Rain GaugeSeed Planting DayHawaii Stormy BeachLaguna Beach Sunset

Dry Tortugas National Park – Image Gallery

A military fort that has been abandoned and now is home to sea life and birds.
Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park 70 Miles West of Key West, FL
Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Fort Jefferson at the Dry Tortugas. The clear waters in shallow areas surrounding the fort, seen easily in the photo, are popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visible on the right side of the image is a breach of the sea wall caused by the direct strike of Hurricane Charley in August 2004. Camera location24° 37′ 55″ N, 82° 52′ 03″ W   View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 24.631944; -82.867500
The Yankee Freedom II docks in the calm waters of Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas. The two and a half hour boat ride from Key West is the only passage to the islands (other than seaplane), and once outside the shelter of the Florida Reef, is an interesting time in 7 - 10 foot swells. Bring your Dramamine. [Canon 6d / 24-105mm f/4L]
A Caribbean hermit crab (coenobita clypeatus) on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida.
Map of Tortugas Ecological Reserve, Florida Keys.


Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island paradise featuring crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and historic Fort Jefferson.

Details

Dry Tortugas National Park

Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park is a unique and remote national park that consists of seven small islands and the surrounding waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The park is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. One of the most iconic features of Dry Tortugas National Park is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress that was built to protect the United States from foreign invasion. The fort is the largest masonry structure in the Americas and is a popular attraction for visitors to the park. In addition to Fort Jefferson, the park also offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, birdwatching, and camping. The waters surrounding the islands are home to an incredible array of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful tropical fish. The coral reefs in the area are some of the healthiest in the United States and provide important habitat for a wide variety of species. Dry Tortugas National Park is also an important nesting site for seabirds, including sooty terns, brown noddies, and magnificent frigatebirds. The park is a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling between North and South America, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Overall, Dry Tortugas National Park is a unique and ecologically significant area that offers visitors the opportunity to explore a remote and pristine natural environment. Its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.



Dry Tortugas National Park

Points of Interest

Dry Tortugas National Park Points of Interest

Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson is the most iconic feature of Dry Tortugas National Park. This massive, unfinished coastal fortress is the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can explore the fort's grounds, gun mounts, and dungeons while learning about its history as a military prison during the Civil War.

Loggerhead Key Lighthouse

Located on Loggerhead Key, the Loggerhead Key Lighthouse is a historic landmark that dates back to the 1850s. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding islands and waters.

Garden Key

Garden Key is the main island in Dry Tortugas National Park and home to Fort Jefferson. Visitors can relax on the white sandy beaches, go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or enjoy a picnic with stunning views of the fort and the Gulf of Mexico.

Snorkeling and Diving Sites

Dry Tortugas National Park is known for its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life. Popular snorkeling and diving sites include the Windjammer Wreck, Little Africa, and the Dry Tortugas Shoals. Visitors can spot colorful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations in these underwater wonderlands.

Birdwatching

Dry Tortugas National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded in the area. Visitors can spot seabirds such as frigatebirds, terns, and pelicans nesting on the islands, as well as migratory birds passing through during the spring and fall.

These are just a few of the many points of interest that make Dry Tortugas National Park a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.



Dry Tortugas National Park – Images

A military fort that has been abandoned and now is home to sea life and birds.

Description: A military fort that has been abandoned and now is home to sea life and birds.

Image by RATHERBAKEWELL – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park 70 Miles West of Key West, FL

Description: Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park 70 Miles West of Key West, FL

Image by Lindsey C. Straub – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Description: Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Image by RuggyBearLA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Description: Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Image by RuggyBearLA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Description: Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Image by RuggyBearLA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Description: Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is composed of more than 16 million bricks. Among United States forts it is exceeded in size only by Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island. Dry Tortugas is unique in its combination of a largely undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat and has averaged about 63,000 visitors annually in the period from 2008 to 2017. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and kayaking. Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, established by UNESCO in 1976 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Image by RuggyBearLA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Fort Jefferson at the Dry Tortugas. The clear waters in shallow areas surrounding the fort, seen easily in the photo, are popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visible on the right side of the image is a breach of the sea wall caused by the direct strike of Hurricane Charley in August 2004. Camera location24° 37′ 55″ N, 82° 52′ 03″ W   View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 24.631944; -82.867500

Description: Fort Jefferson at the Dry Tortugas. The clear waters in shallow areas surrounding the fort, seen easily in the photo, are popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visible on the right side of the image is a breach of the sea wall caused by the direct strike of Hurricane Charley in August 2004. Camera location24° 37′ 55″ N, 82° 52′ 03″ W   View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 24.631944; -82.867500

Image by U.S. National Park Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

The Yankee Freedom II docks in the calm waters of Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas. The two and a half hour boat ride from Key West is the only passage to the islands (other than seaplane), and once outside the shelter of the Florida Reef, is an interesting time in 7 - 10 foot swells. Bring your Dramamine. [Canon 6d / 24-105mm f/4L]

Description: The Yankee Freedom II docks in the calm waters of Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas. The two and a half hour boat ride from Key West is the only passage to the islands (other than seaplane), and once outside the shelter of the Florida Reef, is an interesting time in 7 - 10 foot swells. Bring your Dramamine. [Canon 6d / 24-105mm f/4L]

Image by Joe Parks from Berkeley, CA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

A Caribbean hermit crab (coenobita clypeatus) on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida.

Description: A Caribbean hermit crab (coenobita clypeatus) on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida.

Image by Daniel Kraft – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Map of Tortugas Ecological Reserve, Florida Keys.

Description: Map of Tortugas Ecological Reserve, Florida Keys.

Image by NOAA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Search


Quick Links

National Parks (NEW)
National Forests (NEW)
National Monuments (NEW)
National Recreation Areas
State Parks
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Areas
Wilderness Areas (NEW)
By The Numbers (NEW)
- Populations of all Countries (NEW)
Ideas - Stock Tickers
Running USA Debt Total