How far west off Key West are the Dry Tortugas?
How far west off Key West are the Dry Tortugas? Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park.
How much money does it cost to go to Dry Tortugas?
The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person under 16 years of age is exempt from paying an entrance fee (this includes international visitors).
What animals are at Dry Tortugas?
Hundreds of species of marine animals lie just below the surface of the water. There are opportunities to view sharks, sea turtles, coral, lobsters, squid, octopus, tropical reef fishes, and Goliath groupers.
Did pirates go to Dry Tortugas?
Unfortunately, while the Dry Tortugas were an attractive destination for marauding pirates, they were also the site of some 200 shipwrecks before the construction of the lighthouse on Loggerhead Key.
Is Dry Tortugas worth seeing?
I would highly recommend anyone visit the Dry Tortugas - families, couples, groups, solo. Thank you to the Yankee Freedom crew for taking us there! Once there I recommend touring the fort for a bit - you'll only have so long on the island if you take the Yankee Freedom - and it can be a challenge to fit it all in.
Are there bathrooms on Dry Tortugas?
Facilities at Dry Tortugas: No public restrooms are available, so you will have to return to the boat if you need to use the facilities. There are change rooms on the ferry dock and a hose to rinse off after snorkeling.
Are there sharks around the Dry Tortugas?
Yes, there are sharks in Dry Tortugas National Park. The most common type of shark seen in the park is the nurse shark.
Why is Dry Tortugas famous?
In 1898 the U.S.S. Maine sailed from the Dry Tortugas on its ill-fated voyage to the bottom of Havana harbor, helping ignite the Spanish-American War. Ten years later the islands were designated a preserve and breeding ground for birds. Then, in 1935, Fort Jefferson was declared a national monument.
Is seaplane to Dry Tortugas worth it?
We did the half day trip by seaplane. We really enjoyed our time in the Dry Tortugas and wished we had more than two and a half hours. However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. It's worth it, if you have that kind of money to spend, and if you want to take your time here.
Can you stay overnight in the Dry Tortugas?
The campground is a self-service fee area with a nightly fee of: $15 per night, per individual site. $30 per night for the LARGE group site.
Why is it called Dry Tortugas?
Ponce de León called the islands “Las Tortugas” (The Turtles) after the large turtle population. British sailors later renamed them “Dry Tortugas” because the islands have no natural source of fresh water on them. “Tortugas” is one of the oldest European-named places in the United States.