Breif history of the Dry Tortugas

The Dry Tortugas were first named “Las Tortugas” by spanish explorer Ponce De Leon in 1531, it was changed on mariners charts to “dry tortugas” to let them know they had no fresh water. A lighthouse was build in 1825 on Garden Key to warn sailors of the rocky shoals. The United States knew come 1829, they could control the Gulf of Mexico and protect the Mississippi river trade by fortifying the Tortugas. Fort Jefferson construction began in 1846 but was never completed. 

Visiting the Dry Tortugas

You can visit Fort Jefferson is open during daylight hours with a self-guiding trail you can follow that shows off the human presence in the Dry Tortugas. Other overnight needs are available in Key West or other local communities of Stock Island, Summerland Key, Marathon and Big Coppitt Key. You can learn more about the Dry Tortugas on our website here.

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas is a national park located 68 nautical miles west from Key West, Florida Seventy miles west of the Key West rests a cluster of seven coral reefs called the Dry Tortugas. The reefs along with shoals and waters make up the Dry Tortugas. The Dry Tortugas are known for they’re marine life and legends of pirates and sunken gold.

You can check out our website here for more information on the area and booking a tour. We have activities for scuba diving, spearfishing and deep sea sport fishing!

What are the Dry Tortugas?

The Dry Tortugas are a cluster of seven islands almost 70 miles west of Key West. They are composed of coral reefs and sand. and are known for it's famous bird and marine life. There are also legends of pirates, sunken gold, and a military past.

In 1513 the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the Dry Tortugas. He named them Dry because none of the islands have fresh water. He added Tortugas to the name because he saw an abundance of turtles on the island.

You can learn even more about the Dry Tortugas on our official website here.