A cluster of small islands 70 miles west of Key West, centered on the massive 19th-century Fort Jefferson, reachable only by seaplane or ferry.

Park Pass

Join the National Parks Club

A single day via ferry covers the highlights, while 1 to 2 lets you camp overnight for a quieter, less crowded experience.

No special permit is required to visit.

Key West is your departure point, about 70 miles from the park by boat.

The entrance fee is $15/person, generally included in your ferry or seaplane fare.

Why Visit?:

Dry Tortugas centers on the massive, still-standing Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fortress rising out of the water 70 miles from Key West — a genuinely striking sight after a long boat or seaplane ride to get there. The surrounding islands and reefs are just as much a draw as the fort itself.

Because it's only reachable by ferry or seaplane, this is one of the least-visited parks in the system despite sitting relatively close to a major tourist hub like Key West — most people never make the extra trip out.

Things to Do:

Touring Fort Jefferson itself is the centerpiece — a self-guided walk through the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, with genuinely fascinating Civil War-era history. Snorkeling right off the fort's walls is excellent, with clear water and an easy entry point.

If you camp overnight (advance reservation required, no facilities beyond a composting toilet), you get the rare experience of having Fort Jefferson essentially to yourself after the day-trip ferry departs — genuinely one of the most unique overnight experiences in the park system.

Get the Full Itinerary

Closest airports: Key West International Airport (EYW) is the departure point for both ferry and seaplane options, with Miami International (MIA) as a larger alternative about 4 hours away by car plus the boat trip.

Nearby Attractions:

Key West itself is worth a day or two on either end of your Dry Tortugas trip, and Everglades and Biscayne National Parks are both about 4 hours away if you're building a broader South Florida parks itinerary.