Not sure how to visit Dry Tortugas National Park? I’m sharing everything there is to know before visiting, including how to get there (ferry vs. seaplane) and how to spend your day while there.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles off the coast of Key West and is one of the most remote parks in the entire National Park System. Fort Jefferson, once used as a prison in the Civil War, is at the epicenter of Dry Tortugas’s unique history. Access the park by seaplane, ferry, or private boat and spend your day exploring the fort, walking along the beautiful beaches, or getting in the water to snorkel over the coral reef.
History of Dry Tortugas National Park
The history of Dry Tortugas National Park begins in 1513 with the discovery of the islands, also known as “keys,” by a man named Juan Ponce de Leon. Seven keys were originally given the name “Las Tortugas”, translated to “The Turtles.” The location of the keys formed an important connection between the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean for numerous shipping vessels. The use of this channel was popular among Spanish explorers and merchants. The keys began to appear on maps. The passageway was frequented to transport goods for gold and silver while Florida remained under Spanish rule.
Merchants continued to utilize this channel throughout the 19th century to trade goods like cotton, livestock, tobacco, and coffee. In 1821, Florida was acquired by the United States (US). The US knew it was essential to protect this collection of islands, including this trading route. Construction of Fort Jefferson began in 1846 on Garden Key, and although the fort was left unfinished due to supply issues and the Civil War, it remains the largest all-masonry fort in the US. By 1875, construction had stopped completely and, aside from being utilized briefly throughout World Wars I and II, Fort Jefferson was left as it is seen today (with a little help from modern preservation).
Modern Day Dry Tortugas
On January 4, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated this area as Fort Jefferson National Monument under the Antiquities Act. Following further expansion in 1983, the park was re-designated as Dry Tortugas National Park on October 26, 1992 by an act of Congress. In 2007, the Dry Tortugas Research Natural Area was established to protect marine resources by providing a sanctuary for marine species and opportunities for exploration and research. Today, Dry Tortugas protects over 47,000 acres of island and marine ecosystems.
The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including 30 species of coral, 300 species of birds, various species of sharks, hundreds of species of fish, 5 species of sea turtles, and 125 species of plants. Birders flock (no pun intended) to Dry Tortugas to witness the sooty terns nest and raise their young in the spring. Bush Key is the only regular sooty tern nesting site in the US. Visitors may also be able to spot sea turtle tracks left behind from laying their eggs. Dry Tortugas is one of the most popular turtle nesting sites in the Florida Keys.
The location of Dry Tortugas was great for trading, but it was also very hazardous for passing ships. Many ships between the 1500s-1800s found dangerous conditions from hurricanes, strong winds, and shallow waters. There are hundreds of shipwrecks scattered in the waters surrounding the keys. Divers have the chance to explore these wrecks and sunken artifacts today.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park pretty much only has two distinct seasons – summer and winter!
During the summer months, average daily temperatures exceed 90° F (32° C) with high humidity. Most days bring almost no wind, which is great for boating out to the park. Little to no wind also means excellent visibility in the water for snorkeling and scuba diving. From June through November, Dry Tortugas experiences its hurricane season. Since the park is located 70 miles off of the coast of Florida, within one of the most active hurricane areas in the US, it’s important to check weather and habitat reports even after a hurricane has passed to get the most out of your trip. Thunderstorms are frequent during this time of the year and Dry Tortugas accumulates around 40 inches of rain annually.
During the winter months, weather patterns fluctuate due to the frequent cold fronts. The average daily temperatures range between 60-75° F (15-24° C) and can feel colder with a wind chill. If you plan on boating out to the park, large swells and high winds can lead to not so great conditions on board. We visited in January and definitely did not have the best ferry ride due to high seas. Visibility can also becomes poor this time of the year for activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. On the other hand, Dry Tortugas experiences significantly less rainfall in the winter. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, this is the time of year to visit.
When it comes to birdwatching, a special time to visit is during the spring nesting season as the birds are migrating between South and North America. Bush Key closes annually from February to September for these birds to nest and raise their young.
How to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles off of the coast of Key West, Florida. Although Dry Tortugas is one of the most remote National Parks in the entire system, it is quite accessible to visitors of all ages.
There are 2 different ways to get to the park: boat or seaplane.
Boat: Many visitors choose to book a ticket with the Yankee Freedom III. The Yankee Freedom is a ferry that will bring you to and from the park and provide complimentary breakfast and lunch. The ferry trip will begin at 7:30am and arrive back in Key West around 5:30pm. It will take 2 1/2 hours to get out to Dry Tortugas and another 2 1/2 hours to get back to Key West. If you opt for the ferry, make sure to check on the weather as high seas will make the average passenger feel a bit uneasy. We took the ferry out to the park and, in full transparency, wish we splurged to take the seaplane.
Seaplane: If you’re looking for a more secluded and unique experience, I recommend booking a ticket on a seaplane. Although it is more expensive than the ferry, the flight time is only 40 minutes one way. You will also get to the park before the ferry and be able to stay until after the ferry leaves. The best part? You are guaranteed to have a scenic flight.
Closest International Airports:
There is an international airport right in Key West that visitors can fly into. Other options include Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Visitors can fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, rent a car, and enjoy a drive along the keys before arriving in Key West.
Getting Around the Park
Since Dry Tortugas is located on a remote island with no roads 70 miles off of the coast of Key West, the only “getting around” to concern yourself with is how to get there. I’ve broken down just how to do that in the section above.
Some private boat charters will make a stop at surrounding keys within the park, but most of the action takes place right on Garden Key. Visitors can explore the island at their own pace by walking on the beaches, through the fort, and getting in the water to snorkel or scuba dive along the reef.
Quick Facts and Things to Know
Location: Florida, USA
Climate: Subtropical
Established: January 4, 1935 (Monument) and October 26, 1992 (Park).
Annual Visitors: 80,000
Size: 47,100 Acres
Operating Hours: The park is open year-round, 24 hours per day, if you can get there on your own. Those traveling on the ferry or seaplane will be able to access the park as it is listed in the itinerary. Fort Jefferson is open from sunrise – sunset. Check online for current conditions and hours of surrounding keys.
Visitor Center and Services: There is one visitor center within the park – Garden Key Visitor Center. The visitor center is open daily from 8:30am – 4:30pm. There are very limited services offered on Garden Key. There is a gift shop and bookstore inside Fort Jefferson. The commercial ferry has a set of restrooms on board, and also offers food and drinks.
Internet and Cellular Access: There is no WiFi available in Dry Tortugas National Park. Service is limited as you head out to Dry Tortugas from Key West, and not available at all once you arrive at Dry Tortugas.
Accessibility: Those with mobility restraints can still visit Dry Tortugas. There is a lift at the dock in Key West and a ramp on Garden Key which can help passengers on and off the ferry. The 2nd and 3rd floor of Fort Jefferson can only be accessed via stairs, but there is a nice walkway through the fort on the 1st floor to still be able to explore and learn about the fort.
Pets: Pets are only allowed on Garden Key. The commercial ferry and seaplane do not permit pets on board, therefore, pets can only arrive via personal boat or private charter. They are also not permitted inside of Fort Jefferson and must be leashed at all times.
Fees / Passes
Dry Tortugas National Park can only be accessed via private boat, permitted tour, commercial ferry, or seaplane. Boat permits are required for all private charters and can be obtained on Garden Key upon arrival. Rates below are as of January 2023 and are subject to change.
- Entrance Fee – There is an entrance fee for Dry Tortugas. It is $15 per person. Those 15 years and younger are free. Visitors have the option of purchasing a digital pass that can be saved to a phone or tablet. If you are traveling on a private boat or seaplane, entrance fees are collected at the self-service area on Garden Key (cash or check).
- Ferry – The Yankee Freedom rate includes the park entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a 45 minute narrated tour of Fort Jefferson. The ferry costs $190 per adult, $180 for students, active military, and seniors, and $135 for children (ages 4-16).
- Seaplane – Key West Seaplane Charters offers half and full-day tours to Dry Tortugas. For a half-day tour, the seaplane costs $361 per adult and $289 per child (ages 2-12). For a full-day tour, the seaplane costs $634 per adult and $507 per child. Children under two are free for both the half and full-day tours.
Annual/Lifetime Passes:
The annual and lifetime passes will cover the cost of the entrance fee.
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass – $80
- Senior Citizens (62+): Annual – $20, Lifetime – $80
- Military Personnel, Dependents, Veterans, and Gold Star Families – Free
- Permanent Disability – Free
- 4th Grade Every Kid Outdoors Pass – Free
- Volunteer Pass – Free
Free Entrance Days:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January), first day of National Park Week (April), anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August), National Public Lands Day (September), and Veterans Day (November)
It’s always important to remember where your money goes when paying to enter land managed by the National Park Service. 80% of the park fee will go to the individual park that collected the money and 20% of the fee will go to other National Park Service lands that currently do not have an entrance fee in place. The money is used for facility maintenance and repair, habitat restoration, staff pay, and more. You can find further information on nps.gov.
Where to Stay When Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park
There is no lodging within the park. There is one campground located on Garden Key. The campground has individual campsites ($15/night) that can accommodate three two-person tents (six people total). The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Every camper is guaranteed a campsite. If all campsites are occupied upon arrival, campers are instructed to set up in the overflow area until a site becomes available. There is also a group campsite ($30/night) available with advanced reservation only. The group campsite can accommodate ten to twenty people.
If you plan to take the ferry to the park, rather than your own transportation, you must reserve your campsite when booking a ferry ticket. The seaplane is not equipped to carry camping gear.
Key West: For those who do not camp, Key West is the perfect place to stay before and after your day exploring Dry Tortugas National Park. A few popular options are: Southernmost Beach Resort ($$$$), Kimpton Key West ($$$), Silver Palms Inn ($$), and Blue Marlin Motel ($).
What to Do While Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park
Visit the Garden Key Visitor Center
Once you arrive in Dry Tortugas National Park, head to the Garden Key Visitor Center located inside of Fort Jefferson. The visitor center offers a chance to learn a little bit about the area before exploring on your own or with a tour. I highly recommend speaking with the Park Ranger to plan out your day. Depending on the time of year you are visiting, the rangers can be a great resource, especially if you want to spot wildlife.
Tour Fort Jefferson
There are two ways to tour Fort Jefferson: ranger-guided or self-guided. The ranger-guided tour is 45 minutes long and is free. If you want to spend more time snorkeling or exploring other parts of the key, I recommend embarking on the self-guided version of the Fort Jefferson tour. There is a ton of information available at the visitor center for you to learn about the fort before exploring. Make sure to head up the stairs to see the park from above. This was my favorite part.
Leave No Trace: There are 7 principles you should know before setting out on any adventure. This includes planning ahead, traveling along durable surfaces, disposing of waste, leaving what you find, minimizing the impact of your campfire, respecting wildlife, and being considerate to those who are also enjoying the space.
Go Snorkeling
Get your snorkel gear on and explore the coral reefs that surround Fort Jefferson. The most action takes place right along the wall of the fort, so you don’t have to go too far. When we visited in January it was a bit choppy, but the abundance of tropical fish and colorful corals was memorable enough to make it worth it. If it was better conditions, I would have loved to spend more time in the water.
If you’re certified, go scuba diving. This area is one of best diving destinations in the country. It’s important to note that the ferry and seaplane are unable to carry compressed canisters, so you must arrive on your own with your dive gear or with a charter company.
Spend Time on the Beach
The beaches of Dry Tortugas are absolutely gorgeous. The view of the turquoise water hugging the stretches of white sand is truly picturesque. Walk along the beaches or lay a towel down and relax under the Florida sun.
Other Activities:
- Go fishing. With an abundance of marine life in Dry Tortugas, you’re almost guaranteed to have a great fishing day here. All visitors 16 years or older must have a Florida fishing license. If you are planning to fish from a private boat, you must obtain a permit before recreating.
- Paddleboard or kayak around Garden Key or to the other keys within Dry Tortugas National Park. Be sure to check closures of the surrounding keys, especially during nesting season in the spring. Visitors must bring their own vessel and permits must be obtained before launching.
- Camp overnight. Visitors will be in for a real treat once the rest of the crowd has departed from the island and all that is left are the campers. If you’re up for it, get back in the water once the sun has set to snorkel along the wall of the fort. You will be surprised to see how much more life there is in the water at night.
- Star-gaze. Campers are rewarded with complete darkness on the island… perfect conditions for an epic night of star-gazing.
HAPPY EXPLORING!
Pin this guide to help you plan your next trip to Dry Tortugas National Park.
