Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park Dry Tortugas National Park Official page Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park.
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Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, its legends of pirates and sunken gold, and its military past.

National Park Week doesn't have to end, does it?You can learn about and explore your National Parks any time with the NP...
09/01/2026

National Park Week doesn't have to end, does it?

You can learn about and explore your National Parks any time with the NPS App. Using the app, you can check current conditions and alerts, find directions, browse things to do, and learn more about what makes each park special.

Thank you to all of the visitors that joined us in the park and online in the comments last week. It was so heartwarming to hear your favorite memories at Dry Tortugas. Continue to follow along to learn more about what's happening in your park year-round.

Download the NPS App to keep exploring: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm

NPS Graphic by Brandon Cintron Gerena

For a park with two lighthouses, the staff sure is in the spotlight! 🔦This National Park Week, we can't forget who makes...
08/29/2026

For a park with two lighthouses, the staff sure is in the spotlight! 🔦

This National Park Week, we can't forget who makes every excursion to Dry Tortugas worth it. From ensuring the park is maintained to sharing stories and memories with visitors, the staff makes Dry Tortugas bright.

If you're visiting the park today, make sure to tell the staff at Dry Tortugas thank you!

NPS Photos

Can you spot the differences? Take a look around this "Then & Now" photo history tour. 📸🖼️The initial architectural plan...
08/28/2026

Can you spot the differences? Take a look around this "Then & Now" photo history tour. 📸🖼️

The initial architectural plans for Fort Jefferson backdrop scenes in time, in which we compare and contrast how the islands have changed since these initial drafts. By partnering images from the past with images of the same locations today, we remember and honor scenes from American history at Dry Tortugas National Park.

Some photos highlight great differences in time. For example, the contrast of a canvas tent from 1898 next to today's bright, synthetic tents. The moat wall visitor photos also point out changes in tourist attire since 1899. However, some images from today remain similar to how they once appeared. The 1950 cannon and the 1898 parade magazine have persevered through time.

Each pairing, alike or different after years of wind and sun, tells the story of preservation at Dry Tortugas National Park. Time makes its changes, but we continue to care for park resources to ensure they remain a part of America's ongoing story.

If you're interested in the history of the park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/drto/learn/historyculture/index.htm to learn more.

NPS Photos
NPS Graphic / Houston

Hope to see you there!
08/27/2026

Hope to see you there!

The power of partnerSHIP wins again! 🛥️Fort Jefferson's location was initially chosen as a landmark along popular ship r...
08/27/2026

The power of partnerSHIP wins again! 🛥️

Fort Jefferson's location was initially chosen as a landmark along popular ship routes through the Gulf. Today, it's location still offers ships an operational waypoint in these waters along with a boost of morale.

Dry Tortugas National Park receives regular operational, recreational, and training visits from multiple U.S. Coast Guard vessels and aircraft throughout the region.

These partnership visits turn typical operational check-ins into opportunities for collaboration. Partners lean on the staff at Dry Tortugas for guidance on safe anchorage, visitor access, swim zones, fishing rules, and navigation requirements. Likewise, Dry Tortugas staff have the chance to board vessels and provide tours of the park.

At the remote Dry Tortugas National Park, where both park staff and vessel crews are leagues away from home, these hospitable interactions are embraced with enthusiasm all around.

Thank you to all of our partners at U.S. Coast Guard, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the continued collaboration and friendship.

NPS photo

08/25/2026

Happy 110th Birthday to the National Park Service !🎂

If you love Dry Tortugas, this is the holiday for you! Enjoy a slice of cake and tell us why Dry Tortugas is a 10/10 in the comments. We can't wait to hear your park stories.

More party ideas can be found at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/nps-birthday.htm.

NPS Photo / Dylann Turffs
NPS Animation / Houston
Video Description: Over the top of Fort Jefferson, animated birthday candles light and wiggle around alongside the words "Happy Birthday NPS! 110"

08/24/2026

How are you travelling to Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas is one of the least visited National Parks. Why? Because you can't drive here. Dry Tortugas lies about 70 miles off the coast of Key West. Its 7 small islands and vast ocean waters can only be reached by ferry, seaplane or private boats.

Because of the limited travel options into the park, it's recommended to plan your trip well in advance. Start planning your trip today.

Visit https://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/directions.htm to compare options into the park's remote waters.

NPS Video Description: Three travel tickets are filled in with images of options on how to travel to Dry Tortugas National Park: Ferry, Sea Plane, or Private Boat. No audio.

Sea more and worry less!Snorkeling is a popular visitor activity at Dry Tortugas. Be sure to review these safety tips be...
08/23/2026

Sea more and worry less!

Snorkeling is a popular visitor activity at Dry Tortugas. Be sure to review these safety tips before your trip so you can stay focused on the fun.

Inspect your gear:
🤿 Check that your mask creates a snug, leak-free seal and that your fins fit properly before heading in the water.
🤿 Avoid full-face masks. Traditional two-piece mask and separate snorkel setups are safer and easier to clear or remove in an emergency.
🤿 Use floatation if needed. Wear a lightweight snorkel vest if you get tired easily.

Check conditions:
🌊 Look out for strong rip currents, high surf, or murky water.
🌊 Never swim against the currents. If caught in a current, swim diagonally across it rather than straight back against the pull.
🌊 Keep a safe buffer zone from the bottom, never standing, walking, or kicking coral reefs.

Protect yourself:
🏊‍♂️ Keep breathing steady. Take slow, deep breaths.
🏊‍♂️ If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, lift your head, remove the gear, and stay calm.
🏊‍♂️ Flip on your back to rest if you grow tired or winded.

Don't forget, you should always go with a buddy! Tag your snorkeling buddy in the comments so you can both be prepared for Dry Tortugas.

Start planning your snorkeling adventure: https://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/swimming-snorkeling-and-diving.htm.

NPS Photo

Sunday

It's National Park Week and we're excited to celebrate!Dry Tortugas is a remote national park off the coast of Southern ...
08/22/2026

It's National Park Week and we're excited to celebrate!

Dry Tortugas is a remote national park off the coast of Southern Florida popular for ocean views, migratory birds, and historic Fort Jefferson. We're going to be sharing tips and information about the park all week long. We encourage you to share your favorite park stories, too! Let us know some of your favorite Dry Tortugas memories in the comments.

Find more ways to engage with National Park Week by checking the calendar of events at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm.

NPS Photos

Half the park is after dark! 🌠Due to its remote location, Dry Tortugas can be the perfect place for a night out. Last we...
08/20/2026

Half the park is after dark! 🌠

Due to its remote location, Dry Tortugas can be the perfect place for a night out. Last week, volunteers led visitors through some illuminating night sky programs during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. If you joined us last week, let us know if the photo does it justice!

If you missed it, don't worry. The Perseids can be seen every year around mid-August. Start planning your journey for the next one now at https://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/index.htm.

NPS Photo

Address

Almost 70 Miles West Off The Coast Of Key West
Key West, FL
33040

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