Dry Tortugas National Park

History

Construction of Fort Jefferson was begun in 1846 but never completed. President Franklin Roosevelt declared it and the waters surrounding it a National Monument in 1935.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

The Dry Tortugas exist in a subtropical climate. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-80s (°F). April and May are often idyllic. There are essentially two seasons: The winter season (December-March), which can be windy with rough seas, and the tropical storm season (June-November) during which Dry Tortugas experiences both hot, humid weather and calm seas or severe weather events. Due to the ever-changing weather patterns, an accurate weather forecast is recommended before your visit.

The park is open year round during daylight hours, and is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

• Key West Seaplane Service

• Yankee Freedom III

  Boarding is at the Ferry Terminal at the foot of Grinnell Street in Key West, FL.

A seven-day pass is $5 for adults.

This is a cluster of 7 small islands. As such the only way to reach them (and travel between them) is by boat or seaplane.
The largest of the islands, Garden Key, hosts Fort Jefferson. Walking tours are provided and snorkeling is a must. All traffic is on foot.

• Fort Jefferson

• Camping

• Snorkel

• Guided fishing trips

• Guided wildlife viewing trips

• Sailing charters

and you can go diving there.

• Gift ShopA small National Park Service Gift Shop is available inside Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. It offers a very limited selection of items.

Lodging

Camping

Some camping is available. It is $3/person per night.

Backcountry

The invasive lionfish has been spotted around Fort Jefferson. They can be identified by their red and cream colour and long spines. Stings are excruciatingly painful and can be fatal. Any sighting of the fish should be reported to National Park Staff immediately.