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Dry Tortugas

  • Florida

photo: Ruggy Bear CC BY 2.0

Why go there?

Dry Tortugas is a group of small, remote islands located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Accessible only by boat or seaplane and renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it's a haven for snorkelers and divers. Garden Key is home to beaches and the beautiful 19th-century Fort Jefferson - once used as a Civil War prison. Loggerhead Key has a lighthouse and sea turtles. The Windjammer Wreck, the remains of an 1875 ship, is a popular dive site. The isolation of Dry Tortugas adds to its allure, providing a unique and pristine natural environment.

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See some highlights

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    24°37'38.49"N, 82°52'26.41"W

    Dry Tortugas

    • Florida

    This Gulf of Mexico Fortress is the Ultimate Snorkeling Destination

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    Parks Channel Programs

    • Boating

    • Beaches

    • Diving

    • History

    • Civil War

    • Military history

    • Camping

    • Ranger programs

    • Ocean Life

    • Wildlife viewing

    • Bird and wildlife viewing