National Park Guide

Dry Tortugas National Park

Florida, US

A remote island fortress surrounded by crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and spectacular stargazing 70 miles off the coast of Key West.

64,701

Acres

Trails

1992

Established

84,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$15 per person

Nearest Airport

Key West International Airport (EYW), Ferry from Key West (2.5 hours)

Best Months

March, April, May

Highlights

Fort Jefferson
Snorkeling the moat wall
Garden Key beach
Bird migration viewing
Night sky stargazing

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Dry Tortugas National Park

Fort Jefferson Moat Walk

Easy

0.5 miles loop

0 ft gain

Garden Key Beach Trail

Easy

0.8 miles loop

0 ft gain

Bush Key Trail

Easy

0.5 miles round trip

0 ft gain

Fort Jefferson Rooftop Walk

Easy

0.3 miles round trip

40 ft gain

Coaling Dock Snorkel Trail

Moderate

0.3 miles round trip

0 ft gain

About Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park encompasses seven small islands in the Gulf of Mexico, centered around Fort Jefferson, one of the largest masonry structures in the Americas. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park offers world-class snorkeling, pristine beaches, and extraordinary marine biodiversity.

In-Depth Guide

Dry Tortugas National Park Guide: Best Activities, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. Top snorkeling and kayaking spots, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Florida's remote island fortress.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Dry Tortugas National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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The Gardens Hotel

$$$$

An exceptional 4-star boutique hotel in Old Town Key West rated 9.8/10, featuring Egyptian cotton sheets, Tempur-Pedic beds, two outdoor pools, cooked-to-order breakfast, and lush tropical gardens.

Ferry from Key West$350-600/night

Check on Hotels.com

Margaritaville Beach House Key West

$$$

A tropical oceanfront resort directly across from Smathers Beach featuring island-inspired rooms, an outdoor pool, the Tin Cup Chalice restaurant, and a 24-hour gym for active travelers.

Ferry from Key West$250-450/night

Check on Hotels.com

Hampton Inn Key West FL

A comfortable waterfront hotel on South Roosevelt Boulevard with ocean-viewing terrace, poolside Cheekie Hut bar and grill, free breakfast, and a half-mile stroll to Smathers Beach.

Ferry from Key West$180-320/night

Check on Hotels.com

Compare Dry Tortugas National Park

See how Dry Tortugas National Park stacks up against other national parks

Dry Tortugas National Park vs Biscayne National Park

Choose Dry Tortugas for a bucket-list island adventure with a historic fort and pristine snorkeling. Choose Biscayne for easy Miami access and excellent reef exploration without the long boat trip.

See full comparison