About this city
Dry Tortugas is a remote and pristine archipelago of seven small coral islands located in the Gulf of Mexico, situated about 68 miles west of Key West, Florida. Discovered by Juan Ponce de León in 1513, who named them 'Las Tortugas' due to the abundance of sea turtles, the word 'Dry' was later appended to warn mariners of the complete lack of fresh water. Geographically isolated, the islands are surrounded by exceptionally clear waters, extensive coral reefs, and marine life, serving as a critical nesting ground for thousands of tropical seabirds. The islands are dominated by Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished 19th-century coastal fortress that stands as the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas, now preserved as a highly unique National Park.
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Suggested stay: 1 day
Tour the massive historic brick galleries of Fort Jefferson, snorkel in the crystal-clear coral reefs directly off the beach, camp under the stars on Garden Key, and observe nesting colonies of sooty terns.
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