Natural Attraction

Loggerhead Key

Natural Attraction
loggerheadlighthouse

A lighthouse crowns Loggerhead Key, the largest island in the Dry Tortugas, rising from shallow turquoise reef waters 3 miles from Garden Key. Beneath the surface lie shipwrecks and vibrant coral communities, remnants of centuries of maritime traffic and natural marine ecology. Loggerhead sea turtles return seasonally to nest on its beaches, and the island once hosted the historic Carnegie Laboratory for Marine Ecology. Day use only; accessible by private vessel or kayak.

More details

Attraction Type
Coral Reef Island
How To Get There
Located 3 miles from Garden Key. Access via private vessel or kayak brought on the ferry. No public transportation. Ferry capacity for kayaks/canoes is limited—advance arrangements required. Check boating regulations and mooring buoys at nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/boating.htm.

Location

Bird Key Wreck

Explore a wreck-turned-reef in 4-6 feet of water—propeller and bricks now home to lobster and coral.

Dock House and Information

Dock House—Fort Jefferson's sole checkpoint. Weather, tides, fees, information, boat permits, accessible changing rooms (24/7).

Dr. Mudd’s Cell

Stone prison cell on Fort Jefferson's second tier where Lincoln conspirator Dr. Mudd served his sentence.

Fort Jefferson

Colossal brick fort from Civil War era. Explore prison cells and ramparts where history was made.

Fort Jefferson Dungeon

The shadowed Civil War prison cell where Dr. Mudd was confined. Dante's grim inscription marks the doorway entrance.

Sources

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Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.