Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islandsAlmost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National ParkDry Tortugas National ParkDry Tortugas was established to protect the island and marine ecosystems of the Dry Tortugas, to preserve Fort Jefferson and submerged cultural resources such as shipwrecks, and to allow for public access in a regulated manner https://wwwnpsgov › drto › learn › historyculture
History & Culture – Dry Tortugas National Park (US National Park
This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands
How long is the boat ride from Key West to the Dry Tortugas?
How long is the trip from Key West to Fort Jefferson? The ride on the Yankee Freedom usually takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes How much time do we spend at Fort Jefferson? You will have a little over four hours to explore and enjoy Fort Jefferson and the beaches of the Dry Tortugas
Is Dry Tortugas worth the trip?
Its worth it IMO and even if you are a first time visitor to the island but as long as you have more than 3 or 4 full days on that trip The boat ride is long but it can be nice and relaxing If you are going in the summer months its not as choppy
How much does it cost to go to the Dry Tortugas from Key West?
Dry Tortugas Ferry Cost (updated for 2021) How much is the ferry for a day trip from Key West to the Dry Tortugas? The cost for an adult is $190 There is a $10 discount for active duty members of the military, seniors ages 62 or higher, and full-time students (age 17+) Children ages 4 to 16 are $135 each
How many nautical miles is it from Key West to the Dry Tortugas?
The only place you can cruise within the continental United States and enjoy Caribbean-like conditions is in the Florida Keys, especially the farthest of all the keys – the Dry Tortugas, best accessed from Key West, a distance of 70 nautical miles (80 land miles)
Are there sharks in Dry Tortugas?
Pratt said they have been able to tag 268 sharks over the past 27 years Of the 268 sharks, 77 have been re-sighted or recaptured Based on their research, Dr Pratt also noted that 65 percent of female nurse sharks and 76 percent of male nurse sharks have returned to Dry Tortugas
Are there bathrooms on Dry Tortugas?
There are changing rooms and public toilets at Dry Tortugas However, when the ferry is on the dock these toilets are locked and everyone uses the bathrooms on the ferry This is done for environmental reasons as it leaves less waste on the island
Can you get to Cuba from Key West?
Yes, legal travel to Cuba is still possible! Flights depart Key West International Airport (EYW) and Havana International Airport (HAV) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays EYW-HAV flights will depart EYW at 8:00 AM/ arrive in HAV at 9:00 AM
Can you stay overnight in the Dry Tortugas?
Overnight anchoring is allowed in the area of sand and rubble bottom within 1 nautical mile of the Fort Jefferson harbor light and must not block any designated channel Overnight anchoring is not permitted at any other location in Dry Tortugas National Park
Can you spend the night at Dry Tortugas?
Overnight stays give you a chance to appreciate the remote, natural beauty of the Dry Tortugas, though part of the draw here is that you can experience much of it in a day, unlike some national parks that you couldn’t see all of in a lifetime But, more importantly, it’s a park that may not be around very long
Are there alligators at Dry Tortugas?
The Dry Tortugas are a small, remote cluster of islands 70 miles west of Key West Cletus is the first American crocodile spotted there since Ponce de Leon arrived in 1513 Mark Parry, a wildlife biologist with the National Park Service, specializes in monitoring large reptiles, such as alligators and crocodiles
How far in advance should I book Dry Tortugas?
We recommend calling 8 to12 months in advance to check for available spots and make a reservation *The Park Service will collect a campsite fee of $15 to $30 per night based on the size of your party This will be collected by Park Rangers during your stay Reservations will be held until 10 minutes before departure
Does anyone live on Dry Tortugas?
What is this? There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live in the fort at the Dry Tortugas They work 10 days on the island and then they are off for 6, so they can head into Key West to restock and catch a movie or something
Can you jet ski to Dry Tortugas?
You wont want to miss the Dry Tortugas National Park near Key West! Below is a list of boat, ferry and jet ski services that allow you to experience the Dry Tortugas National Park: Call us at 305-292-1880 or email us at !
Can you take your own boat to the Dry Tortugas?
Yes, all private boats and vessels entering Dry Tortugas National Park must file a boat permit at Garden Key before recreating within the park Even if you do not plan on exploring Fort Jefferson, you must stop by Garden Key to pay the entrance fee and file the required permits
How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?
A: The drive to Key West takes approximately 4 hours from Miami The distance is 159 Miles (256 KM) Driving the Overseas Highway is a one-of-a-kind experience You will see some of the most spectacular scenery in the State
Can you bring alcohol to Dry Tortugas?
Can we bring a small cooler with water, food, and beer to enjoy at the Dry Tortugas? You may bring a small cooler with beverages to take to the beach; Remember, you cannot consume any alcohol from your cooler while aboard the Yankee Freedom, as we have a liquor license and glass containers are forbidden
What animals live in Dry Tortugas?
The islands are located among acres of coral reef gardens that house a variety of colorful reef fish, amberjacks, grouper, tarpon, sea turtles, stingrays, and many other types of reef species You will also catch sight of all kinds of unique birds, including everything from the Magnificent Frigate to the Masked Booby
What is special about Dry Tortugas?
Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas is known for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, beaches, coral reefs, campgrounds and array of activities both in and out of the water Visitors spend the day just enjoying the scenic beauty and the white sandy beaches