Where Is Dry Tortugas National Park?

Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico . The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys.

How much does it cost to go from Key West to Dry Tortugas?

How can you get to Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island about 70-miles (113 km) west of Key West, Florida. Cars are not able to access the island. The only methods of transportation are by boat or seaplane .

What state is Dry Tortugas National Park in?

Is Dry Tortugas worth the trip?

Dry Tortugas National Park is fascinating both in its unique marine landscape and its history, and it’s definitely worth the visit . Located at the tip of the Flordia Keys is the stunning Dry Tortugas National Park. It preserves seven breathtaking Dry Tortugas Islands.

Can you stay on Dry Tortugas?

Campsites at Dry Tortugas are available only on Garden Key, where Fort Jefferson resides . Careful planning is essential to enjoy your visit to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Are there bathrooms on Dry Tortugas?

Are there toilets at Dry Tortugas? Yes, there are always toilets available to our passengers . There are composting toilets located near the campground. Whenever the Fort Jefferson ferry is on the dock, these toilets are locked, and the ferry toilets become the public restrooms for everyone on the island.

Can you swim at Dry Tortugas National Park?

This designated swimming area is located of the Northwest side of Loggerhead Key . This area is protected, shallow and calm, a great place for swimming and snorkeling. Within the swim area, a few yards off the swim beach is a remarkable coral formation aptly named Little Africa.

Can you see Cuba from Dry Tortugas?

The distance between Dry Tortugas National Park and Cuba is 276 km .

Can you kayak to Dry Tortugas?

A kayak can be a great way to explore the beauty of the Dry Tortugas . As you paddle you can look down through clear water at the diverse marine life that makes the seagrass beds and coral reefs their home.

Are dogs allowed on Dry Tortugas?

Dogs are permitted on the island but they are not permitted inside the fort . Dogs must be leashed at all times and waste removed as well.

Why is it called Dry Tortugas?

Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, the Dry Tortugas were named after the large population of sea turtles living in the island’s surrounding waters . “Tortugas” means turtles in Spanish, and Ponce de Leon himself caught over 100 sea turtles during his time on the island.

Does anyone live in the Dry Tortugas?

There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live in the fort at the Dry Tortugas . They work 10 days on the island and then they are off for 6, so they can head into Key West to restock and catch a movie or something. WOW!

How far is Dry Tortugas from Fort Myers by boat?

The quickest way to get from Fort Myers to Dry Tortugas National Park is to ferry which costs $286 – $288 and takes 7h 13m. How far is it from Fort Myers to Dry Tortugas National Park? The distance between Fort Myers and Dry Tortugas National Park is 152 miles .

Is there a beach at Dry Tortugas?

Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas Beach Section

Whether swimming, sun bathing or just plain strolling, you will enjoy the crystal blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft, powdery sand of this island paradise. These beautiful, pristine beaches are a Key West attraction not to be missed.

Are there sharks in Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas National Park

People can swim with nurse sharks without incident , although the sharks will sometimes attack humans if they are antagonized, so it is best to leave them alone if you see them.

How long does it take to explore Dry Tortugas?

You will have a little over four hours to explore and enjoy Fort Jefferson and the beaches of the Dry Tortugas.

Who was imprisoned at Dry Tortugas?

Mudd was later arrested for conspiracy and for harboring Booth and David Harold after the crime was committed. After standing trial and a string of testimonies, Dr. Samuel Alexander Mudd was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.

Is there food at the Dry Tortugas?

There are no restaurants, shops, or any other services that offer food, water or fuel available on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park .

Why is Dry Tortugas closed?

Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks have temporarily closed park entrances and visitor facilities in preparation for Tropical Storm Eta for the safety of visitors and staff . Marine waters in all parks will remain open for boating, but emergency services will be extremely limited.

What is Dry Tortugas famous for?

Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas is known for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, beaches, coral reefs, campgrounds and array of activities both in and out of the water .

Are there snakes in the Dry Tortugas?

I’m also terrified of snakes but I can assure him that there are NO SNAKES at the Dry Tortugas . There are no mosquitoes as there is no fresh water at the Dry Tortugas. The place is magical, after the ferry leaves you have the place all to yourself.

Is there cell service at Dry Tortugas?

Although only 70 miles from Key West, FL, Dry Tortugas is the nation’s most remote national park, only accessible by boat or seaplane. The list of amenities is few. There’s no cell phone service , no internet, no fuel, no public bathrooms, and there’s not even food or water.

Is there gas at Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas National Park is remote destination, no food, water, or fuel is available in the park .

How deep is the water at the Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas National Park is near the southwestern edge of the Florida Platform. This broad, flat, carbonate platform is only partially exposed above sea level as the Florida peninsula. The submerged portion of the platform extends to water depths of about 300 feet (90 meters) .

Can you fly to Dry Tortugas?

Getting to the Dry Tortugas by Seaplane. Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park . They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit.