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

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

Pets are not permitted; service animals are allowed

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

These aerial fishers are incredible to watch—spot white pelicans across five national parks!

The snakebird spears fish with a sharp beak—only its neck shows when swimming!

The 'snakebird' that swims with only its neck above water — where to spot anhingas, park by park.

Brilliant marine hunters patrolling Dry Tortugas' warm waters—spot pods from the ferry or snorkeling boats!

Plunge-diving fishers! Brown pelicans hunt Dry Tortugas waters year-round.

Patient hunters of the shallows! Spot these elegant wading birds around Garden Key.

Seagrass-eating turtles glide through Dry Tortugas' shallows—the ocean's gentlest herbivore!

Reddish-brown ocean giant with a powerful jaw. Endangered by fishing gear and coastal threats.

Crikey! Watch ospreys dive-bomb for fish—nature's perfect fishing machine!

Crikey! The world's fastest hunter! Watch peregrine falcons dive and hunt over Dry Tortugas.

Pink waders hunt Dry Tortugas' shallows with spoon-shaped bills year-round—absolutely remarkable!

Towering cranes with bugling calls migrate through Dry Tortugas—spot them from water's edge.

Gentle giants! Spot manatees grazing in Dry Tortugas' warm waters. Stay 25 yards back!