Best things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park

Updated April 27th, 2022
Best things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park in the United States about 100 miles (160 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs.

Dry Tortugas is famous for its abundant marine life, pristine waters, and spectacular sunsets. Visitors can snorkel, scuba dive, fish, kayak, and camp in the park. Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fort built to protect the United States' Gulf Coast, is one of the largest brick structures in the Western Hemisphere and is a popular tourist attraction.

The park is known for is famous for its pristine beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

The best things to do in the park are to visit Fort Jefferson, go snorkeling or scuba diving, and take a glass bottom boat tour. Other top tourist attractions in Dry Tortugas National Park include the Dry Tortugas Lighthouse, the Dry Tortugas Visitor Center, and the Garden Key Cemetery.

1. Snorkeling

The visitor experiences a natural environment where they can see colorful fish and coral reefs. They can observe marine life up close and learn about their behavior and ecology.

2. Diving

If a person diving in Dry Tortugas National Park visits the park during the daytime, they will likely experience very few divers. If a person dives in Dry Tortugas National Park during the nighttime, they will likely encounter a lot of divers.

3. Fishing

When someone visits the Dry Tortugas National Park to fish, they will likely experience a relaxed and peaceful fishing experience. The park is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities, and visitors will likely catch a variety of fish while they're there.

4. Bird watching

When someone bird watches in Dry Tortugas National Park, they can expect to see a variety of birds, including terns, seagulls, pelicans, and cormorants. Additionally, visitors can look for iguanas and other reptiles in the park's tropical vegetation.

5. Exploring the fort

When a visitor exploring the fort in Dry Tortugas National Park they would likely feel excited by the sight of the fort and the history it holds. They would also likely feel a sense of awe at the natural beauty of the place.

6. Fort Jefferson

When visitors visit Fort Jefferson, they are able to explore the site's history and architecture. The fort is also a popular location for photography.

7. Dry Tortugas National Park

The visitor's experience when they visit Dry Tortugas National Park is to be surrounded by beautiful, untouched coral reefs and islands, as well as abundant wildlife. The park is an excellent place to snorkel and dive, and it is also home to the world's only known colony of resident feral goats.

8. Loggerhead Key

Dry Tortugas visitors have the opportunity to explore the islands by boat, bike, or foot. Visitors can also explore the island's history and natural resources by visiting the visitor center or visiting one of the island's many beaches.

9. Garden Key

Visitors who Garden Key in Dry Tortugas are likely to be impressed by the variety and beauty of the plant life. The key's naturalistic setting and serene atmosphere may also be appealing to some.

10. Bush Key

Bush Key is a small, isolated island that is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Visitors can explore the island's natural beauty by hiking through the forest or swimming among the coral reefs.

11. Long Key

A visitor's experience when they Long Key in Dry Tortugas would be a unique and enjoyable one. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the wildlife is abundant. The water is crystal clear and the islands are perfect for hiking or biking.