National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park

National Park★ 4.8
Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park glows under a starry night, its brick walls reflected in calm waters.

Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
December–April for weather and visibility; plan around ferry/seaplane schedules

Highlights

Why Visit
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote marine sanctuary reachable only by boat or air. It centers on Garden Key, Fort Jefferson, and surrounding reefs, offering focused, controlled access to a fragile island ecosystem. The park demands disciplined planning: there are no roads, minimal services, and strict camping permits. Visitors contribute to preservation by packing out waste, respecting nesting birds, and keeping a safe distance from marine life; its isolation magnifies the importance of preparation and adherence to regulations.
Top Things To Do
  • Tour Fort Jefferson;
  • Snorkel around Garden Key reefs;
  • Observe Loggerhead and Green sea turtle nesting areas (seasonal)

Areas to plan around

Garden Key
Fort Jefferson (massive 19th-century fortress) and reef-entry zones
Bush Key
Seabird nesting habitat; restricted access during nesting season
Loggerhead Key
Turtle nesting areas (seasonal); remote reef viewing
Outer Reefs Zone
Marine life viewing; snorkeling around surrounding reefs

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Key West International Airport (EYW) is the closest major airport; ferry or seaplane from Key West to Garden Key
Getting There Driving Distances
Not applicable; access by ferry or seaplane from Key West
Getting There Entrances
Key West ferry dock and Key West Seaplane Base
Getting Around Shuttles
No shuttle system; walkable island area once ashore
Getting Around Reservations
Backcountry camping permits required in advance; no vehicle entry permits due to island setting
Getting Around Parking
No on-island parking; most visitors arrive by ferry or seaplane and park in Key West beforehand

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
No in-park lodging; Key West offers lodging options
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Garden Key permits for primitive campsites; camping available only on Garden Key with advance approval
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Key West, Florida

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Bears not present; marine hazards dominate; stay hydrated and watch for jellyfish and sharks
Safety Weather
Hot, humid, intense sun; afternoon showers possible; remote location limits medical response
Safety Altitude
Near sea level; minimal elevation changes
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash; remove waste; stay on designated areas; avoid touching coral and wildlife
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry camping permits required in advance
Wildlife Overview
Marine life including sharks and jellyfish; seabirds; sea turtles; coral reefs
Wildlife Where To See
Reefs around Garden Key for marine life; Bush Key for birdwatching; Loggerhead Key for turtle activity (seasonal)
Wildlife Safety
Maintain distance from wildlife; avoid touching corals or animals; follow dive flags and park regulations

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Garden Key Fort Jefferson and reef snorkeling; Day 2: Bush Key bird activity and Loggerhead Key turtle areas; Day 3: Return to Key West
Entrance Hacks
There is no on-site parking; plan to depart from Key West on morning ferries/seaplanes; weather can affect schedules
Basecamp Logic
IN-park lodging not available; basecamp in Key West is recommended for comfort; Garden Key camping requires advance permits
Crowd Calendar
December–April peaks; May and November shoulder; June–August hottest and most humid
Tips Advice
  • Book ferry/seaplane well in advance
  • Pack ample water and snacks
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen
  • Expect limited on-site amenities
  • Obtain camping permits in advance

More details

Park Code
drto
Tagline
Dry Tortugas National Park
Entrance Fee
$15.00 - Entrance - Per Person
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
No entrance fee; transportation to park is paid separately
Nearby Services
Key West provides gas, food, lodging, and transport options; limited services on Dry Tortugas itself
Family Friendly Notes
Plan around transport schedules; no on-site lodging; supervision for children near water; camping may not suit all ages
Accessibility
Facilities limited; main site on Garden Key is reachable by boat/air; no extensive paved trails noted
Photography Tips
Position yourself to respect ferry traffic; avoid blocking movement; use wide-angle reef perspectives
When To Visit Peak Season
December through April
When To Visit Shoulder Season
May and November
When To Visit Winter
Open year-round; winter offers comfortable weather
When To Visit Road Opening
Not applicable—the park has no roads
Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals
Not applicable; bears not present
Weather Averages
Tropical maritime climate; warm year-round with humidity
Weather Precipitation
Seasonal showers; tropical storm activity possible; rainfall variability
Weather Info
The climate in the Dry Tortugas is subtropical, which basically means that it has warm and tropical weather in the range of 60°F to 90°F. The two main seasons are the winter stormy season from December through March which is windier and sees rougher seas, and the summertime tropical storm season from June through November where there is a higher chance of isolated storms. During the summers it is hot and humid. During the winter the temperature is milder and drier.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Water, sunscreen (reef-safe), hat, sturdy footwear, snorkeling gear, snacks
What To Bring Clothing
Light, breathable clothing; sun protection; quick-dry layers; sandals or reef-safe footwear
Review Summary
Visitors often underestimate ferry timings and sea conditions; isolation requires thorough planning; demand for permits and transport dictates access

Location

A few of the stars at night with a view of Fort Jefferson.Macro photography of a ScorpionA photo in front of Loggerhead Key from a boatTwo divers dive the Windjammer WreckSeveral brown noddies rest on a stone seawall beside blue water, with a sailboat in the distance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a camping permit for Garden Key?

Yes; camping permits are required in advance and handled through the park/concessioner

Is there WiFi or cell service at Dry Tortugas?

Cell service is extremely limited; there is no public WiFi in the park

Can I drive to Dry Tortugas?

No; the park is an island. Access is by ferry or seaplane from Key West

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not permitted; service animals are allowed

What should I pack for a Dry Tortugas visit?

Water, sun protection, snacks, snorkeling gear, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, light clothing

Essential Dry Tortugas National Park guides

Use these first for the decisions that affect the whole trip. Every guide is part of this park's planning library.

Bottlenose Dolphin

The ocean's sharpest acrobat - watch bottlenose dolphins hunt and play from a safe distance.

Green Sea Turtle

Ocean's gentle herbivores! Green sea turtles graze seagrass and migrate epic distances through coastal park waters.

Osprey

Master fisher striking with precision! Scan the water at dawn.

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All Dry Tortugas National Park guides 4 published

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Park strategy

When to visit

Wildlife

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.