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Accessibility - Restrooms, picnic area and the first tier of Fort Jefferson are accessible.
Boating
Private boaters have a prime opportunity to visit the fort. Nautical charts for the route can be purchased at marinas and boating supply outlets in Key West. Information can be obtained in Key West from the U.S. Coast Guard station, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Charter Boat Association. Boaters should be aware of the possibility of extreme rough seas.
If you visit using your personal boat, please bring at least two anchors and NOAA chart 11438. Overnight anchoring is limited to within one mile of Garden Key; there are no overnight anchoring buoys. Dockage at Garden Key is limited to two hours daily, sunrise to sunset.
Docking facilities are provided for park visitors and park operations. Load, unload, and moor vessels only where designated on the public dock. Moor private vessels no more than 2 hours between sunrise and sundown; overnight mooring to docks or piers is prohibited. The park superientendent may waive these regulations in emergencies that threaten life or property.
Seaplane approaches, landings, and takeoffs are limited to within 1 mile of the fort. Moor seaplanes only in the designated area at Garden Key.
Dumping or throwing overboard bottles, cans, paper, or other trash on park grounds or in the water is prohibited. It is illegal to pump holding tanks into park waters. Warning: Park waters over shallow coral heads and reefs are protected and may cause severe damage to boats and equipment if stuck. Use caution in all park areas.
Boat Tours, Diving and Park Tours
Camping
Camping is permitted on Garden Kay only in a small number of primitive camp sites that are available on a first-come, first served basis. Groups of 10 or more must obtain a special permit in advance. Camping is $3.00 per person per night (exact change required). See the Camping Page for details.
Fees - Entrance Fee and Camping Fee
The Entrance Fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is: $ 5.00 (for anyone 17 and older for a 7 day pass).
The Camping Fee is $ 3.00 per person per night (exact change required).
| National Parks Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) | $ 50.00 (valid in all Natl Parks) |
| Golden Eagle Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) | $ 15.00 (valid in all Natl Parks & Fed Rec Areas) |
| Golden Access Pass (blind or permanently disabled) | Free (Lifetime - valid in all Natl Parks) |
| Golden Age Pass (1 time fee - for those 62+) | $ 10.00 (Lifetime - valid in all Natl Parks) |
National Park Pass Information
National Parks Pass
The National Parks Pass is an annual pass that provides admission to any national park charging an entrance fee. The Pass costs $ 50.00 and is valid for 12 months (ending the last day of the purchase month, one year later). More than 80% of the proceeds from the sales of National Park Passes go directly into supporting priority projects in national parks.
Where a "Per Vehicle" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee and accompanying passengers in a single, private*, non-commercial vehicle. Where a "Per Person" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Pass is nontransferable and does not cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours and concessions.
Golden Eagle Pass
For an additional $ 15.00, a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Golden Eagle holograms are available at National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fee stations. The Golden Eagle admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Eagle admits the pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Golden Eagle is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours, and concessions. It is valid for entrance fees only. The Golden Eagle hologram is valid until the expiration of the National Parks Pass to which it is affixed.
Golden Age Pass
If you are age 62 or older, you qualify for a Golden Age Passport. The Golden Age Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older. The Golden Age Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.
The Golden Age Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. A Golden Age Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. There is a one-time $ 10.00 processing charge to obtain the Golden Age Pass. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are 62 years of age or older. You must show proof of age, such as a state driver's license, birth certificate, or similar document.
Golden Access Pass
If you have a permanent disability, you may qualify for a Golden Access Passport. The Golden Access Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.
The Golden Access Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. A Golden Access Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled. You may obtain a Golden Access Pass by showing proof of medically determined permanent disability, or eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law.
* A private vehicle is defined as any noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes.
The National Parks Pass may be purchased at any National Park office or entry station.
To purchase a pass Online, click on this Link, or to purchase via phone, call: 1-888-467-2757.
Fishing
A Florida salt water fishing license is required to fish. Personal watercraft, i.e. jet skis, are not permitted.
Food and Supplies
Supplies are available in Key West and other local communities of Stock Island, Big Coppitt Key, Summerland Key and Marathon.
Hiking
Fort Jefferson is open during daylight hours and there is a self-guiding trail that interprets the history of human presence in the Dry Tortugas while leading visitors through the fort. Loggerhead Key is open during the day only. All buildings and structures are closed to entry unless you are accompanied by a park employee. See the Hiking Page for details.
Lodging
Other overnight accommodations are available in Key West and other local communities of Stock Island, Big Coppitt Key, Summerland Key and Marathon. Check the Lodging Page for details.
Natural and Cultural Features
Do not disturb shells, corals, seafans, tropical fish, spiny lobster, and turtles and their nests. Dead shells above high water line may be collected, but all coral, living and dead, is protected from collection. Shipwrecks and their cargo and all historic artifacts in the park are protected by law. Commercial fishing and spearfishing are prohibited; so is taking of conch or lobster.
Nesting Closures
Bush Key is reserved for birds only in the February through September nesting season when disturbance may cause death for many young birds. Hospital and Long Keys are closed all year long.
Programs / Activities
Interpretive exhibits, a picnic area, self-guiding tours, Ranger-led activities, bird and wildlife watching, picnicking, salt water sport fishing, snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving are some of the activities available. See the Calendar Page for details.
Visitor Center
The visitor center is located on Garden Key and is open all year from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is a slide program about the islands as well as exhibits. Ranger lead nature walks are also provided. You can also borrow snorkel equipment. Divers must bring their own gear. There is no food or fresh water. You must provide your own. See the Calendar Page for details.
Weather
The best time to visit is November through April.
The Keys are hot and humid during the wet summer season and the insects bite and swarm.
Be aware that seas are rough from October through January.
Always wear sun screen whenever you visit.
See the Weather Page for current weather and other weather data.
