At the southernmost tip of the Continental United
States lies the island paradise Key West with its own unique charm and laid back
lifestyle - Famous for Hemingway, sunset celebrations and much more. However the
end of US 1 is just the beginning, let the
Dry Tortugas Ferry or the
Seaplanes
of Key West take you a further 70 miles (112.9km)
west of Key West, Florida, out over the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico
to America's most inaccessible National Park - The Dry Tortugas - Fort
Jefferson on Garden Key.
RESERVATIONS
TOLL FREE:
(888) 382-7864 CALL NOW!
Dry TortugasFerry & Seaplanes
The
Dry Tortugas National Park consists of seven tiny islands
composed of coral reefs, white sandy
beaches and the surrounding tropical waters. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, and its legends of pirates and sunken
gold, and sheer unspoiled beauty. Ft. Jefferson, the largest of the 19th century American coastal forts is a central feature.
When Ponce De Leon originally discovered these islands
(in 1513) he named them
"Las Tortugas" (meaning "the turtles" in Spanish) because of
the abundance of sea turtles that provisioned his ships with
fresh meat, but there was no fresh water -
the Tortugas were dry. Even though hunting drastically reduced their
numbers, many varieties of the species are still present in the area. The Dry
Tortugas National Park is dominated by its’ central feature,
the majestic
Fort Jefferson - the largest 19th century coastal fort.
It's time to step back in
time and explore the history that is Fort Jefferson, sunbathe on a remote palm
tree lined white sand beach or snorkel the living reef in the warm crystal clear
waters of this beautiful Paradise. We hope your visit is an enjoyable and memorable
one.
ACREAGE:
64,700 (Federal: 61,480, Nonfederal: 3,220., Land area: 39.28)
LOCATION:
70 miles (112.9km) west of Key West, Florida
OPERATING HOURS AND SEASONS:
The park is open all year.
Ft. Jefferson on Garden Key is open during daylight hours; closed at dark.
(Day use only on Loggerhead Key. Bush Key is closed to visitors from April to September to protect
nesting Sooty and Noddy Terns. Hospital and Long keys are closed all year.)
PRIVATE BOATERS:
Must be fully self-sufficient with water, fuel and supplies. Nautical charts for the route can be purchased at boating supply outlets in Key West. The park has no boat moorings or slips.
Overnight anchorage is limited to the designated area within one nautical mile of the Ft. Jefferson
harbor light. Personal watercraft, i.e. jet skis, are not permitted !
ADMISSION FEES:
$5.00 entrance fee. Camping fee is $3.00
per person per day. A Florida salt water fishing license is required.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
The park is isolated, visitors must provide everything they will need including food
and water.
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES:
Visitor Center in Fort Jefferson, self-guiding tours, Ranger-led activities,
bird and wildlife watching, picnicking, salt water sport fishing,
snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving, interpretive
exhibits, a picnic area. The Florida National Parks and Monuments Association bookstore at the visitor center
features books, videos, and related products about the flora, fauna, and history of the park.
FORT JEFFERSON FERRY
& SEAPLANES RESERVATIONS:
Limited seating -
Advance Reservations are Required..!
Please Call for Prices and Reservations.
Available
10am-5pm: 1-888-382-7864
The National Park is now charging an
entrance fee of $5.00 per person. The entrance fee is to be collected by the
Ferry or Seaplanes at boarding. Thank you.
All Fishing Boats are located in Key West
Florida. Normally a fishing trip would last at least 2 days / 1 night on the
boat, if not longer. Our boats are listed on the Charter Key West website -
click here to preview more information and send a Reservation Request for the
fishing boat of your choice. Thank you...
http://www.key-west-fishing.com
FORT JEFFERSON & DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK.
Official Guide to Fort Jefferson - Advanced Reservations Required.
Call Direct (888) 382-7864. Best Rates on Ferry and Seaplane Tickets to the Dry Tortugas.
Fort Jefferson history, snorkeling, camping, bird watching and more.
& BOOKMARK IT on your browser for future reference
- Add
FortJefferson.com to your Favorites!
Thank you.
