What should people look out for in Dry Tortugas National Park?


What should people look out for in Dry Tortugas National Park? 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.


Can you sleep on Dry Tortugas?

Overnight anchoring is allowed in the area of sand and rubble bottom within 1 nautical mile of the Fort Jefferson harbor light and must not block any designated channel. Overnight anchoring is not permitted at any other location in Dry Tortugas National Park.


Is Dry Tortugas 99% underwater?

Located in the southwest corner of the Florida Keys reef system, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote park that is more than 99% water. Its crystal clear ocean waters abound with incredible marine life.


Is the ferry ride to Dry Tortugas rough?

If you normally do take it – you should really consider taking it before you get on. The boat ride for us was very rocky on the way there and not quite as bad on the way back but I wouldn't call it smooth. Tip 2: Bring Dramamine with you! Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas.


What are some fun facts about Fort Jefferson?

Amazing History
  • The largest brick building in the western hemisphere.
  • The Park is actually a 100 square miles but 98% of it is under water. The 7 tiny islands that make up the Dry Tortugas account for only 97 acres in total.
  • Fort Jefferson's most famous prisoner was Dr. Samuel Alexander Mud.


Are there bathrooms on Dry Tortugas?

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.


Is it worth it to go to Dry Tortugas?

If visiting the Florida Keys then be sure to continue on go all the way to the Dry Tortugas National Park! It is a paradise away from the crowds and deep into the Caribbean. Enjoy the stories of the past and the stunning blue waters of this tropical environment.


Is the seaplane worth it to Dry Tortugas?

If you take the seaplane, not only do you get to Dry Tortugas National Park quickly, and have the chance to arrive before the ferry, but the flight is incredibly scenic. You will fly over the keys and the Marquesas Islands and get to see both Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park from the sky.


Why is Dry Tortugas not visited?

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, with only 60,000 visitors per year. This is primarily due to its remote location 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. It is also the most aquatic of all the U.S. national parks with 98% of the park consisting of water.


What is the most unique thing about Dry Tortugas National Park?

Established as a national park in 1992, Dry Tortugas is the third-largest coral barrier reef in the world and the only tropical reef in the continental United States. Despite the “dry” part of its name, the park is 99 percent underwater (bring a swimsuit).


What are some fun facts about Dry Tortugas National Park?

Dry Tortugas National Park Facts
  • Ponce De Leon Discovered Dry Tortugas & Named It “The Islands Of Turtles”
  • Seals At Dry Tortugas Were Hunted To Extinction.
  • These Islands Are Known As The “Sand Keys”
  • Dry Tortugas Once Featured A Lighthouse & Research Laboratory.
  • There Were Ship Disasters & Sunken Treasure At Dry Tortugas.