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Dry Tortugas National Park
Consisting mostly of open, aquamarine water, remote, 100-square-mile Dry Tortugas National Park lies 70 miles west of Key West. An assemblage of seven islands, plus protected coral reefs, it was established to protect the island and marine ecosystems and is accessible only by private boat, ferry or seaplane.
On 14-acre Garden Key, you’ll find the park’s headquarters, beaches and impressive, historic, 19th-century Fort Jefferson, the park’s crown jewel. Fort Jefferson National Monument was designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act on January 4, 1935. The largest allmasonry fort in the United States, the never-completed structure was built between 1846 and 1875 to guard the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico — a very lucrative shipping channel. Featuring decorative brickwork and 2,000 arches, it also has a moat that requires crossing a bridge.
Meanwhile, a lighthouse and sea turtles star on Loggerhead Key and nearby Loggerhead Reef reveals the 1875 Windjammer Wreck, a popular dive site. Bush Key serves as a nesting site for seabirds, such as sooty terns.
The Flora And Fauna
Closer to Cuba than the U.S. mainland, the Tortugas are a very remote ocean wilderness replete with historical and natural wonders.
Here, coral and seagrass communities flourish, hosting colorful coral and reef fish that entice snorkelers. Above the surface, nearly 300 species of birds — many migratory — await observation, while large sea turtles lounge and lay their eggs on sun-drenched arcs of sand.
The park’s native flora is typical of that seen on the Caribbean islands, including grasses, herbaceous flora, shrubs, sedges and trees. Mostly native species exist on the smaller islands, though the larger ones — Garden and Loggerhead — also contain a bevy of exotic plant species, given their history of human habitation and disturbance.
The Weather
Experiencing two seasons — winter and summer — it’s essential that visitors remain on the pulse of weather, water and ground when visiting Dry Tortugas.
The winter season — generally November through April — brings strong cold fronts from the North and West, creating large swells, rough seas, powerful wind and poor visibility for snorkeling. That said, the weather is cooler, the crowds fewer and birds plentiful, the latter having blown in with the passing fronts.
Summer stretches from May through October, when the Atlantic hurricane season occurs (June 1- November 30). Visitors can typically expect little to no wind, along with great visibility for snorkeling and viewing marine life.
Be sure to visit the park’s website to stay informed about conditions and closures, especially when visiting by personal vessel.
Hikes And Other Activities
Fort Jefferson Loop
Located in the southwest corner of the Florida Keys reef system, more than 99% of Dry Tortugas National Park is comprised of water. If you’re looking to “hike,” your options are limited. The easy, .5-mile Fort Jefferson Loop, which encircles the 19th-century fort, is a must.
Shoreline Trail
When Bush Key is open, walk the onemile, out-and-back Shoreline Trail from sunrise to sunset. Note that the island is closed from February to September. Time it right and witness upward of 80,000 sooty terns and 4,500 brown noddies, who nest and raise their young on the island — the only significant breeding colonies of their kind in the United States.
Garden Key Camping
Although doing so requires careful advance planning, campsites at Dry Tortugas are available on Garden Key, where Fort Jefferson resides.
Water Activities
Other popular pastimes include fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. However, you need to bring your own equipment and ensure your mode of transportation has space to accommodate it.
About The Park
Location - Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West
Established - January 4, 1935
Area - 64,701 acres
