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| Fort Jefferson
on Garden Key at the Tortugas National Park. |
Dry
Tortugas Ferry
tours
Take the high speed catamaran to the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Park
info
70 miles west of Key West lies seven small islands,
composed of coral reefs and sand, that 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.
The Tortugas were first discovered 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.
In the early 1800's, U.S. military attention was drawn to the keys
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.
Visitor Information
Phone: 305-242-7700
Web: www.nps.gov/drto
Operating Hours
The park is open all year. Fort 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 February through September to protect nesting
Sooty and Noddy Terns. Hospital and Long
Keys are closed all year.
Entrance Fees
$5 for 7 days
Camping
The 10-site campground is located on the same island as Fort Jefferson
and is a short walk from the public dock. Eight 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. 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.
Getting there by boat
Coming from Miami Beach, take 5th St. (395) west to the Florida
Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends, merging with U.S. 1 at
Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive
(State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park.
Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on
Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park.
Getting there by seaplane
Seaplane transportation is provided by Seaplanes of Key West. For
schedules, prices, and reservations, contact 800-950-2FLY or 305-294-0709.
Weather & Climate
Subtropical climate. Temperatures range from the 60's to mid-80's.
*April, May, and September are often idyllic.
Getting Around
The park may be explored by personal vehicle, tour bus, bicycle,
motor boat, or canoe. Most areas of the Park are handicaped accessible.
Camping
Flamingo and Long Pine Key Campgrounds are open all year. Make Reservations
by phone at 1.800.365.CAMP.
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