Can you take shells from Dry Tortugas National Park?

Collecting is prohibited. Help protect the Dry Tortugas! Please do not remove seashells, coral, sand, brick, glass, stone, metal or any other natural or historic objects from the premises. If you find an artifact, please do not move or disturb it, and promptly call park staff.



People Also Ask

Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling in North America. Whether you are a beginner or expert, you can enjoy a myriad of colorful tropical fish and living coral. Snorkeling is in only four to seven feet of water, straight off a brilliant white sand beach.

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A definite yes! I wasn't sure as well if it was going to be worth the money and worth the money to stay in the party town of Key West for a couple of nights. But let me tell you not only is Dry Tortugas one of the best national parks i have been too, it is almost a life-changing experience!

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Yes, there are sharks in Dry Tortugas National Park.

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The Key West seas (both out on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean) tend to be rougher and the winds stronger from October through January. Thus, the best time to come out to the Dry Tortugas is probably from February through April.

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Sea turtles are often sighted around Dry Tortugas National Park. Originally named Las Tortugas (Spanish for The Turtles) by Ponce de Leon in 1513, this collection of small sand and coral islands is famous for the abundance of sea turtles that annually nest in the area.

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*Composting toilets are available for campers from 3:00 PM - 10:30 AM daily. At all other times, the bathrooms and fresh water rinse (no soap allowed), aboard the Yankee Freedom Ferry can be utilized.

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Facilities at Dry Tortugas: No public restrooms are available, so you will have to return to the boat if you need to use the facilities. There are change rooms on the ferry dock and a hose to rinse off after snorkeling.

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There are no services available in the Dry Tortugas. Visitors must plan to bring everything they need for their trip with them. All garbage and waste must be packed out with you when you depart. All visitors should carefully monitor the weather before traveling to the park.

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We did the half day trip by seaplane. We really enjoyed our time in the Dry Tortugas and wished we had more than two and a half hours. However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. It's worth it, if you have that kind of money to spend, and if you want to take your time here.

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Dry Tortugas National Park is near the southwestern edge of the Florida Platform. This broad, flat, carbonate platform is only partially exposed above sea level as the Florida peninsula. The submerged portion of the platform extends to water depths of about 300 feet (90 meters).

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Pin this Dry Tortugas day trip guide for later! Some areas recommended for experienced snorkelers; jellyfish spotted in the swimming area; bring Dramamine for the boat ride.

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