The Real Florida Keys

Florida Keys Vacation - Where the locals go

The Florida Keys Dry Tortugas

DRY TORTUGAS

The Dry Tortugas are a small group of islands, located at the end of the Florida Keys, 70 miles west of Key West, and 37 miles west of the Marquesas Keys, the closest islands. Still further west is the Tortugas Bank, which is completely submerged.

The islands were discovered in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. They are an unincorporated area of Monroe County, Florida and belong to the Lower Keys Census County Division. With their surrounding waters, they constitute the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Dry Tortugas National Park preserves Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas section of the Florida Keys. The park covers 101 miles, mostly water, in the Gulf of Mexico.

It is famous for abundant sea life, colorful coral reefs and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. The park’s centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress.

It is the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere,^[1][2][3] and is composed of over 16 million bricks. The park plays host to almost 80,000 visitors each year. The park is accessible only by seaplane or boat. Activities include snorkeling, picnicking, scuba diving, and birdwatching.

The best time to visit the Dry Tortugas in my opinion is in the mid summer months. The waters are calm, which makes the 2 hour plus boat trip a pleasure and makes snorkeling or diving the reef around the Tortugas phenominal, not to mention that during this time of year many specials and discounts are offered.

This is also a “must do” for children, and it is not uncommon to have dolphins escort you on your trip. The Dry Tortugas are in a protected area and there is no fresh water on the island, everthing must be brought with you … and nothing is left behind. Bring your camera and let the wonderful hosts of your trip take care of all your needs.

1. ^ http://floridakeys.net/news.cfm?newsid=1209 Floridakeys.net
2. ^ http://www.floridakeysfishing.com/Fort%20Jefferson.htm Dry Tortugas National Park - A Unique Visit Back In Time
3. ^ http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0111/story.html#story_4 Trips: Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park

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