Dry Tortugas
National Park

The Dry Tortugas National Park Visitor Use and Commercial Services Plan
Public comments are welcome!

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. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, and its legends of pirates and sunken gold. Ft. Jefferson, the largest of the 19th century American coastal forts is a central feature.

The Tortugas were first discoverd by Ponce de Leon in 1513. Abundant sea turtles or "tortugas" provisioned his ships with fresh meat, but there was no fresh water-the tortugas were dry. Since the days of Spanish exploration, the reefs and shoals of the Dry Tortugas have been a serious hazard to navigation and the site of hundreds of shipwrecks.

U.S. military attention was drawn to the keys in the early 1800's due to their strategic location in the Florida Straits. Plans were made for a massive fortress and construction began in 1846, but the fort was never completed. The invention of the rifled cannon made it obsolete. As the military value of Fort Jefferson waned, its pristine reefs, abundant sea life and impressive numbers of birds grew in value. In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt set aside Fort Jefferson and the surrounding waters as a national monument. The area was redesignated as Dry Tortugas National Park in 1992 to protect both the historical and natural features.

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the sites featured in Along the Georgia/Florida Coast, a travel itinerary from the National Register of Historic Places that explores America's past through visits to historic places.

ACREAGE- 64,700 (Federal: 61,480, Nonfederal: 3,220., Land area: 39.28)

LOCATION: west of Key West, Florida

ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE:

Superintendent
Dry Tortugas National Park
PO Box 6208
Key West, FL 33041

(305)242-7700 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST)

E-MAIL: DRTO_Information@nps.gov

OPERATING HOURS AND SEASONS: The park is open all year.

Ft. Jefferson on Garden Key is open during daylight hours; closed at dark.

Day use only on Loggerhead Key. Bush Key is closed to visitors from April to September to protect nesting Sooty and Noddy Terns. Hospital and Long keys are closed all year.

 

TRANSPORTATION: Boat or seaplane provide the only access to the Park.

Public transportation-boat and seaplane-serves the park from Key West. Specific information about these services may be obtained by contacting the park, (305) 242-7700, or the Key West Chamber of Commerce, Old Mallory Square, Key West, FL 33040, (305) 294-2587. The closest airport is Key West International.

Private boaters must be fully self-sufficient with water, fuel and supplies. Nautical charts for the route can be purchased at boating supply outlets in Key West. The park has no boat moorings or slips. Overnight anchorage is limited to the designated area within one nautical mile of the Ft. Jefferson harbor light.

 

ADMISSION FEES: No entrance fee. Camping fee is $3.00 per person. A Florida salt water fishing license is required. Personal watercraft, i.e. jet skis, are not permitted.

 

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES: The park is isolated, visitors must provide everything they will need including food and water.

Programs and Activities:

Visitor Center in Fort Jefferson, interpretive exhibits, a picnic area, self-guiding tours, Ranger-led activities, bird and wildlife watching, picnicking, salt water sport fishing, snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving. The Florida National Parks and Monuments Association bookstore at the visitor center features books, videos, and related products about the flora, fauna, and history of the park.

Camping:

Camping is permitted on Garden Key only in a small number of primitive camp sites that are available on a first-come, first served basis. Groups of 10 or more must obtain a special permit in advance. Camping is $3.00 per person. All supplies, including fresh water, must be brought in. Other overnight accommodations are available in Key West, 70 miles (112.9km). Supplies are available in Key West.

Accessibility:

Restrooms, picnic area and the first tier of Fort Jefferson are accessible.

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For information on archeology, visit SEAC

Last update: July 2, 1999
http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm
Editor: Public Affairs Office