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Dry Tortugas National Park
Florida
Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
About Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park located in Florida. The climate in the Dry Tortugas is subtropical, which basically means that it has warm and tropical weather in the range of 60Β°F to 90Β°F. The two main seasons are the winter stormy season from December through March which is windier and sees rougher seas, and the summertime tropical storm season from June through November where there is a higher chance of isolated storms. During the summers it is hot and humid. During the winter the temperature is milder and drier.
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote parks in the National Park System. Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West it is accessible only by a daily concession ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
The general entrance fee for Dry Tortugas starts at $15 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Per Person ($15). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Dry Tortugas National Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Astronomy, Stargazing, Boating, Boat Tour, and 14 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Dry Tortugas
π Visitor Planning Tips for Dry Tortugas
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Dry Tortugas before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βMonitor Active Alerts: There are currently 4 active alerts for Dry Tortugas. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- βSecure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Dry Tortugas get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- βLeave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Dry Tortugas. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Tortugas
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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