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Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the more remarkable national parks in the United States. At the center of the park is the magnificent Fort Jefferson. The park is located around 68 miles west of Key West in the westernmost and most isolated part of the Florida Keys. Visitors will have a number of questions about how to visit Dry Tortugas, and here are some of the most pressing questions answered.
People can visit Dry Tortugas on day trips with the ferry, and they can choose to stay and camp overnight. Visiting Dry Tortugas can be one of the most entertaining activities and day trips to do while visiting West Key in Florida. West Key is one of the most stunning places to visit in Florida, and it has many excellent accommodations and restaurants to choose from.
Dry Tortugas - The Stunning Florida National Park Accessible By Ferry
The attractions of the park are exploring the impressive 19th-century fort and snorkeling in the crystal clear water, and seeing the incredible marine life. It boasts the least disturbed reefs in the Florida Keys. It is famous for its marine life, legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures, Fort Jefferson, tropical bird breeding grounds, and vibrant coral reefs.
- Size: 100 sq miles (Mostly Open Water With Seven Small Islands)
- Preserved: Fort Jefferson & Parts Of The Florida Keys
Fort Jefferson is more than just another 19th-century American fortress. It is massive (and unfinished). It is the largest brick structure in the Americas, and it was controlled by Union forces during the Civil War.
Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The most affordable and popular option is to come by ferry. Its isolation means that only around 63,000 people visit the national park every year.
Perhaps the most impressive reconstructed colonial fort in North America to visit is the historic Canadian Fortress of Louisbourg.
Is It Possible To Camp At Dry Tortugas National Park?
There are eight primitive campsites at the Garden Key campground just south of Fort Jefferson - they are just a short walk from the docks. Reservations are not accepted for the 6-person sites (all campers are guaranteed a place to camp when they arrive).
The campsites have tables and grills. Other facilities include toilets, but there are no showers. Campers need to bring all their supplies (including a tent, fresh water, food, and other essentials with them). They must also take all trash with them as they leave. Note that gas-compressed canisters are not permitted aboard the ferry - so bring charcoal for grilling.
Where Does The Ferry Depart From?
The ferry comes from the Key West Ferry Terminal (at 100 Grinnell Street, in the Historic Seaport); for directions, refer to their official website. The ferry that services Dry Tortugas is the Yankee Freedom.
It is recommended to park in the City Parking Garage on Grinnell Street (shaded parking costs around $40 per day - there is no free parking in Key West).
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Dry Tortugas By Ferry?
The NPS park admission fee is included in the cost of the ferry ride. The authorized concessioner for the park offers a choice of day trips or overnight camping trips to the island. Their day fares to the island cost $200 per adult. The ferry ride is onboard the state-of-the-art catamaran - the Yankee Freedom.
The fare includes a large and fully air-conditioned main cabin, comfortable seats, a breakfast snack, a box lunch, complimentary snorkeling equipment, the entrance fee to the park and Fort Jefferson, and a fully narrated 45-minute tour of the fort.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park
What Should I Bring?
Visitors should bring everything they need - there are no shops on the island (apart from a small gift shop). So for day trips, take a bathing suit, a camera, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a beach towel, a change of clothes, and walking shoes.
Can I Bring Scuba Gear To The Dry Tortugas?
No, scuba gear is not allowed, but the concessioner provides snorkeling gear and fins for snorkeling around the island.
Are Drones Allowed In The Dry Tortugas?
No, drones are prohibited in the park. Passengers with drones will be asked to either place it back in their vehicle or secure it.
For more answers to questions about visiting Dry Tortugas, refer to the ferry's website.