Why Dry Tortugas National Park
Located approximately 68 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park is an isolated marine sanctuary preserving a cluster of low-lying coral islands and rich historical sites. Positioned at the westernmost end of the Florida Keys, the park encompasses over 99 percent open water. Its surrounding coral reefs are among the most undisturbed in the region, supporting vibrant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, and numerous historic shipwrecks.
The park features a dynamic archipelago of low sand and limestone islands that fluctuate in shape and size over time due to weather, tides, and storms. Seven principal keys currently exist, with Loggerhead Key being the largest and highest, reaching an elevation of ten feet and hosting the 151-foot Dry Tortugas lighthouse. Nearby Garden Key houses the park’s main historical structure, while adjacent Bush Key serves as a major nesting site for sooty terns and brown noddies, closing seasonally to protect breeding birds. To safeguard marine life, a 46-square-mile research natural area covers the northern and western portions of the park.
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León first visited the islands in 1513, naming them for the abundant sea turtles he encountered; the designation "Dry" was added to denote the complete lack of surface fresh water. The site holds a rich maritime history, including prominent shipwrecks such as the 1622 Spanish treasure galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha and the 1742 wreck of HMS Tyger. The park's central centerpiece is Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. Construction on this massive coastal fortification began in 1847 using over 16 million bricks, making it the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Held by Union forces during the Civil War, the fort later served as a military prison, notably housing Dr. Samuel Mudd before its abandonment in 1874.
The area experiences a tropical savanna climate with an annual rainy period from May through October that aligns with the Atlantic hurricane season. Despite tropical weather systems, it is the driest location in Florida, receiving roughly 38 inches of rain each year. Temperatures remain warm year-round, ranging from average winter lows near 65 degrees Fahrenheit to summer highs around 91 degrees. Recognized internationally for its ecological value, the park forms part of the UNESCO-designated Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve.
Reaching Dry Tortugas National Park requires transport by seaplane or boat. Visitors to the park can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, saltwater fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Overnight stays are accommodated exclusively through primitive camping at eight designated campsites situated on Garden Key, just south of Fort Jefferson.
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