News Release

Dry Tortugas National Park Closes in Preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia

An early morning view from the top of Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park.

NPS/Gaby Eseverri

News Release Date: August 28, 2023

Contact: Media contact: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023

Contact: General info, 305-242-7700

Dry Tortugas National Park has closed for the safety of visitors and staff in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia. Concession-operated ferry and sea plane services are also temporarily suspended. 

Park staff completed hurricane preparations at the park today. Garden Key, Loggerhead Key and all other islands and facilities in the park are closed, including the campground, main dock and visitor courtesy slips on Garden Key.

While the park is closed, park waters remain open and vessels may seek safe harbor in the designated areas within the one nautical mile anchoring zone around Garden Key, including Bird Key Harbor. Mariners should continue to monitor the storm. There will be no visitor services available while the closure is in effect and emergency services will be extremely limited. 

All closures will remain in place until the severe weather has passed and the National Park Service determines that employee and visitor facilities are safe. If the storm track changes, the park may issue a new advisory with updated status, including any lifting of closures. Please check “Alerts” on the park website for current information.

The NPS Hurricane and Severe Weather Response has updates for all National Park Service sites.