Seventy miles west of Key West, beyond the end of the road, seven small islands sit on a coral reef in water of impossible blue. On one of them stands Fort Jefferson, a hexagonal brick fortress of the 1800s, ringed by a moat. Dry Tortugas is almost entirely water, reachable only by boat or seaplane, and it is the most memorable day trip in Florida.
Best things to do in Dry Tortugas
Fort Jefferson
One of the largest brick masonry forts in the Americas, never finished and never attacked. Walk the casemates and the top wall for the view over the moat and the reef; rangers and ferry guides give tours.
2Snorkeling the moat wall
The outside of the moat wall is an artificial reef: corals, sea fans and tropical fish in shallow water a few steps from the beach. Masks and fins are usually provided by the ferry.
3Birdwatching
The islands are a stop on the spring migration and a nesting ground for sooty terns and brown noddies; neighbouring Bush Key is closed to protect them during nesting season.
4Camping on Garden Key
A small primitive campground next to the fort: when the day boats leave, you have the island and the stars almost to yourself. You must bring everything, including water, and book the ferry for campers well ahead.
Why go: the national park at the end of the sea
Dry Tortugas is one of the least visited national parks simply because it is so hard to reach. That is its charm: a 19th-century fortress, a coral reef and the open Gulf, with only a boatload of people at a time. If you are already driving the Overseas Highway, it is the obvious crowning day.
Ferry or seaplane?
| Ferry | Seaplane | |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing | Long — most of the morning each way | Short and scenic, low over the shallows |
| Time on the island | Several hours | Shorter on a half-day flight; full-day flights exist |
| Seasickness | Possible on rough days | Less, but small aircraft |
| Camping | Yes, with a camper ticket | Limited |
When to go
March to June usually brings calmer seas, warm water and migrating birds. Winter can be windy, with rough crossings and cancellations. Summer and fall are hot and fall inside hurricane season (June–November), with storms and cancellations most likely from mid-August to mid-October. See when to visit the Florida Keys.
Where to stay in Dry Tortugas
Apart from the primitive campground on Garden Key, you sleep in Key West and leave very early.
Key West Old Town
$$$$Best for: walking to the ferry terminal
Guesthouses and hotels within walking or cycling distance of the harbor.
Hotels in Key West Old Town partner linkNew Town & Stock Island
$$$$Best for: lower prices
Chain hotels and marina resorts a short drive from the old town; allow for parking at the terminal.
Hotels in New Town & Stock Island partner linkDry Tortugas: your questions
How do you get to Dry Tortugas?
Only by boat or seaplane from Key West (or your own boat). The authorized ferry and seaplane operators are listed on nps.gov/drto.
Is Dry Tortugas worth it?
Yes, if you enjoy snorkeling, history and remote places. It is a long and fairly expensive day, so pick calm weather.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as you can — weeks ahead in normal times, months ahead for spring, holidays and camper tickets.
Can you stay overnight at Dry Tortugas?
Yes, at the small primitive campground on Garden Key, if you bring all your water and food and book a camper ticket on the ferry.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.