Where is the best place to snorkel on Dry Tortugas?

Where to Snorkel at Dry Tortugas National Park. There are two primary snorkeling areas at Dry Tortugas, both of which will be noted on your campground map. One is by the dock ruins on North Beach, and the others is by the dock ruins (and moat wall) on South Beach.



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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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Can I bring home seashells, coral and other natural objects I find on the island? 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.

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Yes, there are sharks in Dry Tortugas National Park.

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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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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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The snorkeling waters are a perfect 5-12 feet deep and very warm. We spent about two hours straight having fun snorkeling Dry Tortugas. This page will tell you how to find all four snorkel spots, your options for getting to the island and what else you can see around the fort.

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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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Are there sharks in Dry Tortugas? Yes, there are sharks in Dry Tortugas National Park. The most common type of shark seen in the park is the nurse shark. Nurse sharks are not aggressive and are sometimes called the “couch potato” of the shark world.

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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).

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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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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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