Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park [3] is a United States National Park that contains a cluster of islands about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, USA on Garden Key.

Understand

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.

Climate

The Dry Tortugas exist in a subtropical climate. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-80s. 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.

Get in

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

• Key West Seaplane Service, [1].  edit

• Sunny Days Catamaran Ferry, [2]. 85-foot high-speed power catamaran. Total excursion length is between 8 and 9 hours, including two hours travel each way. $145 per adult, $100 per child; price includes breakfast and lunch.  edit

Fees/Permits

A seven day pass is $5 for adults.

Get around

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.

See

• Fort Jefferson.  edit

Do

• Camping.  edit
• Snorkel.  edit
• Guided fishing trips.  edit
• Guided wildlife viewing trips.  edit
• Sailing charters.  edit
• Diving.  edit

Buy

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

Eat

There is no shopping on the island so you must pack in everything you need. There are grills in the camping area. Fishing here is great so bring a fishing pole.

Drink

There is no potable water in the park so pack in all that you will need.

Sleep

Lodging

There is nowhere to sleep except for camping. Sleeping on the beach or moat wall is very comfortable. Since there is no fresh water there are no bugs, including mosquitoes.

Camping

Limited camping is available. It is $15/site per night.

Dry Tortugas Camping Map

Stay safe

There is very little shade on the island so bring plenty of sunblock and clothing to cover. A wet suit is very helpful for snorkeling to prevent sunburn.

Get out

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!