National Park · Southeast · FL
Dry Tortugas National Park
Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Current alerts
Park ClosureSeasonal Closure: Bush Key
Visitors may only access the harborside of Bush Key through Fall 2026 to protect nesting Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Boaters must maintain a distance of 100 feet from the island's mean low tide.
Park ClosureSections of moat wall closed until Winter 2026
Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) are undergoing repair and reinforcement. For your safety, please follow posted signage and do not cross any barricades.
Park ClosureCurrent Alerts and Conditions
Be sure to review the Alerts and Conditions below before and during your visit for additional, up-to-date information on closures, cautions, and other current park conditions.
InformationMigrant Notice
Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, we have seen an increase in Cuban migrants arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. You may observe migrant landings at the park and visitor areas may be impacted.
CautionGarden Key Harbor Light
Vessel operators - the Garden Key Harbor Light is undergoing repairs and is extinguished. At this time it is unknown when the light will again be illuminated.
Location
24.6287, -82.8732
Hours & fees
Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This includes holidays.
| Monday | All Day |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
- Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person 15 years old and under is exempt from paying an entrance fees (including international visitors). Ferry tickets include the cost of entrance to the park, but NOT camping fees. Seaplane will charge the entrance fee upon arrival. Plan to bring cash for each person aged 16-years of age and older. Private boaters may purchase a digital pass in advance or pay cash/check at Garden Key main dock.
Best time to visit
Accessible primarily in: Spring, Summer, Fall.
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Activities
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Boating
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Fishing
- Guided Tours
- Hands-On
- Volunteer Vacation
- Paddling
- Junior Ranger Program
- SCUBA Diving
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store