Dry Tortugas National Park
- WD - Home
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Guide
Seventy miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park emerges from the Gulf of Mexico like a mirage. This remote park is mostly open water with seven tiny islands, home to massive Fort Jefferson, vibrant coral reefs, and rookeries of sooty terns and frigatebirds. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it invites adventurers to snorkel shipwrecks, camp under starry skies, and experience frontier solitude.
Dry Tortugas feels like a far‑flung oasis where a 19th‑century fort rises from turquoise waters and seabirds outnumber people, accessible only by boat or seaplane.
How to Get There
From Key West, take the high‑speed Yankee Freedom ferry (2.5 hours each way) or charter a seaplane for a quicker journey. Flights depart from Key West International Airport (EYW), the closest airport to Key West. Once at Garden Key, you'll disembark and explore on foot or swim; there are no roads or amenities. Many visitors pair a visit to the Dry Tortugas with a stay in Key West or a Florida Keys road trip.
Know Before You Go
Entry to the park costs $15 per person (included in ferry fare) and is valid for seven days. Camping on Garden Key requires a permit and is limited to eight sites with no amenities; please pack all necessary water, food, and gear. There is no fresh water on the islands. Hurricane season (June–November) can cause trip cancellations. Respect wildlife; nesting birds and sea turtles are protected. There are no shops or cell service.
Best Time to Visit
Winter and spring offer the calmest seas and clearest water for snorkeling. Summer is hotter but provides longer days for swimming and diving. Bird migration peaks in spring; fall brings fewer visitors but a higher chance of storms. Always book ferry or plane tickets well in advance.
Best Things to Do
Tour massive Fort Jefferson to learn about 19th‑century naval defenses. Snorkel along the moat wall or the coral heads of South Coaling Dock. Walk Bird Key Trail to observe nesting terns and frigatebirds. Paddle a kayak around the islands or dive the Windjammer wreck off Loggerhead Key. At night, stargaze from Garden Key's beach far from city lights.
Best Hikes
Fort Jefferson Loop (0.5 mile, easy): Walk the perimeter of the fort for 360‑degree ocean views.
Bush Key Sand Spit (0.8 mile, seasonal): When open (October–January), hike this sandbar to see bird nesting sites.
Loggerhead Key Loop (1 mile, moderate): Accessible by private boat or kayak; explore a historic lighthouse and remote beaches.
Garden Key Snorkel Trail (variable): Follow interpretive buoys around coral heads just offshore.
Places to Stay
Camping on Garden Key is primitive with composting toilets and picnic tables. Bring all supplies and pack out everything. Reservations are required and fill up months in advance. Most visitors stay in Key West, where hotels range from historic inns to beach resorts. The Yankee Freedom ferry offers a snack bar, but meals are limited.
Places to Eat
There are no food services in the park; pack all meals and plenty of water. In Key West, enjoy Cuban coffee at 5 Brothers Grocery, seafood at DJ's Clam Shack, or tropical cocktails at Blue Heaven. Pick up deli sandwiches at Fausto's Food Palace before boarding the ferry.
