Dry Tortugas National Park is not actually dry at all! In reality, just one percent of the park consists of dry land. The park was named in part due to the abundance of turtles (tortugas in Spanish) that lived in the region. The term "dry" was included later to inform sailors that the island lacks fresh water, a crucial resource for those looking to anchor there for shelter during a storm or replenish their supplies.
Situated approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, the archipelago of Dry Tortugas (The major islands within the park are, Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key) was a coveted location due to its possession of one of the most strategic harbors in North America. Discovered in 1513 by the Spaniard Ponce de Leon during one of his expeditions, Dry Tortugas became part of the United States after the purchase of Florida from Spain in 1819. Recognized as a crucial point for controlling the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, the colossal fortress known as Fort Jefferson was constructed at Dry Tortugas.
Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, the biggest fortress in the Western Hemisphere, started construction in 1847 and is made up of more than 16 million bricks. Originally built to safeguard the crucial harbor, the fort remained unfinished. Today, it stands as a significant symbol of American history, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
The vicinity of these keys is famous for its treacherous reefs, hosting the largest concentration of shipwrecks in North America. Paired with vibrant coral reefs, this region is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts.
How to Get There
The main inconvenience of visiting this beautiful National Park is the transportation to get there. There are only a few options for reaching the island: by seaplane or by ferry or boat. We chose to travel by ferry, specifically the one operated by Yankee Freedom.
In order to visit Dry Tortugas, it is necessary to make reservations well in advance either through the ferry service website or by seaplane. Or, if you are lucky enough to have your own personal boat, you can visit anytime.
In addition, you can camp overnight at Dry Tortugas. Reservations are a must! Visit the national park service website here for more informtion and to reserve a camp site.
Enjoy a pleasant and relaxing ferry ride with the Yankee Freedom. Make sure to arrive at their Key West dock one hour before departure for check-in. Once aboard, you can savor a delicious breakfast and a scenic two and a half hour boat trip through the Florida Keys.
The Yankee Freedom is equipped with air conditioning, three bathrooms, a snack and beverage bar, and comfortable seating.
Additionally, they offer snorkeling equipment, lunch, and a guided tour of Fort Jefferson.
Activities to Enjoy at Dry Tortugas National Park
After getting off the ferry, we headed to the national park sign to take our fun "we were here" photos. Following that, we visited the visitor center situated in the fort to get a stamp in our national park passport. We were given the choice of a 15-minute or one-hour tour of the fort. We chose the shorter tour and gained valuable insights into the Fort and its historical significance. The guide was highly informed and enthusiastic. Afterward, we explored the area on our own, appreciating the charm of this ancient fortress.
After finishing our tour of the fort, we returned to the ferry to have a fast lunch on the boat and collect our snorkeling equipment from one of the deckhands.
There are two beach spots on the small island that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The first one is called North coaling dock ruins / North Swim Beach, and the second one is South coaling dock ruins / South Swim Beach. We decided to go to North Swim Beach for some swimming and snorkeling. I suggest wearing your swimsuit and bringing a change of clothes for the journey back. Also, remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. You can use the dockhouse near the docked ferry to change.
For the final two hours of our visit to the island, which lasted four and a half hours, we had a great time snorkeling in the beautiful blue waters and lounging on the golden sand. To top it off, we strolled along the entire moat wall, where we saw numerous jellyfish drifting by.
If you are passionate about birds, you will enjoy seeing the Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Noddies, Black Noddies, and Sooty Terns. Our visit took place in July, outside of migration season. Therefore, if you come during the fall or spring migration periods, you might observe numerous transient bird species.
As our visit to Dry Tortugas National Park was coming to a close, we packed up our belongings, changed into dry clothes, and made our way back to the ferry to return to Key West. Our experience at this park was enjoyable and distinctive, highlighting the aspects I treasure when exploring the various national parks across the United States.
We left at 3:00 pm and reached Key West around 5:30 pm, concluding a wonderful visit to the southernmost national park in the United States.
Where to Stay
While in Key West, we lodged at the Silver Palms Inn on Truman Avenue. This hotel was conveniently situated in the heart of Key West, within walking distance of nearly everything. After a day of traveling, the warm and inviting pool was a delightful way to relax and unwind.
Where to Eat!
Key West offers a wide variety of food choices! The Seaside Cafe at the Mansion was conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from our hotel and a stone's throw away from the Southernmost point in the United States. While they are famous for their lobster pizza, we opted for the Duval Street corn pizza topped with cream sauce, a four-cheese blend, roasted corn, bacon, basil aioli, and parsley. It was incredibly tasty!
The Eaton Street Seafood Market is another fantastic dining option. You have the choice to buy raw seafood to cook at your Airbnb or enjoy freshly prepared and flavorful seafood from their menu. The restaurant has a small indoor seating area and a charming outdoor dining space. Make sure to treat yourself to a slice of chocolate dipped key lime pie for dessert!
Additional attractions worth visiting in Key West are the Key West Lighthouse, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Duval Street for shopping and eateries, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
Getting There
To reach Key West, you can either drive or fly. Our Florida journey started in Miami, where we rented a car and drove 3-hours through the keys to reach Key West. At the end of our vacation, we dropped off our rental car at Key West International Airport and flew back home.
While it was enjoyable to drive through the keys, it is advisable not to hurry to reach Key West. The route mainly consists of a two-lane highway where passing is not allowed, and there is a high police presence to enforce speed limits.
When flying into Miami/Fort Lauderdale, make sure to explore Florida's other two national parks, Everglades NP and Biscayne NP. Visit the links on the names of the parks to see my itinerary while visiting these two unique parks.
Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys was such a rewarding experience! The breathtaking views and the unforgettable moments of snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear blue waters will be cherished forever.
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