Things to Do at Dry Tortugas National Park

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things to do at
dry tortugas national park

discover unforgettable experiences in america’s most remote national park.

from world-class snorkeling and historic fort jefferson to bird watching and fishing,

explore dry tortugas your way—by private charter.

snorkeling

fort jefferson

bird watching

fishing

Explore Historic Fort Jefferson

Discover America's largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. This massive 19th-century fortress

holds fascinating stories of Civil War prisoners, yellow fever epidemics, and military history.

Self-Guided Tours

Self-Guided
Tours

Explore the fort at your own pace with detailed interpretive signs and historical markers throughout the structure.

Tour duration: 1-2 hours

Available during park hours

Free with park entry

Accessible pathways

Historical
Exhibits

Historical Exhibits

Learn about the fort's construction, Civil War history, and famous prisoners including Dr. Samuel Mudd.

Civil War prison history

Dr. Samuel Mudd story

Construction timeline

Military significance

Photography
Paradise

Historical Exhibits

Capture stunning architectural details, panoramic views, the contrast between historic stone and tropical paradise.

360-degree fortress views

Sunrise/sunset shots

Architectural details

Wildlife photography

Fort Jefferson by the Numbers

16 Million

Bricks Used

50 Feet

Wall Height

30 Years

Construction Time

Never

Completed

World-Class Snorkeling

dry tortugas national park offers some of the most pristine snorkeling in north america. crystal-clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and exceptional visibility—often exceeding 100 feet—create an unforgettable underwater experience just offshore from fort jefferson.

Best Snorkeling Spots

Moat Wall, North and South Coaling Docks, and the protected waters around Garden Key

Marine Life

Tropical fish, sea turtles, nurse sharks, rays, and pristine coral formations

Water Conditions

Water temperature is at 75-85°F year-round, calm protected waters, excellent visibility

Pro Tip for Private Charter Guests

Private charters can access exclusive snorkeling locations away from crowded ferry areas. Your captain selects the best spots based on sea conditions, visibility, and marine life activity—maximizing both safety and experience.

Legendary Fishing

the waters around dry tortugas offer some of florida's most productive fishing.

from shallow flats to deep blue water, every angler finds their perfect fishing experience.

Shallow Water

• Sight fishing opportunities • Fly fishing paradise
• Light tackle action • Year-round fishing

Deep Sea

• Trolling for big game • Bottom fishing
• Seasonal migrations • Trophy opportunities

Wreck Fishing

• Historic shipwrecks • Structure fishing
• Heavy tackle required • Year-round action

Legendary Fishing

the waters around dry tortugas offer some of florida's most productive fishing.

from shallow flats to deep blue water, every angler finds their perfect fishing experience.

Shallow Water

• Sight fishing opportunities
• Fly fishing paradise
• Light tackle action
• Year-round fishing

Deep Sea

• Trolling for big game
• Bottom fishing
• Seasonal migrations
• Trophy opportunities

Wreck Fishing

• Historic shipwrecks
• Structure fishing
• Heavy tackle required
• Year-round action

World-Class
Bird Watching

dry tortugas is a critical stopover point for migrating birds and home to massive seabird colonies. with over 290 recorded species, it's a birder's paradise.

Year-Round Residents

• Brown Noddy • Sooty Tern (Apr-Oct)
• Masked Booby • Magnificent Frigatebird

Migratory Species

• Warblers (Spring/Fall) • Raptors
• Shorebirds • Rare vagrants

Year-Round Residents

• Brown Noddy
• Sooty Tern (Apr-Oct)
• Masked Booby
• Magnificent Frigatebird

Migratory

Species

• Warblers (Spring/Fall)
• Raptors
• Shorebirds
• Rare vagrants

Best Bird Watching Times

Peak migration periods are April-May and September-October. Sooty tern nesting season (April-October) offers incredible opportunities to observe one of North America's largest seabird colonies.

skip the planning stress
with a private charter

let experienced captains handle all the logistics while you focus on enjoying your dry tortugas adventure.

everything included, nothing to worry about.

View Charter options

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