Dry Tortugas National Park is a United States National Park that contains a cluster of islands about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, USA on Garden Key.

Understand

Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas

History

Construction of Fort Jefferson was begun in 1846 but never completed. President Franklin Roosevelt declared it and the waters surrounding it a National Monument in 1935.

Climate

The Dry Tortugas exist in a subtropical climate. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-80s. April and May are often idyllic. There are essentially two seasons: The winter season (December-March), which can be windy with rough seas, and the tropical storm season (June-November) during which Dry Tortugas experiences both hot, humid weather and calm seas or severe weather events. Due to the ever-changing weather patterns, an accurate weather forecast is recommended before your visit.

Get in

Map of Dry Tortugas

The park is open year round during daylight hours, and is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

• Key West Seaplane Service. 

• Yankee Freedom III. 

Fees/Permits

A seven day pass is $5 for adults.

There are several passes for groups traveling together in a private vehicle or individuals on foot/bike that provide free entry to Dry Tortugas National Park and all national parks, as well as some national monuments, national wildlife refuges, and national forests:

• The $80 Annual Pass (valid for twelve months from date of issue) can be purchased by anyone. Military personnel can obtain a free pass by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID.
• The $80 Senior Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and age. This pass also provides a 50% discount on some park amenities. Seniors can also obtain a $20 annual pass.
• The free Access Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and permanent disability. This pass also provides a fifty percent discount on some park amenities.
• The free Volunteer Pass is available to individuals who have volunteered 250 or more hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program.
• The free Annual 4th Grade Pass (valid for September to August of the 4th grade school year) allows entry to the bearer and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle. Registration at the Every Kid Outdoors website is required.

The National Park Service offers free admission to all national parks on five days every year:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January); next observance is January 20, 2025
• The first day of National Park Week (third Saturday in April); next observance is April 19, 2025
• The National Park Service Birthday (August 25)
• National Public Lands Day (fourth Saturday in September); next observance is September 28, 2024
• Veterans Day (November 11)

Get around

This is a cluster of 7 small islands. As such the only way to reach them (and travel between them) is by boat or seaplane.

The largest of the islands, Garden Key, hosts Fort Jefferson. Walking tours are provided and snorkeling is a must. All traffic is on foot.

See

• Fort Jefferson. 

Do

• Camping. 
• Snorkel. 
• Guided fishing trips. 
• Guided wildlife viewing trips. 
• Sailing charters. 

and you can go diving there

Buy

• Gift Shop. A small National Park Service Gift Shop is available inside Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. It offers a very limited selection of items. 

Sleep

Camping

Limited camping is available. It is $3/person per night.

Go next

Article Geo different to Wikidata
Wikivoyage: Latitude 24.6286, Longitude 82.8733 (Map, Geohack)
Wikidata: Latitude 24.62861, Longitude -82.87333 (Map, Geohack)
Difference: 14,334.8km