Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote and rewarding parks in the country, a cluster of seven small islands about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, reachable only by boat or seaplane. To visit Dry Tortugas National Park you will need to book transportation in advance, since there are no roads, no bridges, and no services on the islands beyond what you carry in.
How do you get to Dry Tortugas National Park?
There are three ways to reach the park, and all of them start in Key West. The official Dry Tortugas National Park ferry, the Yankee Freedom, is the most popular, making the crossing to Garden Key in about 2.5 hours and including breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, and a Fort Jefferson tour. A seaplane offers a faster and scenic 40-minute flight with half-day and full-day options. Private boats and charters are also allowed, though they must follow park permit rules. Because seats are limited and often sell out weeks ahead, reserve early and check the current-year schedule and fares.
What is there to do at Dry Tortugas?
The centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress built from more than 16 million bricks. You can walk the walls, tour the moat, and learn its history as a Civil War-era prison. Beyond the fort, the clear shallow waters make this one of the best snorkeling spots in Florida, with coral heads, sea turtles, and abundant fish just off the beach. Dry Tortugas is also a world-class birding destination during spring migration.
Can you camp at Dry Tortugas National Park?
Yes. A small primitive campground on Garden Key sits just steps from the beach and Fort Jefferson. There are only a handful of sites, they are first come first served for ferry campers on a reservation basis, and you must bring everything, including all fresh water and a way to pack out your trash. Nights under the stars here, far from any light pollution, are unforgettable. Confirm the current-year camping reservation and fee rules before you plan an overnight.
When is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas?
The most comfortable months are typically December through April, when humidity, heat, and afternoon storms are lowest and seas tend to be calmer for the crossing. Spring brings peak bird migration. Summer is hot and can bring rougher water and higher storm chances, and hurricane season runs June through November. If you are combining parks, the Florida mainland also offers Everglades and Biscayne for a fuller trip.
What should you bring for a day trip?
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water, a towel, and water shoes, since the fort and shallows can be rough underfoot. Motion sickness remedies help on the ferry crossing. There is no store on the island, so bring anything you cannot do without. For more Florida trip ideas, see our Florida national parks guide or browse the national parks hub.
FAQ
How do you get to Dry Tortugas National Park?
You reach Dry Tortugas only by boat or seaplane from Key West. The Yankee Freedom ferry takes about 2.5 hours, while a seaplane flight takes roughly 40 minutes. Private boats are allowed with proper permits.
How far is Dry Tortugas from Key West?
The park lies about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. There is no land route, so all visitors travel by ferry, seaplane, or private vessel.
Can you visit Dry Tortugas as a day trip?
Yes. Most visitors go as a day trip on the ferry or seaplane, spending several hours touring Fort Jefferson and snorkeling before returning to Key West the same day.
Do you need a reservation to visit Dry Tortugas?
You need a transportation reservation because ferry and seaplane seats are limited and sell out. Camping also requires reserving one of the few Garden Key sites in advance.