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| Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Picnicking | yes |
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| National Park Overview: |
 | Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, and its legends of pirates and sunken gold. Ft. Jefferson, the largest of the 19th century American coastal forts is a central feature.
The Tortugas were first discoverd by Ponce de Leon in 1513. Abundant sea turtles or "tortugas" provisioned his ships with fresh meat, but there was no fresh water-the tortugas were dry. Since the days of Spanish exploration,the reefs and shoals of the Dry Tortugas have been a serious hazard to navigation and the site of hundreds of shipwrecks.
U.S. military attention was drawn to the keys in the early 1800's due to their strategic location in the Florida Straits. Plans were made for a massive fortress and construction began in 1846, but the fort was never completed. The invention of the rifled cannon made it obsolete. As the military value of Fort Jefferson waned, its pristine reefs, abundant sea life and impressive numbers of birds grew in value. In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt set aside Fort Jefferson and the surrounding waters as a national monument. The area was redesignated as Dry Tortugas National Park in 1992 to protect both the historical and natural features. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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Favorite Park
This is a great park for snorkeling. visitors usually take a sea plan or fast cat (boat) for a day visit. Camping is permitted outside of the fort.
Written by SteveR
29-Mar-2009
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| Related Links: |
| Dry Tortugas National Park (National Park Service) - Dry Tortugas National Park Located in Key West, FL TRAVEL BASICS - CAMPING - LODGING ACTIVITIES - FACILITIES - FEES/PERMITS ... waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known ... | | Dry Tortugas National Park - Dry Tortugas National Park Page ... Welcome to the Dry Tortugas National Park Page This site is dedicated to providing information on Dry Tortugas National Park It is our intent to provide ... | | Dry Tortugas National Park Camping Page - Dry Tortugas National Park Camping Page ... Welcome to the Dry Tortugas National Park Camping Page It is our intent to provide information that will be timely and of assistance in planning ... | | Yankee Freedom II - Daily Ferry Service from Key West, Florida to the Dry Tortugas Nationa - The Yankee Freedom II provides daily ferry service from Key West, Florida to the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson | | Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry - dry tortugas national park ferry trips ... with surrounding coral reefs and waters, make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Snorkeling, kayaking, camping, legends of pirates, and sunken gold ... | | Dry Tortugas Ferry to Fort Jefferson, Snorkel Trips, Sunset Sail, Dolphin Watch Sunny Days - Key West Sunny Days Catamarans Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Click Photos Below for Details on All Trips FIVE GREAT BOATS........... FIVE TIMES THE FUN! Take our high speed catamaran ferry ... | | Dry Tortugas National Park - Home Parks About the Site News Dry Tortugas National Park Top Park History Journey Outside Walls Inside Walls Garden Key Other ... pounded the island. < Next Dry Tortugas National Park Page > All ... | | Dry Tortugas National Park - Information about Dry Tortugas National Park ... Video park map more info about this area back to parks top Dry Tortugas National Park Key West, FL Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key ... |
| Directions: |
| Plane - Commercial air service is available to Key West International Airport.Seaplanes of Key West provides air service from Key West to the national park. See Public Transportation below for seaplane information.
Car - There are no roads to Dry Tortugas National Park. It can only be reached by boat or seaplane. Private pleasure boats are welcome, but must be fully self-sufficient. U.S. Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey Chart #11438 is necessary for navigation to the Dry Tortugas.
Public Transportation - ferry and seaplane - serves the park from Key West. For ferry schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Sunny Days: phone 800-236-7937 or 305-292-6100; on the internet at www.drytortugas.com. Yankee Fleet: phone 800-634-0939 or 305-294-7009; on the internet at www.yankeefleet.com. Seaplane transportation is provided by Seaplanes of Key West. For schedules, prices, and reservations, contact 800-950-2FLY or 305-294-0709; on the internet at www.seaplanesof keywest.com. Fishing and dive charters can be arranged in the Florida Keys and Naples. For a list of services, contact the park at 305-242-7700. |
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