8/18/2019 Dry Tortugas Park Guide by Malinee Tangtanawat

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Dry Tortugasnational park

8/18/2019 Dry Tortugas Park Guide by Malinee Tangtanawat

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I n f o

Established: October 26, 1992; January4, 1935 (National Monument)

Size: 64,700 Acres

Annual Visitors: 54,000

Peak Season: April - May

Activities: Snorkeling, SCUBA, BirdWatching, Paddling, Fishing

Campgrounds: Tere are 8 primitivecampsites on Garden Key

Camping Fee: $3 per person/nightOverow camping and one group siteare also available.

Lodging: None

Park Hours: All Year

Entrance Fee: $5/Person (17 & older)

A destination as well known forits legendary intrigue as it is forits natural wonders—is comprisedof coral reefs and rubble andsurrounded by generous shoals and

waters. One major attraction is Fort Jefferson, one of the largest coastal forts ever built.

Welcome to Dry Tortugas

he collection o United States national parks is best dened byits awe-inspiring vistas, gaping canyons, rugged mountains, andspouting geysers. Among this collection hides an aberration o

sorts. Just 70 miles southwest o Key West is a park centered around amilitary ort. Fort Jefferson is a man-made military relic, whose massivebrick structure serves as centerpiece o t he Dry ortugas. Seven low-lying keys and t heir surrounding waters provide sanctuary or an arrayo bird and marine li e. Beneath the water is a snorkeler’s playgroundlled with color ul corals, corroding shipwrecks, and casual sea turt les.

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Te reef was previously knownto only a handful of divers as“Sherwood Forest,” because duringearly morning dives the corals aremysterious looking and reminiscentof a forest canopy.

Coral reefs are diverse underwaterecosystems held together by calciumcarbonate structures secreted bycorals. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals.

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D ry ortugas National Park is located at the ar westernend o the Florida Keys. Tese islands are not tet heredto the mainland by roads and bridges, so SCUBA diversmust arrive by private boat or charter. Beneath t he water divers

will nd the C aribbean’s largest and healthiest ree system. O ne othe highlights is Sherwood Forest , eaturing a canopy o mushroom-

shaped ormations. More than 400 species o sh reside here; o them,hammerhead sharks, barracuda, and Goliath grouper are ofen s een.

More than 99% o the park is water, so you really have to getin or under the water to experience it. Dry ortugas just might be the best snorkeling the Florida Keys hasto offer. A designated snorkel area is available on Garden Key,southwest o Fort Jefferson along its outer wall. Te area eatureschest-deep water, turtle grass, and coral. Coral ree s make up a very small

raction o the underwater environment, but they provide habitat or morethan 25% o t he area’s sh population.

snorkelingscuba diving

w h a t

t o s e e

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Campsites have picnic tables and grills. Campers must bringall supplies, including a tent, fresh water, fuel, ice, and food. Alltrash and garbage must be carried out upon departure.

what to

bring

here are 8 primitive campsiteson Garden Key near FortJefferson. Tese sites are

available on a rst-come, rst-served basis or $3 per person pernight, payable at a sel -service paystation. I the primitive sites are

ull, an overow camping area isavailable. One group site is available

or groups o 10 - 20 campers byreservation (call 305.242.7700).Campers must bring all ood andwater required or the duration otheir stay. Composting toilets areavailable in the campground. Woodres are prohibited.

For more information aboutDry ortugas, please visit:www.nps.gov/drto

Due to excessive commercialshing new regulations prohibitshing in about hal o thepark’s waters. Te ban was required tohelp repopulate a once thriving shcommunity. Good shing is still poss iblein and around Dry ortugas, and thescenery and climate is a serious bonus.Calm water makes spring and summerthe pre erred seasons or shing.Grouper and snapper are commonlycaught. Dry ortugas National Parkshing excursions are available romseveral Key West area charters. A wide variety o multi-day, multi-angler tripsare available ranging anywhere rom$600- 3,300 (call or exact rates).

camping fishing

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Map & Transportation

Te park is 70 miles southwest o Key West,FL. It can only be reached by sea plane orboat. Tree boat and sea plane operatorsprovide service to and rom the park.

officerquarters

VISITORCENTER

soldierbarracks

visible ruin Picnic area Primitive campground

Restrooms

Great snorkel area

Great snorkel area

Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry

(305) 294-7009

240 Margaret Street; Key West, FL 33040 Rates: $165(adult)/$120 (child 4-16) (Includes Park Entrance)

www.yankee reedom.comSunny Days Catamarans

(305) 296-5556

I 201 Elizabeth Street; Key West, FL 33040

Rates: $145 (adult)/$100 (child 3-16) plus Entrance Fee

www.sunnydayskeywest.com

Key West Seaplane Adventures

(305) 293-9300

I 3471 South Roosevelt Blvd; Key West, FL 33040

Rates: Adult $249(hal )/$435( ull), Child (3-12) $199/$349

www.keywestseaplanecharters.com

H o w t o g e t t

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