Backyard Key, which is the arrival level for the boats and the seaplanes, can also be dwelling to Fort Jefferson. That is the place most guests will spend their time.
Throughout sure instances of the 12 months (primarily the winter months), Bush Key can also be open to guests.
Loggerhead Key sits about 3 miles from Backyard Key, so you have to a ship to get right here. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, and later on this information I’ll let you know the way to do it.
The rest of the islands are closed all 12 months since they’re dwelling to chicken nesting websites.
Beneath is a Nationwide Park Service map of Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. It’s overview as to the scale of this park.
Here’s a map of Backyard Key, Bush Key and Lengthy Key, with labels for snorkeling websites and seashores.
The right way to Get to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
There are two methods to get to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park: by seaplane and by boat. Each of those depart from Key West, Florida.
Beneath is a fast overview on find out how to get to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. For extra data, whether or not or not the seaplane is definitely worth the extra price, and lots of extra photographs from the seaplane flight, learn our information The right way to Go to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
Attending to the Dry Tortugas by Seaplane
The seaplane is the quickest option to get to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
Key West Seaplane Adventures is the one firm that flies to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. They provide flights all through the day, and you may select between a half day go to and a full day go to.
Half Day Journey to the Dry Tortugas
Price: $361 per grownup, $288.80 for youngsters 12 and below
Nationwide Park Payment: $15 (that is along with the seaplane ticket worth)
Grand Whole: $376
Size of Time: 4 hours whole; 40-minute flight every means and a couple of.5 hours at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Full Day Journey to the Dry Tortugas
Price: $634 per grownup, $507.20 for youngsters 12 and below
Nationwide Park Payment: $15 (that is along with the seaplane ticket worth)
Grand Whole: $649
Size of Time: 8 hours whole; 40-minute flight every means and 6.5 hours on the island
Key West Seaplane Adventures gives snorkel gear and coolers with ice and water or comfortable drinks.
We did the half day journey by seaplane. The two.5 hours in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park goes by extraordinarily quick, and all the time Tim and I felt like we had been in a race. Nonetheless, 6.5 hours looks as if a very long time to spend right here.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Guide the primary flight of the day. You’ll have a number of hours on the Dry Tortugas earlier than the ferry arrives, so you can be sharing Fort Jefferson and the Backyard Key snorkeling spots with only a handful of different guests. The following most suitable choice is the final flight of the day.
If you happen to take the seaplane, you get this view of Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
Attending to the Dry Tortugas by Ferry
The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. It’s a full day expertise and most of that might be spent on board the ferry.
Price: $190 per grownup, $135 for youngsters 4 to 16, $180 for college kids, seniors, and lively navy
Nationwide Park Payment: Included within the ferry ticket worth
Tenting journeys: If you happen to plan to camp, the price is $210
Size of Time: 10.5 hours
Test-in time is at 7 am (6:30 am for campers). The ferry departs at 8:00 am and it takes 2.5 hours to get to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. You spend 4.5 hours within the park. At 3 pm, the ferry departs Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, and you’ll arrive in Key West at 5:30 pm.
A breakfast snack, boxed lunch, and snorkeling tools are included with the price. The ferry takes 175 folks. On the galley, you should buy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, ice cream, and snacks.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you happen to plan to camp at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, you’ll have to take the ferry or a non-public boat to get right here. You can not convey tenting tools on the seaplane.
By Non-public Constitution or Your Personal Boat
In case you have your personal boat, you’ll be able to go to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park with out taking the ferry or seaplane. Earlier than your go to, you have to to get a allow. Be taught extra on the Nationwide Park Service web site.
There are additionally personal charters that may take you to the Dry Tortugas. We thought-about doing this, since we additionally needed to go to Loggerhead Key, however the price ticket for that is extraordinarily excessive (the one we checked out was about $3000 for the day). For an inventory of permitted personal charters, go to the Nationwide Park Service web site.
Greatest Issues to Do in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
1. Discover Fort Jefferson
Fort Jefferson is the biggest masonry construction within the Western Hemisphere. It was constructed within the 1800’s to guard the ship visitors within the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. It was by no means accomplished and by no means attacked, however it’s a image of the facility of the USA throughout this time.
Since its development, it has served different roles…jail, coaling station, and it was utilized in each world wars. It’s now not a fort…now it’s a protected nationwide park.
You possibly can tour the fort by yourself or take a ranger guided tour (these final about 45 minutes).
There are three ranges to the fort. Our favourite was the highest stage, the place you get nice views of the fort, the encircling seashores and islands, and the crystal-clear aquamarine water. There aren’t any guardrails up right here, so watch out, and if you’re visiting with youngsters, maintain them near you.
There are greater than 2,000 brick arches in Fort Jefferson!
Listed below are a number of extra.
On prime of Fort Jefferson.
The view of Bush Key from the highest of Fort Jefferson. And in addition take note of how shut the path will get to the sting of the fort. Watch out up right here!
On this photograph, you’ll be able to see the tenting space, entrance into Fort Jefferson, numerous picnic tables, and the dock.
Yet another view from Fort Jefferson. Means off within the distance (you’ll be able to barely see it on this photograph) is Loggerhead Key. Notice that the moat stroll is damaged in a single spot, so you can not stroll all the moat wall as one massive loop.
Strolling a part of the the moat wall is a good way to get extra views of Fort Jefferson and the gorgeous water. From the wall it’s potential to see fish swimming within the water.
2. Go Snorkeling at Backyard Key
The Dry Tortugas are dwelling to a number of the finest snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. For many guests, notably these on a day journey to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, the websites at Backyard Key are probably the most accessible. Beneath are 4 snorkeling websites at Backyard Key.
Moat Wall: Snorkeling alongside the moat wall is finest for newbie snorkelers. The water is calm and shallow and also you get to see quite a lot of tropical fish in addition to historic artifacts.
South Coaling Dock Ruins: These iron pilings are situated on the south aspect of the island. The simplest option to get right here is to get within the water on the South Swim Seaside and swim to the pilings. At this website, principally what you see is coral with a number of fish.
Snorkeling on the South Coaling Dock Ruins
North Coaling Dock Ruins: These pilings are situated close to the north aspect of Backyard Key. We obtained into the water subsequent to Bush Key and swam out to them. There have been a ton of fish right here, and pelicans sitting on prime of the pilings, once we did this.
View of the South Coaling Dock Ruins from the seaside.
Snorkeling on the North Coaling Dock Ruins
Pelicans on the dock ruins.
West of Backyard Key: Simply to the west of Backyard Key’s coral reef that’s nice for snorkeling. From South Swim Seaside, swim west 50 to 100 toes in direction of the buoys marking the top of the protected swim space and you’ll come to this spot. That is the snorkeling space that we didn’t get to however I heard nice issues about it.
3. Go Swimming
If snorkeling isn’t your factor, there are a number of stunning seashores the place you may get into the water. The South Swim Seaside is the very best, in my view. With crystal clear water, no waves, and nice views of Fort Jefferson, this can be a good spot to go swimming.
South Swim Seaside
You may also swim at North Swim Seaside and subsequent to Bush Key.
North Swim Seaside
4. Go to Bush Key
Bush Key sits to the east of Backyard Key. It’s straightforward to get to if the sandbar is current.
Bush Key
We walked across the whole key. It’s a 1-mile loop and the views again to Fort Jefferson and Backyard Key are superior. We additionally noticed tons of birds circling over close by Lengthy Key.
If you happen to don’t plan or snorkeling or swimming whereas at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, this can be a nice exercise to do as a substitute. In truth, it was one in all our favourite issues to do in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
View of Fort Jefferson from Bush Key
One other view from Bush Key
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Bush Key’s closed from February via September, when sooty terns and brown noddies use the island as a nesting website.
5. Wildlife Viewing
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a haven for marine life and birds.
Practically 300 hundred species of birds go to the Dry Tortugas over the course of the 12 months. The islands function each breeding grounds and nesting websites for quite a few species of birds. Throughout some seasons, a number of keys might “shut,” like Bush Key, when terns and noddies come right here to lift their younger.
Sea turtles will be seen from the ferry and the seaplane, as you strategy the park. It’s additionally potential to see them swimming within the shallow waters across the park or nesting on the seashores. If you happen to see a sea turtle, please maintain your distance.
If you happen to go snorkeling or scuba diving, it’s potential to see tropical fish, octopus, sharks, sea turtles, and lobsters on the coral reefs.
6. Go to Loggerhead Key
Loggerhead is the biggest island in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. It’s situated 3 miles from Backyard Key, so the one option to get right here is by boat. Even for the very best swimmers, 3 miles is an extended option to go.
The right way to Get to Loggerhead Key
There is no such thing as a public transportation to Loggerhead Key.
In case you have your personal boat or are utilizing a non-public constitution, you need to use this to get to Loggerhead Key. A allow is required, and you’ll have to verify in at Backyard Key earlier than you go to Loggerhead Key.
You may also get right here by kayak. You possibly can convey a kayak to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park on the Yankee Freedom Ferry. The ferry has very restricted spots for kayaks and these spots get reserved as much as 9 to 12 months upfront.
We known as in October about reserving a spot on the ferry for kayaks they usually had been booked via the following July!
If you happen to plan to kayak to Loggerhead Key, you have to to get a allow from the Nationwide Park Service and you’ll have to spend the night time on Backyard Key. There’s not sufficient time to kayak out and again to Loggerhead Key and make it again to the ferry, should you strive to do that as a day journey to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
So, additionally, you will want a tenting allow from the Nationwide Park Service.
Issues to Do on Loggerhead Key
As soon as on Loggerhead Key, discover the empty seashores and go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Windjammer Wreck or at Little Africa Reef.
The island is simply open from daybreak till nightfall, so you can not camp right here. The one place to camp is on Backyard Key.
We didn’t go to Loggerhead Key. However if in case you have been right here, and camped on Backyard Key, we’d love to listen to about your expertise. That is one thing we wish to come again and do sometime. Tell us about your expertise within the remark part under and if in case you have any photographs to share, we’d like to see them too. Thanks!
7. Go Tenting on Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
From people who have finished it, we had been informed that tenting is likely one of the finest issues to do in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
The star gazing is unbelievable and so are the sunsets. Plus, you can be right here with only a handful of individuals, a good way to expertise this park with out lots of people.
All campers are assured a spot to camp. There are eight common tenting websites and an overflow space. The campsites have charcoal grills and picnic tables. There are bogs on Backyard Key however there isn’t any working water, electrical energy, or Wi-Fi service.
If you wish to camp at Dry Tortugas, you have to to make your reservation on the Yankee Freedom as much as 9 to 12 months upfront. You may also get right here by yourself boat, a non-public constitution, or with a permitted tour information.
For full particulars, go to the Nationwide Park Service web site.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: We lately obtained an e-mail from somebody who went tenting in January 2020. They talked about that rats on the island obtained into their water bottles, meals containers, and tents at night time. We don’t know if the Nationwide Park Service has addressed this situation or not, so if in case you have stayed right here lately, please remark under about your expertise.
How A lot Time Do You Want in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park?
There are only a few nationwide parks the place you solely want a number of hours to see the highlights, and Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is one in all them.
In only a few hours, you’ll be able to discover Fort Jefferson, stroll round Bush Key (whether it is open), and go snorkeling or swimming.
With extra time, you’ll be able to take a ranger guided tour of the fort and spend extra time on the snorkeling spots.
For many who need the complete expertise, plan on spending the night time on Backyard Key and kayaking out to Loggerhead Key.
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park Day Journey Itineraries
If you happen to plan to day journey to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, listed here are a number of methods to spend your time, relying on the mode of transportation you select.
Half Day by Seaplane
The two.5 hours goes to go by quick! Begin off by exploring Fort Jefferson. This takes 30 to 45 minutes. Relying in your timing, it’s potential to affix a ranger guided tour of the fort. If you happen to transfer quick, you’ll be able to stroll round Bush Key after which snorkel in a single or two snorkeling spots.
What We Did: We moved very quick. The very first thing we did was Fort Jefferson. In about half-hour, we walked many of the backside stage of the fort, a small portion of the center stage, and the complete size of the higher stage. Then, we walked the perimeter of Bush Key, snorkeled the North Coaling Dock Ruins after which then South Coaling Dock Ruins and alongside the moat wall. Tim and I had simply sufficient time to alter into dry garments earlier than boarding the seaplane.
Full Day by Seaplane
You get much more time in Dry Tortugas with the complete day tour (a further 4 hours!). Go to the fort very first thing, earlier than the ferry arrives. Swim and snorkel on the South Swim Seaside, on the South Coaling Dock Ruins, and alongside the moat wall. Noon, have a picnic lunch. Then go to Bush Key (whether it is open) and snorkel the North Coaling Dock Ruins.
Day Journey on the Yankee Freedom Ferry
If you wish to take the ranger guided tour of the fort, do that very first thing. On our go to, it regarded just like the ranger guided tour was timed to start out proper after the ferry arrives. Then spend the remainder of your time snorkeling, swimming, and strolling round Bush Key.
If you happen to don’t wish to take the ranger guided tour, go snorkeling and swimming first, and go to Bush Key. Then tour the fort later within the day, when it’s much less crowded.
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park Multi-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Take the Yankee Freedom Ferry to the Dry Tortugas. If you happen to plan to kayak to Loggerhead Key, try this right now.
Day 2: Discover Fort Jefferson within the morning, earlier than the ferry arrives. Spend the center a part of the day snorkeling and swimming. At 3 pm, take the Yankee Freedom Ferry again to Key West.
Strolling on the Bush Key seaside.
Greatest Time to Go to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
With heat sea and air temperatures, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a superb place to go to all 12 months.
Among the finest instances to go to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is from October via January, when Bush Key’s open. Strolling round this key was one in all our favourite experiences within the park.
We visited Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park in early December. The excessive temperature for the day was 80°F and the water additionally felt very heat. We had calm climate whereas we had been right here.
Through the winter months (November via April), temporary durations of windy circumstances can create massive swells of water. This makes snorkeling and kayaking troublesome and there may be an elevated likelihood of seasickness on the ferry. It is usually potential that the ferry might not run if the ocean could be very tough. We had been informed that flights are seldom cancelled throughout this time on account of climate.
Could via October is the hurricane season. Typically, the winds are calm and sea visibility is great. Nonetheless, hurricanes can disrupt journey throughout this time. Bush Key can also be closed throughout this time for chicken nesting.
What to Carry to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Here’s a record of issues to convey with you to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sun shades
- Water, snacks, and a picnic lunch if you can be right here noon
- Digital camera
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Change of garments
Essential Planning Info
Entrance Payment: $15 per particular person, legitimate for 7 days. These below 16 years of age are exempt from the price.
Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, three hundred and sixty five days per 12 months.
Pets: Pets are solely permitted on Backyard Key and have to be on a leash always. They aren’t permitted inside Fort Jefferson.
Get updates on park circumstances, as you propose your journey and simply earlier than your go to, on the Nationwide Park Service web site.
Continuously Requested Questions
Are there restrooms at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park?
Sure, there are a number of composting bogs on Backyard Key. There are additionally altering rooms situated on the ferry dock.
When the Yankee Freedom is docked at Backyard Key, the composting bogs are closed, and all guests use the restrooms on the ferry (even guests who arrived by seaplane).
Is there potable water?
No, there isn’t any working water on Dry Tortugas. All guests should convey their very own water. For many who plan to camp on the Dry Tortugas, the Nationwide Park Service recommends bringing two gallons of water per particular person per day.
Can I hire kayaks at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park?
No, kayaks are usually not accessible for hire at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. You possibly can hire a kayak in Key West and convey it to the park on the Yankee Freedom ferry. Nonetheless, there are very restricted spots for kayaks on the ferry and this must be reserved properly upfront (about 9 to 12 months earlier than your go to).
Are there mosquitoes at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park?
Mosquitoes are just about non-existent in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. Throughout our go to in December, we noticed no mosquitoes. Nonetheless, only a few days earlier, once we had been in Biscayne Nationwide Park, mosquitoes had been out in full drive.
