Parks / Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
National Park · FL
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 islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (5)
Seasonal Closure: Bush Key
Visitors may only access the harborside of Bush Key through Fall 2026 to protect nesting Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Boaters must maintain a distance of 100 feet from the island's mean low tide.
Current Alerts and Conditions
Be sure to review the Alerts and Conditions below before and during your visit for additional, up-to-date information on closures, cautions, and other current park conditions.
Sections of moat wall closed until Winter 2026
Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) are undergoing repair and reinforcement. For your safety, please follow posted signage and do not cross any barricades.
Migrant Notice
Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, we have seen an increase in Cuban migrants arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. You may observe migrant landings at the park and visitor areas may be impacted.
Garden Key Harbor Light
Vessel operators - the Garden Key Harbor Light is undergoing repairs and is extinguished. At this time it is unknown when the light will again be illuminated.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person 15 years old and under is exempt from paying an entrance fee.
Campgrounds (1)
Garden Key Campground
Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, has a primitive campground only a short walk from public dock and piers. Individual sites can accommodate up to three 2-person tents (6 persons max per-site) on a first-come, first served basis. In the event a regular campsite is unavailable, an overflow area will be made available. Upon arrival all overnight visitors will be provided a place to camp. For parties of 10 or more, a group campsite is available through our website.
Things to Do
Fishing at Dry Tortugas National Park
Fishing at Dry Tortugas
Paddle to Loggerhead Key
Paddle to Loggerhead Key
Snorkel Little Africa
Snorkel Little Africa
Viewing Wildlife in Dry Tortugas
Viewing wildlife in Dry Tortugas
Visitor Centers
- Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
- Garden Key Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.