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Dry Tortugas National Park

Key West, FL

Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, and its legends of pirates and sunken gold. Ft. Jefferson, the largest of the 19th century American coastal forts is a central feature.

The Tortugas were first discoverd by Ponce de Leon in 1513. Abundant sea turtles or "tortugas" provisioned his ships with fresh meat, but there was no fresh water-the tortugas were dry. Since the days of Spanish exploration,the reefs and shoals of the Dry Tortugas have been a serious hazard to navigation and the site of hundreds of shipwrecks.

U.S. military attention was drawn to the keys in the early 1800's due to their strategic location in the Florida Straits. Plans were made for a massive fortress and construction began in 1846, but the fort was never completed. The invention of the rifled cannon made it obsolete. As the military value of Fort Jefferson waned, its pristine reefs, abundant sea life and impressive numbers of birds grew in value. In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt set aside Fort Jefferson and the surrounding waters as a national monument. The area was redesignated as Dry Tortugas National Park in 1992 to protect both the historical and natural features.

CONTACTS

Email - DRTO_Information@nps.gov

Fax- 305-242-7711

Write to
P.O. Box 6208
Key West, FL 33041

Phone
- 305-242-7700

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
The park is open all year.

Ft. Jefferson on Garden Key is open during daylight hours; closed at dark.

Loggerhead, East and Middle Keys are open year-round during daylight hours.

Bush Key is closed to visitors from March-September to protect nesting Sooty and Noddy Terns.

Hospital and Long Keys are closed all year.

Getting There
PLANE - Commercial air service is available to Key West International Airport.

Seaplanes of Key West provides air service to the national park. For schedules, prices, and reservations, call 800-950-2FLY or 305-294-0709.

CAR - There are no roads to Dry Tortugas National Park. It can only be reached by boat or seaplane.

Private pleasure boats are welcome, but must be fully self-sufficient. U.S. Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey Chart #11438 is necessary for navigation to the Dry Tortugas.

Public transportation is described below.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Public transportation - ferry and seaplane - serves the park from Key West. For ferry schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Sunny Days: phone 800-236-7937 or 305-292-6100; on the internet at www.www.drytortugas.com. Yankee Fleet: phone 800-634-0939 or 305-294-7009; on the internet at www.yankeefleet.com.

Seaplane transportation is provided by Seaplanes of Key West. For schedules, prices, and reservations, contact 800-950-2FLY or 305-294-0709; on the internet at www.seaplanesof keywest.com.

Fishing and dive charters can be arranged in the Florida Keys and Naples. For a list of services, contact the park at 305-242-7700.

Weather & Climate
Subtropical climate. Temperatures range from the mid-50's to mid-80's.

There are two seasons: Winter storm season (December-March), windy with rough seas, and Tropical storm season (June-November).

April and May are idyllic.

Accessibility
Restrooms, picnic area and the first tier of Fort Jefferson are accessible.

Getting Around
Upon arrival, see the orientation program at the visitor center in Fort Jefferson and take the self-guiding tour of the fort.

A boat is necessary to visit areas of the park other than Garden Key/Fort Jefferson.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK
Free!

CAMPING

Garden Key
Open All Year
The 13-site, primitive campground is located on the same island as Fort Jefferson and is a short walk from the public dock. Eleven individual sites can accomodate up to 6 people and 3 tents, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Should a regular campsite not be available, an overflow area is provided. A group site is available for 10-40 people and must be reserved in advance. Call 305-242-7700 to obtain a reservation application. Groups of 10 or more arriving without a reservation will not receive exclusive use of the group site. The campground is a self-service fee area with a nightly fee of $3 per person. A 50% discount applies to holders of the Golden Age or Golden Access Pass. No other discounts apply. Fees paid for transportation (seaplane or ferry) do not include camping fees. Campsites have picnic tables and grills. Saltwater flush toilets and saltwater sinks are available at the dock. Campers must bring all supplies, including fresh water, fuel, ice, and food. All trash and garbage must be carried out upon departure. The park can only be reached by boat or seaplane; it is inaccessible to trailers and motorhomes. Vessels may anchor between sunset and sunrise in a designated anchorage area, defined as the area of sand and rubble bottom within 1 nautical mile of the Fort Jefferson harbor light. Overnight anchoring is not permitted at any other location in Dry Tortugas National Park.
For More Information on this campground please call 305-242-7700

FACILITIES

Museums
FORT JEFFERSON
Open All Year Daylight hours
Phone - 305-242-7700
Location - Garden Key
Special Programs - Intermittent ranger-led tours.
Exhibits - Self-guiding fort tour with interpretive signs.

Visitor Centers
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER
Open All Year
Location - Inside Fort Jefferson on Garden Key
Exhibits - Exhibits on the history of Fort Jefferson. Video describing park's history and natural resources.
Available Facilities - Bookstore

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