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
Be Green and Stand Out this Halloween
October 3, 2008 - 8:43pm
It’s the time of year when ghouls, goblins, ghosts and good witches show up in public. And as people of all ages embrace their inner child and alter egos, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowd. Instead of fighting the masses at your local costume store, save a little dough and create a custom costume that reuses fabrics and items from around your house. Our teammate Leyla inspired us with her homemade strawberry costume. Made from pillowcases, buttons and colored stockings, it’s a shining example of how to be unique and green—whether your kids are trick or treating or you’re heading to a Halloween ball. Take a closer look at Leyla’s technique, and get inspired to think outside of the storefront and see the costume potential all around you. Leyla’s costume consists of two, red heavyweight pillow shams that she folded—like the first step of a paper airplane nose—into tapered berry-like edges. She used safety pins to secure these edges (so you don’t have to be a wiz on the sewing machine for this). She secured the tops of the pillows together in the same way, leaving an opening in the middle for her head. For a final touch on the berry look, she sewed white seed beads to the cases. You can use green felt and pipe cleaners with a hot glue gun to make a strawberry leaf crown. Leyla suggests wearing a green beret as an alternative, if you can find one. With all of the main components in place, the wearer can use their judgment about green or red apparel and stockings. You can find other great costume ideas here: http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/halloween/costumes.htm. Learn how you can transform into a bunch of grapes using purple or green leotards and balloons; a bag of jellybeans costume using colored balloons and a clear garbage bag; and a bat costume using black umbrella and tights. Have a Green Halloween!
October 3, 2008 - 8:43pm
It’s the time of year when ghouls, goblins, ghosts and good witches show up in public. And as people of all ages embrace their inner child and alter egos, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowd. Instead of fighting the masses at your local costume store, save a little dough and create a custom costume that reuses fabrics and items from around your house. Our teammate Leyla inspired us with her homemade strawberry costume. Made from pillowcases, buttons and colored stockings, it’s a shining example of how to be unique and green—whether your kids are trick or treating or you’re heading to a Halloween ball. Take a closer look at Leyla’s technique, and get inspired to think outside of the storefront and see the costume potential all around you. Leyla’s costume consists of two, red heavyweight pillow shams that she folded—like the first step of a paper airplane nose—into tapered berry-like edges. She used safety pins to secure these edges (so you don’t have to be a wiz on the sewing machine for this). She secured the tops of the pillows together in the same way, leaving an opening in the middle for her head. For a final touch on the berry look, she sewed white seed beads to the cases. You can use green felt and pipe cleaners with a hot glue gun to make a strawberry leaf crown. Leyla suggests wearing a green beret as an alternative, if you can find one. With all of the main components in place, the wearer can use their judgment about green or red apparel and stockings. You can find other great costume ideas here: http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/halloween/costumes.htm. Learn how you can transform into a bunch of grapes using purple or green leotards and balloons; a bag of jellybeans costume using colored balloons and a clear garbage bag; and a bat costume using black umbrella and tights. Have a Green Halloween!
Steve Fossett's Plane Found in Bear Country
October 3, 2008 - 3:57pm
Steve Fossett's plane and a tiny amount of human remains have been found in California near Yosemite National Park, officials confirmed today. The millionaire U.S. adventurer has been missing since early September 2007.
October 3, 2008 - 3:57pm
Steve Fossett's plane and a tiny amount of human remains have been found in California near Yosemite National Park, officials confirmed today. The millionaire U.S. adventurer has been missing since early September 2007.
Hear the Bugle Call
October 3, 2008 - 3:52pm
Hear the sound of the elk echoing through the Rockies. View the golden aspens glistening in the sunlight. Take a deep breath in of the cool mountain air and watch the majestic bull elk chase his harem through Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk Fest celebrates fall in the Rockies and all things Wapiti — the American elk that calls Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park “home.”
October 3, 2008 - 3:52pm
Hear the sound of the elk echoing through the Rockies. View the golden aspens glistening in the sunlight. Take a deep breath in of the cool mountain air and watch the majestic bull elk chase his harem through Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk Fest celebrates fall in the Rockies and all things Wapiti — the American elk that calls Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park “home.”
Victim ID'd in Skiing Death at Rocky Mountain National Park
October 3, 2008 - 3:51pm
The man who was killed this week trying to ski on Taylor Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park was identified today as Matthew Chesaux of Boulder. Chesaux, 40, died of blunt force injuries, according to the Larimer County coroner. The death also was ruled an accident.
October 3, 2008 - 3:51pm
The man who was killed this week trying to ski on Taylor Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park was identified today as Matthew Chesaux of Boulder. Chesaux, 40, died of blunt force injuries, according to the Larimer County coroner. The death also was ruled an accident.
Burns Planned for Zion National Park
October 3, 2008 - 3:37pm
A prescribed fire is planned in Zion National Park during the week of Oct. 6. The Three Finger Mesa prescribed fire is 2,100 acres, and the exact date of ignition will depend on weather conditions and the availability to firefighter resources.
October 3, 2008 - 3:37pm
A prescribed fire is planned in Zion National Park during the week of Oct. 6. The Three Finger Mesa prescribed fire is 2,100 acres, and the exact date of ignition will depend on weather conditions and the availability to firefighter resources.
