A 70-mile ferry journey to a remote island group anchored by a Civil War–era fort with the clearest water in Florida and snorkeling around the walls of Fort Jefferson.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The Dry Tortugas are a remote archipelago 70 miles west of Key West, accessible only by ferry or seaplane. Fort Jefferson — a massive, never-completed Civil War fort built on a tiny island — sits in water so clear you can see the bottom 30 feet below from the ferry deck. The snorkeling around the fort walls is some of the best in Florida. Day trips depart Key West at 8am and return by 6pm. Camping overnight is possible and extraordinary.
What Stands Out
- 70 miles west of Key West — accessible only by ferry or seaplane
- Fort Jefferson — largest brick fort in the Western Hemisphere
- Clearest water in Florida — snorkeling around the fort walls
- Day trips depart 8am, return 6pm
- Overnight camping available (permits required)
- Loggerhead sea turtles and manta rays common