Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
Welcome to Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located 68 miles west of Key West and includes seven islands amid 100 square miles of shoals, water and coral. It is an unparalleled wildlife sanctuary, protecting an incredible diversity of mammals, birds, fish and flora. Along with its flora and fauna, the park also boasts legends of pirates and sunken gold and its military past.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Dan KimballPhone Number: 305-242-7700
Entrance Fees: Individual Pass (valid for 7 days): $5; Camping Pass: $3 (per night)
Sights: Fort Jefferson
Important Dates
Established as Park: October 26, 1992By The Numbers
Acres: 647,001.00Highest Point: Loggerhead Key (10 feet)
Annual Visitation: 64,122 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :24.628880 / -82.922620 (map it)
State: FL
Nearby Big City: Key West, FL
Gateway Communities: Key West, FL; Sugarloaf Shores, FL; Summerland Key, FL; Big Pine Key, FL
Nearby Airports: Key West International Airport (EYW)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Fort Jefferson
Thomas Barrat
Fort Jefferson 2
Thomas Barrat
Snorkeling
Scott Cramer/Alpine Adve...
View More Dry Tortugas Photos
In Detail
Activities Activities at Dry Tortugas Visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park can enjoy a variety of activities on both land and sea. The visitor center in Fort Jefferson offers an overview of the island's acti ... read more.
Activities & Programs Outdoor Activities Visitors from around the globe journey to the Dry Tortugas. A variety of remarkable experiences await those who arrive. Whether you find yourself camping, snorkeling, birdwatching, ... read more.
Camping Camping Camping in the Dry Tortugas can be a memorable experience. A 10-site, primitive campground is located on the same island as Fort Jefferson and is a short walk from the public dock. Eight indi ... read more.
Eco Discovery Center Few marine environments in the U.S. compare to the Florida Keys in terms of natural beauty and natural resources. The most extensive living coral reef in the United States in adjacent to the 126 mile ... read more.
History What 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 ... read more.
Introduction Dry Tortugas National Park—a destination as well known for its legendary intrigue as it is for its natural wonders—is comprised of coral reefs and rubble and surrounded by generous shoals ... read more.
Just For Kids Become a Dry Tortugas Junior Ranger! Kids can learn all about the habitats, history and animals around Fort Jefferson while becoming a Junior Ranger. Just ask for a copy of the Junior Ranger Handbook ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Operating Hours & Seasons The park is open all year. Ft. Jefferson on Garden Key is open during daylight hours; closed at dark. Loggerhead, East and Middle Keys are open year-round during daylight h ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Planning your Visit The Florida Keys EcoDiscovery Center offers exhibits, a film, information, and gift shop about the Dry Tortugas as well as other preserved lands and waters in the area. Located a ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Join Our Friends The South Florida National Parks Trust The South Florida National Parks Trust was founded in 2002 to improve the quality of life in South Florida by supporting the national parks th ... read more.
Recent News
- Island Park Captivates Bird-Watchers July 7, 2008, 10:18 am
Dry Tortugas In Depth
News from the Parks
Gettysburg Address to Return for Visitor Center Grand Opening
August 21, 2008 - 5:04pm
There are only five known manuscripts of the famous Gettysburg Address, penned by President Abraham Lincoln — one of those original documents is scheduled to appear in Gettysburg, during the grand opening celebration of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.
August 21, 2008 - 5:04pm
There are only five known manuscripts of the famous Gettysburg Address, penned by President Abraham Lincoln — one of those original documents is scheduled to appear in Gettysburg, during the grand opening celebration of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.
Anglers Wary of North Cascades Plan to Limit Fishing
August 21, 2008 - 10:51am
Not much comes easy in the precipitous ice-and-rock geography of North Cascades National Park -- not the hiking, not the high-lakes fishing, and across the park's 40 years of existence, not even fish management. This is what I'm thinking during the sweaty hike out of the stunning cirque that embraces Monogram Lake, where I've spent a couple hours catching and releasing dozens of pretty cutthroat trout with two mountain anglers who fear that soon there will be no fish in the park's high lakes. Whether trout should be in these lakes at all has been an issue since the park was created in 1968, and it is coming to a head with the release in July of the park's voluminous "Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan."
August 21, 2008 - 10:51am
Not much comes easy in the precipitous ice-and-rock geography of North Cascades National Park -- not the hiking, not the high-lakes fishing, and across the park's 40 years of existence, not even fish management. This is what I'm thinking during the sweaty hike out of the stunning cirque that embraces Monogram Lake, where I've spent a couple hours catching and releasing dozens of pretty cutthroat trout with two mountain anglers who fear that soon there will be no fish in the park's high lakes. Whether trout should be in these lakes at all has been an issue since the park was created in 1968, and it is coming to a head with the release in July of the park's voluminous "Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan."
Bison Advocates Go for Space
August 21, 2008 - 10:48am
As rancher Rick Knobe slowly guides his pickup around the iconic American bison on the prairie here, he reflects on a time when they roamed freely. "I figure the buffalo were there first, the elk were there first, the wolves were there first," he says, looking over his herd of 28 American bison, on his Lazy RRse Buffalo Ranch. "I figure these animals should be given more the right of way to roam."
August 21, 2008 - 10:48am
As rancher Rick Knobe slowly guides his pickup around the iconic American bison on the prairie here, he reflects on a time when they roamed freely. "I figure the buffalo were there first, the elk were there first, the wolves were there first," he says, looking over his herd of 28 American bison, on his Lazy RRse Buffalo Ranch. "I figure these animals should be given more the right of way to roam."
Rapid Climate Change Threatens to Thaw Icy Wonderland of Alaska
August 21, 2008 - 10:43am
I was in Alaska for 10 days in August, on a fellowship with Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Union of Concerned Scientists, to see firsthand the effects of global warming. I didn't have to look far. I watched massive chunks of glacial ice breaking off into the sea.
August 21, 2008 - 10:43am
I was in Alaska for 10 days in August, on a fellowship with Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Union of Concerned Scientists, to see firsthand the effects of global warming. I didn't have to look far. I watched massive chunks of glacial ice breaking off into the sea.
Park Seeks Construction Comment
August 21, 2008 - 10:38am
The National Park Service proposes to construct new housing, operations and recreation facilities in Big Bend National Park. The public, organizations and other agencies may review and comment upon a draft environmental assessment (EA) describing the proposal. The new construction would occur at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village and Castolon. The proposal is to construct 27 structures, of which 15 would serve new purposes and 12 would replace temporary or inadequate facilities.
August 21, 2008 - 10:38am
The National Park Service proposes to construct new housing, operations and recreation facilities in Big Bend National Park. The public, organizations and other agencies may review and comment upon a draft environmental assessment (EA) describing the proposal. The new construction would occur at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village and Castolon. The proposal is to construct 27 structures, of which 15 would serve new purposes and 12 would replace temporary or inadequate facilities.
