The dry tortugas have a unique role in the history of the united states in part thanks to its massive fort, fort jefferson. In 1908 the area was designated a wildlife refuge to protect nesting birds from egg collectors. Dry tortugas national park fast facts national parked. We visited the dry tortuga national park via the ferry from key west. Dry tortugas national park has a few selfguided, junior ranger programs for children. Fort jefferson is the largest coastal fort in the entire. They offer guided tours, but we figured with a toddler and a preschooler along in our group we would be a distraction to everyone else so we opted to do a selfguided tour. Dry tortugas and biscayne national parks planning guide perry, kenneth on. Book direct for the best rate and real time reservations. Net proceeds from the sale of products are returned to the national parks to support park educational and visitor service programs. Isolated 70 miles west of key west, the islands of dry tortugas national park appear to arise as if by magic, floating atop the waters of the gulf. The dry tortugas national park encompasses 7 islands known for being the site of the 19th century fort jefferson. Located on garden key is historic fort jefferson, one of the nations most extensive and ambitious 19thcentury forts and a central cultural feature of dry tortugas national park. Getting there is half the adventure and exploring this national park, sea turtles and the island is magical.
You can find more information on the national park website here. The seaplane concessionaire will not transport camping gear. On garden key, visitors can tour the largest allmasonry fort in the united states, built between 1846 and 1875 to defend the gulf of mexico, but never completed. Dry tortugas national park key west all you need to know. Then in 1935 fort jefferson was proclaimed as a national monument but it was not until 1992 that dry tortugas reached its current status as a national park. Dry tortugas national park day trip by catamaran took the seaplane from key west to the island, an amazing place and still even more amazing that we had troops living there.
The park is renowned for its marine life, pirate legends and sheer unspoiled beauty. Cancellation or change of any trip must be made 24 hours prior to flight groups of 10 or more require 48 hours. Below and above the horizon line are natural and historical treasures that continue. Dry tortugas national park is remote, unspoiled and spectacularly situated at the southwest corner of the florida keys reef system, reachable only by boat or seaplane. Daniel dustin his stories were what frightened people worst of. Among united states forts, only fort monroe in virginia and fort adams in rhode island are larger. Its crown jewel, the historic fort jefferson, was once used as a prison during the civil war. The islands are situated at the entrance to the gulf of mexico, west of key west, fla.
Almost 70 miles west of key west, nestled among coral reefs, and white sandy beaches, lie seven remote islands called the dry tortugas. I would suggest bringing a book, notepad, or some form of entertainment. Images of america dry tortugas national park history of. More than 299 bird species that can be found in dry tortugas national park. We took the yankee freedom to dry tortugas national park and it was great.
South florida national parks trust is proud to host tortugas tales in conjunction with the release of a new history book on the dry tortugas as an opportunity to feature dry tortugas national park, its human and natural history, current stewardship, visitor opportunities, and to highlight dry tortugas national park educational programs. Fort jefferson is americas largest masonry structure in existence. Two stories from dry tortugas murder and mayhem mark both. The pictures are wonderful and since they spent so much time there as a. Ferry passengers wishing to camp at dry tortugas national park must coordinate and book their camping through the yankee freedom ferry. Dry tortugas national park history located 70 miles off the shores of key west, the dry tortugas is a group of seven small islands and isles that provide travelers with some of the best and most pristine snorkeling opportunities in the caribbean. Roosevelt under the antiquities act on january 4, 1935. Learn more about the park and what you can see and do there. Dry tortugas national park additional resources information. Find out why one of the largest early forts was built in one of the most remote locations. Other options include a flat plane but it is much more expensive. Made up of seven small islands, the dry tortugas national park is one of the worlds most unique ecoattractions.
The largest brick building in the western hemisphere. Although it is small and not easy to get to, we are so glad we did. My family of 5 plus my parents ages ranging from yrs 78 yrs old took a half day tip to the dry tortugas nationa park. Fort jefferson and the dry tortugas national park by landrum l wayne and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available.
Dry tortugas national parks conservation association. The park is noted for abundant sea life, tropical bird. Landrums book fort jefferson and the dry tortugas national park is an enjoyable book filled with many great color photographs. Explore and learn of its history with one of our guides. It is located far out in the gulf of mexico, about 70 miles west of the city of key west.
When you take the ferry to the dry tortugas, you get there at about 10. Located 70 miles off the shores of key west, the dry tortugas is a group of seven small islands and isles that provide travelers with some of the best and most pristine snorkeling opportunities in the caribbean. It is the largest brick masonry structure in the americas, and is composed of over 16 million bricks. My son and i enjoyed reading excerpts from this book while camping at dry tortugas national park. Nature learn about the park s wildlife and environment. Dry tortugas national park encompasses the history and natural wonders that make this island at the southern tip of the united states a truly remarkable place. From key west, a boat or plane must be boarded to get to the park. Dry tortugas national park the dry tortugas lie in the central time zone. The everglades association features books, videos, and related products about the flora, fauna, and history of everglades, biscayne, and dry tortugas national parks and big cypress national preserve. Army in 1846 to assist in the fight against piracy in the caribbean sea. 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. 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. Dry tortugas national park travel tips park ranger john.
Dry tortugas national park key west 2020 what to know. Yankee freedom iii, llc is authorized by the national park service and the department of the interior to serve the public at dry tortugas national park. This 100square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Find out prices on yankee freedom ferry tickets, the official ferry of dry tortugas national park. This week, we visit one of the most unusual national parks in the united states. How to do dry tortugas national park with kids travelpulse. The dry tortugas is a definite add to your bucket list.
Content from this website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission. The event will feature stories from the dry tortugas as presented by awardwinning authors james kushlan and kirsten hines and updates on dry tortugas national park and its education programs by park manager glenn simpson and lead ranger curtis hall. Jun 19, 2017 how do i get to dry tortugas national park. Garden key is the second largest island in the dry tortugas, about 14 acres in size, and has had the most human impact. Set in the gulf of mexico nearly 109 km 68 mi away from key west, the park can be accessed only by sea. Dry tortugas national park dry tortugas ferry yankee. Key west seaplane pilots like to tell their passengers that they land 15 minutes before they take off. Seaplane adventures rates to dry tortugas national park. Jmm industries dry tortugas national park vinyl decal sticker car window bumper 2pack 4. Today it operates as part of the dry tortugas national park. It was fun knowing more details regarding the history and construction of the fort. Once you are on the island, you are basically left to your own devices to find things to do. The islands and the waters around them make up dry tortugas national park. Dry tortugas national park key west 2020 all you need to.
We are the only seaplane service to dry tortugas national park. For others, its where soldiers who served in a fort named for thomas jefferson sweated and bled and died. Dec 27, 2018 once you reach dry tortugas national park, you will have just under 5 hours to tour the historic fort jefferson, wander the moat wall, swim, snorkel and explore the island. The dry tortugas national park currently possess one of the richest concentrations of shipwrecks in north america and is a popular fishing destination. The archipelagos name derives from the lack of fresh water springs, and the presence of turtles. Fort jefferson and the dry tortugas national park this is another hardcover book that deals with the history of the dry tortugas. Fort jefferson and the dry tortugas national park l. We recommend calling 8 to12 months in advance to check for available spots and make a reservation. The ferry has a limited number of campers they can carry daily, so book early.
Fort jefferson is amazing and the water around the key where the fort sits is. The junior ranger programs give kids and families the opportunity to explore and learn about the park, and how they can help protect them today and into the future. The park is actually a 100 square miles but 98% of it is under water. This book reveals the remarkable and colorful past of the small sandy islands. Dry tortugas national park is accessible only by ferry, seaplane, private boat, or charter boat. Jump into the past and follow the stories and adventures of the dry tortugas. Fort jefferson is a national park offering some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving in north america. The dry tortugas national park, a series of islands 70 miles from key west, is a place of great beauty, history and solitude. For price matching call 866 5755068 current prices are 30% cheaper than cruise lines. Kushlan and kirsten hines isolated 70 miles west of key west, the islands of dry tortugas national park appear to arise as if by magic, floating atop the waters of the gulf of mexico. Still farther west is the tortugas bank, which is submerged.
Just mention dry tortugas national park dry tortugas ferry prices. Board the yankee freedom iii for a ferry ride to the dry tortugas national park. The shallow waters 515 feet make snorkeling at the dry tortugas fun for everyone. Dry tortugas national park key west 2020 all you need. Key west seaplane adventures is the only seaplane company allowed in dry tortugas national park, and in. Fort jefferson military history dry tortugas national park. They are an unincorporated area of monroe county, florida, and belong to the lower keys census county division.
As the only air service, we are by far the quickest and most exciting way to reach the dry tortugas national park. Dry tortugas and biscayne national parks planning guide. Dry tortugas national park, national park located on the dry tortugas islands, southwestern florida, u. Explore the laidback town on your own or book an optional tour and get out on the water. Barrs 11th anna pigeon story, like all her books except her last hunting season, which took place in the same locale as deep south in the natchez trace, has a most unusual setting. Due to limited availability, camping reservations must be made by phone. Our veteran captain and friendly crew will take you on a day trip to one of the most unique and spectacular national parks in the united states. This book gives the reader two mysteries one set in the immediate post civil war years and one in the modern day as well as a slew of interesting factual information on a little known part of the national park system the dry tortugas. Solution to old problems is irrelevant, just like the mighty fort jefferson is useless in the age of ironclad war ships. The dry tortugas is an archipelago seven miles long consisting of seven small islands and is considered one of the premier ecoattractions in the world. This is a nice hardcover book covering the history of this very unique and interesting place. Dry tortugas national park is remote, unspoiled and spectacularly situated at the southwest corner of the florida. The park preserves fort jefferson and the seven dry tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the florida keys.
The south florida national parks trust will present tortugas tales at the florida keys ecodiscovery center on tuesday, december 17, 2019. Established in 1935 as fort jefferson national monument, the park occupies an area of about 101 square. Jan 23, 2017 the seven isles of dry tortugas national park cluster together like gemstones in the shimmering gulf of mexico waters, about 70 miles west of key west. Probably the best book for telling the history and anecdotes about the dry tortugas. Located almost 70 miles west of key west, dry tortugas national park preserves a cluster of seven islands, called the dry tortugas, and their surrounding shoals and water. Camping at dry tortugas national park a chain of islands located in the gulf of mexico to the west of key west, florida is unlike any other camping experience you might have. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the dry tortugas are considered to be one of americas most remote and least visited national parks.
The beaches are fine and it was interesting to walk around the fort and read all the history. A great history lesson but also beautiful water to snorkel in and topped by a fun float plane ride. Its also home to clear blue water, many species of birds, and some of the leastdisturbed coral reefs in the florida keys. These islands change constantly from the effects of tides, weather, air, and other environmental and human factors.
If you had a tour booked during this closure period, your tour was automatically cancelled, and is eligible for a full refund. For some of us, its a poem of waving palms, seabirds and turquoise fish. Encompassing the most isolated and farflung islands of the florida keys, dry tortugas national park showcases vibrant coral reefs, tropical landscapes, and an island fortress. It was enough time to walk around and explore the island, but we were not ready to leave when it was time to. Dry tortugas national park prices are available by booking online. To prove it we are matching all online pricing on the tours we offer. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it due to its remote location, your options for visiting these beautiful islands are very limited.
An abandoned island fortress off florida in the lower florida keys, within the dry tortugas national park theres an unfinished and abandoned island fortress, which is the largest masonry structure in the americas. Dry tortugas national park information any visit out to the dry tortugas national park definitely requires a bit of preplanning. During the 1600s and 1700s the area around these islands was used by pirates as a base for attacking merchant shipping in the gulf. The 7 tiny islands that make up the dry tortugas account for only 97 acres in total. Dry tortugas national park, located 70 miles west of key west, can be reached by boat or seaplane from key west. Key west seaplane adventures dry tortugas sightseeing tour. The grouping of tiny islands known as the dry tortugas is approximately 70 miles due west of key west in the gulf of mexico. History of fort jefferson at the dry tortugas national park. This is not the kind of place you can simply show up at, if only because of the fact that it is 70 miles from the nearest city.
If you love key west snorkeling, then dry tortugas national park offers some of the best snorkeling and skin diving in north america, just 70 miles from key west and the florida keys. Isolated 70 miles west of key west, the islands of dry tortugas national park appear to arise as if by magic, floating atop the waters of the gulf of mexico. May 21, 2019 if you plan a side trip to the dry tortugas, book your transportation to the island early. History of dry tortugas becoming a national park fort jefferson national monument was designated by president franklin d. This will be collected by park rangers during your stay. Subsequently the islands were referred to as the tortugas turtles. Its a bit of a long ride2 12,hours each way but once. Visit dry tortugas national park on your trip to key west. Dry tortugas national park books and guides national parked. Your credit card is charged in full at the time of making this reservation. When we visited, a storm had just passed through and the water was cloudy so snorkeling was not an option. Dry tortugas national park how to plan your trip the rtw guys.
Super clean, efficient, and an easy ride out to the park. Sep 22, 2018 dry tortugas national park is a group of seven islands, located about 70 miles southwest of key west in florida. The archipelagos coral reefs are the least disturbed of the florida keys reefs. Dry tortugas national park national park, florida, united. The fort is located on garden key in the lower florida keys within the dry tortugas national. A history of fort jefferson, dry tortugas, florida this is a nice hardcover book covering the history of this very unique and interesting place. Dry tortugas transportation info other questions regarding ferry travel can be answered through our live chat feature or by calling key west charter boat. Dry tortugas national park, florida guide fodors travel. Almost 70 miles 1 km west of key west lies the remote dry tortugas national park. Excellent sightseeing en route to the dry tortugas. The 10 best dry tortugas national park hotels where to stay. Unforgettable adventures await you on this most memorable key west tour. Here are 3 tips on what to do and how to have a great time while visiting. The trip to dry tortugas national park on the yankee freedom was great.
A guide to exploring dry tortugas national park travel. Although we love visiting national parks, we had never been to dry tortugas national park which is in our own state of florida. The park is a birders paradise, a history buffs treat and a great place to snorkel. Dry tortugas national park local and regional history books. We really enjoyed walking around and touring fort jefferson with the book inhand. The dry tortugas are a small group of islands, located in the gulf of mexico at the end of the florida keys, united states, about 67 miles 108 km west of key west, and 37 miles 60 km west of the marquesas keys, the closest islands. Find out what scientists learn every day through research and observation. Visitors to dry tortugas, near key west, can bird watch, camp on the beach, and snorkel the surrounding waters filled with sea life and pristine coral reefs. Fort jefferson national monument was designated by president franklin d. Fort jefferson is a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. Comprising 47,125 acres 19,071 ha the monument was expanded in 1983 and redesignated as dry tortugas national park on october 26, 1992 by an act of congress.
The curious history of dry tortugas national park yankee freedom. Dry tortugas national park florida national parks association. A history of fort jefferson, dry tortugas, florida. The dry tortugas national park key west snorkeling tours. With their surrounding waters, they constitute the dry tortugas national park. Dry tortugas national park is a national park in the united states about 68 miles 109 km west. Ferry service to dry tortugas temporarily suspended. Dry tortugas national park history dry tortugas info. This park protects seven small islands 70 miles west of key west, florida, and the ocean waters that surround them.
Dry tortugas national park is one of the more unique national parks in the united states, and one of the smallest by land area. Images of america dry tortugas national park read more. The islands history is explained well for the limitations of its space 71 pages. It is home to a multitude of unique birds, and has the only regular u. Dont go to the dry tortugas without these 3 helpful tips. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater.
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