"Basaic Dry Tortugas Page" Top 5 Page for this destination Dry Tortugas National Park by Basaic

Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Guide: 65 reviews and 282 photos

Ranger Kelly at Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas

Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its bird and marine life, its legends of pirates and sunken gold, and its military past. The islands were first “discovered” in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, who named them “Las Tortugas” (the Turtles). They were labeled “Dry Tortugas” on later maps to let later visitors know there was no source of fresh drinking water on the islands.

Because of its remote location, this is one of the least visited of the US National Parks.

Fort Jefferson

Another site of interest is Fort Jefferson which is the nation’s largest 1800 masonry fort. The fort was started in 1846 to help control navigation of the Gulf of Mexico and to protect Atlantic-bound ships. The fort was never actually finished but saw use during the Civil War as a Union Prison. The four men convicted of complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln (including Dr. Samuel Mudd) were imprisoned here.

Plant and Animal Life

Coral Reef

Today the islands boast a wide variety of plant and animal life. A variety of birds spending the winter here, including up to 100,000 Sooty Terns and 10,000 Brown Noddies that nest here between February and September. You may also see the magnificent Frigate bird with its seven foot wingspan. The islands are also home to their namesakes the Green Sea Turtle (which is on the Endangered Species List) and the Loggerhead and Hawksbill Turtles. There is also another world to explore by snorkeling amongst the coral reefs and viewing life under the clear waters.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:An interesting and beautiful place to visit

Last visit to Dry Tortugas National Park: Apr 2010
Intro Updated May 3, 2010
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Reviews (36)

The Fast Cat Transportation (2)

I took the Fast Cat. It goes 27 knots and makes the 70 mile trip in about 2 ½ hours. It was fast and clean and the crew... more travel advice

Private Boat - Dry Tortugas National Park

Private Boating to the Dry Tortugas Transportation (2)

There are currently two ways to get to the Dry Tortugas. You can come by private boat or commercial boat. There are... more travel advice

Take the Moat Walk Sports & Outdoors (2)

There is also a walkway around the moat enabling you to walk all the way around the fort. It is a small island so it is... more travel advice

Snorkel the Coral Reefs Sports & Outdoors (2)

Snorkel gear is provided as part of the price of your ticket on the boat. You will be on the island for 4 hours or so.... more travel advice

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Comments (2)

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grandmaR Jan 2, 2011 at 6:56 AM

You forgot the seaplane - that's another way to get there.
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jelw May 16, 2010 at 5:16 AM

Very good tips Basaic. You inspire me to go back and then improve my own tips.