Where Ocean Meets History: Dry Tortugas National Park

Unique experience

Very interesting National Park to visit. We took the Yankee Clipper ferry to the key. They gave some great information both to and from the key and the ride was fairly comfortable. The park is small. You can walk it in about an hour and see just about everything. Add snorkeling and some chilling watching the sea birds and you will fill the afternoon. Glad we made the effort to visit.

Easily, the COOLEST National Park in the United States. Both ecologically and historically amazing, the park has beautiful views of the Florida Straits. The water is crystal clear blue and there are so many different types of birds, fish, sea life, crabs and more that you will see. The fort itself, Fort Jefferson, is a sight to behold and is historically significant. The tours do a great job of explaining the park's history and the fort is down right amazing. Funny enough, the fort itself was never actually completed. This is one of the most difficult national parks to access but easily the one that's most worth it. You can take the Yankee Freedom boat from Key West for about $250 a person or a seaplane for half the travel time but double the ticket price.

Bring your own food, water, hand cleaners , first aid kits, back a small vitamin container with medicine like Tylenol, Benadryl, aspirin, cough, allergy med, etc. No running water or medicine at this location. 1. The sites are amazing. The history is worth the trip. Take lots of photos. 2.No cell service. Will have to use the Key West Express boat WIFI 3.No medical supplies or equipment. So back bandages, triple antibiotic, aloe, maybe some cotton balls with apple cider vinegar for jelly fish stings, minor medical supplies bring. 4.Carry in and carry out your garage. 5.Windy most days, bring light jacket. 6.Birds , lot of birds during mating season (Jan/May) 7. Limited on bugs , no need for spray. 8.Mineral sunscreen, the coral reefs needs less chemicals for the ocean. Google mineral sunscreen. 9.Hydration bring plenty. The key West boat for non passengers will sell drinks and food after 1pm for all. 10. Many boats and planes arrive by 830am to drop off people. 11. The waters surrounding the park are not safe waters be on the look out. 12.Wear good water shoes or comfortable shoes. Not even grounds. 13. Natural lighting, no lights no electric.Bring a solar powered battery charger. 14.Limited seating outside, some but scattered through out the ground. 15.Coral everywhere, wear decent shoes...reminder again. Sandals May collect alot of shells and sand making the shoes uncomfortable. 16. Sunglasses polarized, lots of sun. 17.Snorkeling allowed in the beach areas. There are changing rooms onsite. Port a johns on site as well. 18. The park ranger is on site 24/7. They are available by radio also for boat travelers. 19. There is a park store, open limited hours, selling souvenirs. 20. Reminder no medical attention on the grounds. 21. Glass is allowed, along with beer and other alcohol just pack back up. 22. Recommend tour grounds during day, afternoon tour inside the building when the temperature is hot. 23. Boaters mourning in dry Tortugas, many Goliath groupers hanging out. 24. Light house on another island just outside the Tortuga. Have to ask the park ranger if possible to visit. We didn't go. 25. No safety around building, no railing, or fences. 26.lots of walking, stairs and other footing conditions. Many beautiful sites , the architecture was amazing for the time it was built.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.