Dry Tortugas National Park
A remote brick fortress 70 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico.
Why we love Dry
Dry Tortugas National Park is a cluster of seven tiny islands surrounded by coral reefs, anchored by Fort Jefferson, one of the largest brick masonry structures in the Americas.
Reachable only by boat or seaplane, the park feels like the edge of the world. The flight alone is spectacular, skimming low over shipwrecks, sea turtles and sandbars in shades of blue you did not know existed.
Once there, walk the fort's moat wall, snorkel the coral heads along its base and watch frigatebirds wheel overhead. Garden Key has a small beach and picnic area. Pack plenty of water, as there are no shops on the island.
- From the resort70 miles
- Travel time40 min by seaplane, 2 hr 15 min by ferry
Things to do
- 1
Fort Jefferson
Explore the six-sided fortress with more than 16 million bricks.
- 2
Moat wall snorkel
Coral, sea fans and tropical fish in calm, clear water.
- 3
Bird watching
Spring brings thousands of sooty terns to nearby Bush Key.
- 4
Seaplane flight
Low-altitude views over the Marquesas Keys and shipwreck sites.
Tips from the front desk
- Seaplanes book out weeks ahead in spring
- Ferry departs at 8 am from the seaport
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
Yes. Our guest experiences team books half-day and full-day seaplane trips, including transfer to the airport.
Children over 2 can fly. The fort has open ledges, so younger children need close supervision.
Make Azure Bay your island base
Book direct for our best rate, a welcome drink at Salt and Lime and free cancellation on most stays.
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