DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

By  Mike Miller June 10, 2025

Dry Tortugas National Park lies 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. It covers 100 square miles, mostly water, with seven small islands.

Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fortress, is the centerpiece. Visitors enjoy snorkeling, birdwatching, and camping.

The park’s coral reefs and marine life attract divers. It’s a remote destination for history and nature enthusiasts.

The islands were discovered in 1513 by Juan Ponce de León. He named them “Las Tortugas” for the many sea turtles.

“Dry” was added to warn of no fresh water. Fort Jefferson’s construction began in 1846 to protect Gulf shipping routes. It took 30 years but was never finished.

During the Civil War, it held Union deserters and prisoners. Dr. Samuel Mudd, convicted in Lincoln’s assassination for having treated the injured John Wilkes Booth, was jailed here from 1865 to 1869.

The fort became a national monument in 1935 and a national park in 1992. 

The park is accessible only by boat or seaplane from Key West. The Yankee Freedom ferry departs daily at 7:30 AM from 100 Grinnell Street, Key West, returning by 5:30 PM.

Seaplanes operate from Key West International Airport. The park is open year-round, daylight hours only. Fort Jefferson’s visitor center is open when staff are present.

Yankee Freedom Ferry

No food, water, or fuel is available, so bring supplies. Camping requires reservations and self-sufficiency. Snorkel gear isn’t provided, so bring your own.

Pets are not allowed. Check weather forecasts, as seas can be rough. 

• Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas, with 16 million bricks. 

• The park hosts over 300 bird species, including migratory sooty terns.  

• The surrounding waters hold 19th-century shipwrecks, some visible while snorkeling.  

• The islands have no fresh water source, relying on rainwater collection.  

• The park’s coral reefs support over 250 fish species, including nurse sharks.  

• Dr. Mudd helped treat yellow fever at the fort, earning a pardon.  

• The Dry Tortugas are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.  

• The fort’s moat wall, built to deter attacks, now protects against erosion. 

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK WEBSITE