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There are a number of things to do while enjoying Dry Tortugas National park. These activities include but are not limited to beach combing, birding, camping, diving, fishing, hiking, photography, ranger led activities, snorkeling, swimming and wildlife watching.
Join a National Park Service ranger to explore Dry Tortugas's natural and cultural history. Join a ranger to learn about the forces that once shaped this landscape - and continue to do so, see the Calendar Page. Ranger / Naturalist programs include scheduled talks and walks. These are just some of the ways to discover the diversity of the scenic, natural and historic wonders that comprise Dry Tortugas National Park. Check at the visitor center for information.
Of the parks 64,657 acres, 99% is open water and submerged island.
Exploring Fort Jefferson
Fort Jefferson is open during daylight hours on Garden Key and there is a self-guiding trail that interprets the history of human presence in the Dry Tortugas while leading visitors through the fort.
Dry Tortugas Loggerhead Light is located on Loggerhead Key. It was established in 1825. The existing historic tower was constructed in 1858. It is still an active aid (optic only) to navigation in the national park. Loggerhead Key is open during the day only. All buildings and structures are closed to entry unless you are accompanied by a park employee. The only access is by boat.
The Tortugas Harbor (Fort Jefferson ) Light is located on the Garden Key. It was established in 1825 and the existing historic tower was constructed in 1876. The light is still operational.
Snorkeling, Swimming and Underwater Photography
Divers WARNING: Strong currents run through the park in many areas.
Snorkeling, swimming and underwater photography are amazing here. Snorkelers find marine life concentrated around patches of live coral. Swimmers can explore coral wonderlands in only 3 to 4 feet of water.
Warm, clear and well lit; the Dry Tortugas' shallow waters foster optimal conditions for coral reefs to develop on the outer edges of tropical islands. Actual builders of these fringing reefs are small primitive animals called polyps. Over centuries polyps accumulate in living colonies that form the reef's rigid structures so often misconstrued as rocks. Through fragile, the Tortugas reef complex supports a wealth of marine life. Multicolored sea fans sway in gentle currents. Sea anemones thrust upward their rose and lavender tentacles in search of food. Lobsters anticipating danger wave their antennae. Sponges dot sandy bottoms, and staghorn coral clusters simulate underwater forests.
Most obvious among the coral reef inhabitants are the colorful reef fishes. Vivid, boldly patterned reds, yellows, greens and blues work as camouflage, identity, warning and courtship messages. Predatory fish include amberjacks, groupers, wahoos, tarpon, and atop this coral food pyramid, sharks and barracudas.
Hunted by humans - mostly illegally - for gourmet meat, leather, and cosmetic oils, sea turtle numbers have diminished greatly worldwide, but green, loggerhead, and hawksbill species are still seen in the Dry Tortugas. Sea turtles themselves prey on small marine invertebrates and forage turtle grass and other aquatic plants. Twice or more per season, females climb onto sand beaches to dig out nests, lay eggs, cover them and retreat seaward. Hatchlings crawl seaward by instinct, but most succumb to natural predators between nest and sea. It is critical that humans do not disturb sea turtles.
In season, a continuous succession of songbirds and other migrants flies over or rests at the Dry Tortugas. Strategically set, these islands lie across a principal flyway from the United States to Cuba and South America. Familiar up north in summer, many gulls, terns and migratory birds winter here. During April and early May, the Audobon Society sponsors guided birding trips.
