Explore Fort Jefferson at the Dry Tortugas National Park
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is a unique destination which can only be accessed by seaplane or ferry. The park enjoys subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-50's to mid-80's. In the winter (December-March), the seas are rough and windy. The tropical storm season runs from June through November.
Dry Tortugas offers a variety of vacation activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, salt water sport fishing, bird and wildlife watching. The Dry Tortugas National Park Visitor Center is situated in Fort Jefferson, offering ranger-conducted activities year-round.
Fort Jefferson houses a museum, offers ranger-led tours, and self-guided fort tours with interpretive signs. For more information, call 305-242-7700.
If you want to stay overnight, the only option is the Garden Key Campground which offers only 10 sites. The campground is a self-service fee area with a nightly fee of $3 per person. Campers must bring all supplies, including fresh water.
Getting There
There are no roads to Dry Tortugas National Park. It can only be reached by boat or seaplane. Commercial air service is available to Key West International Airport. Seaplanes of Key West provides air service from Key West to the national park. Private boats must be fully self-sufficient.
Seaplane transportation is provided by Seaplanes of Key West. For schedules, prices, and reservations, contact 800-950-2FLY, 305-294-0709, or visit www.seaplanesofkeywest.com.
For ferry schedules, prices, and reservations, contact Sunny Days at 800-236-7937, 305-292-6100 or visit www.drytortugas.com. Or call Yankee Fleet at 800-634-0939, 305-294-7009, or visit www.yankeefleet.com.
For More Information
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/drto or call the park at 305-242-7700.
