Things to Know Before You Come

What to Know

Before you make the trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, there are a few things you should be aware of. Please become familiar with the topics listed below so you can make the most of this wonderful place.

  • Visiting this remote park takes planning to make the most of your visit. Most travel to the park by boat or seaplane that departs daily from Key West. Some take charters or private boats to get to the islands located approximately 70 miles west of Key West.
  • There are no services available in the Dry Tortugas. Visitors must plan to bring everything they need for their trip with them. All garbage and waste must be packed out with you when you depart.
  • All visitors should carefully monitor the weather before traveling to the park. This is especially important for those making the voyage on their own vessel.
 

Things to Know Before Arriving

  • A sea plane and a boat above water, beside a sandy beach and brick fort structure.
    Directions and Transportation

    With no car access, Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

  • A yellow boat cleat on a pier with blue ocean waters in the background
    Visitor Boat Slips

    Boaters can use the slips on a first come first service basis to unload camping gear and supplies or take a walking tour of the fort.

  • A large sail boat and a small boat floating on clear water
    Required Boat Permits

    Boat permits are required when stopping anywhere in the park. Learn more about how to get them.

  • Two signs warning visitors of potential aquatic threats
    Safety

    Visiting such an isolated place means that you need to be prepared, not only for rough seas, but for primitive conditions.

  • A piece of driftwood on a sandy beach with blue ocean waters behind it
    Weather

    All visitors should carefully monitor the weather before traveling to the park.

  • Pilings of a pier and a sea wall
    Charters & Permitted Tour Guides

    Take guided tours for fishing, diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing

Last updated: December 31, 2020

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

40001 SR-9336
Homestead, FL 33034

Phone:

305 242-7700

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