Introduction
The Dry Tortugas are a remote, uninhabited group of islands in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. They’re hard to get to and have little to offer besides amazing beaches and wildlife, so most people don’t make it out there. If you venture out there, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best diving in North America and birdwatching opportunities that rival those at Big Pine Key or Big Coppitt Key.
Plan your trip.
- Plan to visit during the week when you’ll have fewer people around.
- Bring food and water. There are only a few places to purchase these items on the island, and they’re pricey.
- Plan to stay overnight if you can; this will give your trip more time for exploration and discovery. Rather than packing in all of your gear at once, bring it in stages so that it’s easier to carry around the island when exploring by foot or boat.
How to visit.
The Dry Tortugas are about 70 miles west of Key West, in the Gulf of Mexico. They’re accessible by boat or seaplane, so if you’d like to visit, you’ll need to contact a tour provider for more information.
There is no public transportation available; visitors must either bring their own boat or charter one with an approved operator. Visitors can also take organized tours from Key West by bus or airboat tour service (the latter is only recommended for experienced drivers). The park has strict regulations regarding camping and hiking within its boundaries: all overnight stays require advanced reservations made through the National Park Service (NPS), while day-use visitors are limited to two hours per landing plus time spent on the island itself. Overnight visitors may stay up to three nights at Fort Jefferson; day-use visitors may stay up to four hours per landing plus time spent exploring Water Island and Dry Tortugas grounds. Reservations are required for both types of visits in order not only ensure your spot on a ferry but also because you must have all supplies needed for your trip prearranged with park rangers before arrival; this includes food, water (which must be treated), first aid kits, proper clothing and footwear appropriate for weather at each destination (including rain gear), mosquito repellent, etc.
What to do.
- Explore the park on your own. The Dry Tortugas is a national park in Florida and contains some of the most fascinating natural wonders of the world.
- Rent a boat to get to the water. Dry Tortugas isn’t just about land, it’s also about the sea! There are many activities that you can do at this park, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and sailing and visiting Fort Jefferson or visiting one of its museums inside its walls.
- Visit the prison at Fort Jefferson National Monument or visit Fort Jefferson itself where they used to keep prisoners back in 1846 when they first started building it out here in this remote area off-shore from Key West which would have been considered an excellent place not only because it’s away from prying eyes but also because all their supplies could be brought into this little island by boat with no interference from pirates who might try to steal them away so there were guards armed with rifles patrolling constantly around here just in case something might happen like that anyway which never did but still…
You can camp on Garden Key.
If you’re looking to camp on the island, Dry Tortugas National Park has a campground where you can pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. The campground has space for up to 20 people at a time in individual campsites. You’ll need your own camping gear, so pack your tents, sleeping bags and flashlights before heading out!
You can also opt to set up camp elsewhere on Garden Key: just make sure that if you do so it’s at least 300 feet away from the nearest shoreline or other natural feature (like trees). If you’re planning on camping outside of the park’s designated areas, bring along plenty of water and food—and don’t forget sunscreen!
Drive time from Jacksonville is 5 hours, from Miami is 4 hours, from Key West is 2 hours.
The Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. It’s a beautiful place and worth visiting if you’re in the area! If you’re driving from Jacksonville, it’ll take about five hours to get there. For those coming from Miami, it’s four hours away by car. The best way to get to this unique park is by boat—you can either rent one or charter one (we recommend booking ahead).
If your travel plans include visiting here but also other parts of Florida like Key West or Cocoa Beach, check out our guide on the best places to visit in Florida!
Dry Tortugas National Park requires a bit of planning to get there, but it’s well worth the trip!
You can only get there by boat. There are no roads. It is a long drive from any major city. There are no hotels, restaurants or grocery stores on Garden Key (the island where you’ll spend most of your time). You need to bring everything with you and plan your trip carefully!
Conclusion
We hope this post has helped you plan your trip to Dry Tortugas National Park! Dry Tortugas National Park is an amazing place to camp and experience the beauty of nature. From the stunning views of the ocean, to the luxurious camping areas and activities, visitors can rest assured that they are in for a great time. The park also works hard to preserve its natural environment, making sure it remains safe and healthy for years to come. Camping at Dry Tortugas National Park is an experience like no other – so what are you waiting for?
