Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote and unique national parks in the United States. Located 70 miles west of Key West, this small group of islands is surrounded by brilliant turquoise water, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches. At its center sits historic Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort that seems to rise straight out of the sea.
Getting here is part of the adventure. Most visitors arrive by seaplane or ferry for a day trip, spending their time exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beaches. We took the seaplane and loved the solitude of exploring Fort Jefferson before the ferry arrived and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water.
In this guide, we’ll help you plan your visit to Dry Tortugas National Park, including how to get here, when to go, how much time you need, and important tips to know before your trip. We also link to our detailed guides on the best things to do and how to get here, so you can plan a memorable visit to this beautiful national park.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Founded: October 26, 1992
Annual Visitors: 90,000 in 2025, making it the 8th least visited park that year.
Size: 65,000 acres
Location: Florida
Entrance Fee: $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Notable Fact: Everglades and Dry Tortugas form the UNESCO Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve.
Top Experiences in Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas may be one of the smallest and most remote national parks, but there are some wonderful things to do here. Most first-time visitors spend their time on Garden Key, exploring Fort Jefferson and enjoying the surrounding beaches and water.
7 Awesome Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park
For the full list of experiences, photos, snorkeling recommendations, and sample itineraries, see our guide to the Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park.
Did You Know?
Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key and East Key.
Garden Key, which is the arrival point for the boats and the seaplanes, is also home to Fort Jefferson. This is where most visitors will spend their time. Bush Key sits right next to Garden Key and, if it is open, walking around this small island is one of the best things to do on a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Loggerhead Key sits about 3 miles from Garden Key, so you will need a boat to get here.
The remainder of the islands are closed all year since they are home to bird nesting sites.
How to Get to the Dry Tortugas
There are two ways to get to the Dry Tortugas: by seaplane and by boat. Both leave from Key West, Florida.
The seaplane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park and Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit.
The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. It is a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry.
If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
How to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park: Ferry, Seaplane & Private Charter
Get the full details on how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. This guide covers the costs and the advantages and disadvantages of the different modes of transportation.
Best Time to Visit the Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas National Park can be visited year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season. The biggest considerations are the weather, sea conditions, and whether Bush Key is open.
October through January is a particularly nice time to visit if you want to walk along Bush Key. This island is generally open from mid-October through mid-January, outside of the seabird nesting season. Walking along its shoreline was one of our favorite experiences, and we’re glad we were able to visit in December. However, opening dates vary, so check current park conditions before your trip.
Winter (November through April) brings cooler temperatures and generally drier weather. However, cold fronts can produce strong winds and rough seas, making the ferry ride uncomfortable and reducing underwater visibility for snorkeling. Severe weather may also cause transportation cancellations.
Summer (May through October) is hotter and more humid, but the seas are often calmer, making this a good time for snorkeling and swimming. The trade-off is the possibility of thunderstorms and tropical weather. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, so keep this in mind if you’re planning a summer or fall trip.
Our recommendation: We loved our December visit, especially because Bush Key was open. If snorkeling and calm water are your highest priorities, late spring and summer may be better choices. Regardless of when you visit, monitor the weather forecast and be prepared for changes to ferry and seaplane schedules.
Dry Tortugas National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in January, April, and December.
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14 Best US National Parks to Visit in April
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10 Best US National Parks to Visit in December
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How Much Time Do You Need in Dry Tortugas National Park?
For most visitors, one day is enough time to experience the highlights of Dry Tortugas National Park. However, how much time you actually spend in the park depends on your transportation.
Half-day seaplane (2.5 hours in the park): This is enough time to explore Fort Jefferson and fit in a little snorkeling or beach time. This is what we did, and although we had an amazing experience, we wished we had more time.
Ferry (approximately 4.5 hours in the park): This gives you enough time to visit Fort Jefferson, snorkel, swim, and possibly walk along Bush Key if it is open. For most people, this is a good amount of time to see the highlights.
Full-day seaplane (6.5 hours in the park): With more than six hours on the island, you can explore at a slower pace, visit additional snorkeling spots, and spend more time enjoying the beaches. This is a great option if you don’t mind the higher price.
Overnight camping: Spending a night or two on Garden Key gives you the opportunity to enjoy the park without the daytime visitors, watch the sunset, and stargaze. Camping is primitive and requires advance planning.
For a detailed breakdown of how to spend your time, including half-day and full-day itineraries, see our Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park guide.
Florida Keys & Dry Tortugas Itinerary
7–10 Days Florida Keys & National Parks Itinerary: Miami to Key West
Since the seaplane and Yankee Freedom ferry leaves from Key West, most people visit the Dry Tortugas on a trip to Key West and the Florida Keys.
On a road trip through the Florida Keys, not only can you visit Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park, but you can also visit two more national parks, Everglades and Biscayne. For more information on how to do this, take a look at our Florida Keys Itinerary.
Dry Tortugas National Park Map
Dry Tortugas National Park Photos
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