The park is renowned for its diverse marine life, including over 300 species of fish, such as grouper, snapper, and parrotfish. Sea turtles, particularly loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles, nest on the islands' beaches. The area serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds, with nearly 300 species recorded. The park is especially important for sooty terns, brown noddies, and magnificent frigatebirds, which nest in large colonies. Marine mammals such as dolphins and the occasional manatee can be spotted in park waters. The coral reefs host a vibrant ecosystem of invertebrates, including various coral species, sea urchins, and spiny lobsters.
Despite the harsh marine environment, the Dry Tortugas supports a diverse array of plant life adapted to the subtropical climate and salt spray. The islands feature coastal strand vegetation, including sea oats, railroad vine, and bay cedar. Mangroves, particularly red mangroves, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing nursery habitat for marine life and preventing erosion. Bush Key hosts the largest sooty tern nesting site in the Western Hemisphere, with vegetation adapted to support these colonies. Underwater, extensive seagrass beds provide essential habitat and food sources for marine life, while various species of coral create complex reef structures.
The Dry Tortugas consists of seven small coral reef islands (keys) formed through the accumulation of coral and sand over thousands of years. These islands are part of the Florida Keys reef system, the third-largest barrier reef system in the world. The islands continue to evolve through the ongoing processes of erosion and deposition, with their shapes and sizes changing over time. The surrounding waters are relatively shallow, averaging 15 feet in depth, and feature extensive coral reef formations. The park's foundation consists of limestone bedrock formed from ancient coral reefs, overlain by more recent coral growth and carbonate sand deposits.
The Dry Tortugas were discovered by Ponce de León in 1513, who named them 'Las Tortugas' (The Turtles) due to the abundance of sea turtles. The 'Dry' prefix was added later to warn sailors of the lack of fresh water. The area's strategic location in the Gulf of Mexico led to the construction of Fort Jefferson between 1846 and 1875, which served as a military prison during the Civil War, with its most famous prisoner being Dr. Samuel Mudd, convicted of conspiracy in President Lincoln's assassination. The fort never saw combat but remained an important military installation until 1874. The area was designated as a National Monument in 1935 and became a National Park in 1992.
Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas, dominates Garden Key and serves as the park's centerpiece. The hexagonal fort features impressive engineering, including a sophisticated rainwater collection system and three tiers of gun rooms. The park's pristine coral reefs offer world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities, with the Windjammer Wreck being a popular dive site. Bush Key provides critical nesting habitat for seabirds, while Loggerhead Key features a historic lighthouse built in 1858. The park's crystal-clear waters, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet, make it ideal for underwater activities. The moat wall surrounding Fort Jefferson harbors a unique ecosystem and serves as an excellent snorkeling location.
Dry Tortugas experiences a tropical maritime climate with two distinct seasons. The warm season (May through October) features temperatures between 80-90°F (27-32°C), high humidity, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The dry season (November through April) is milder, with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C) and lower humidity. The park receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually, mainly during the summer months. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and visitors should monitor weather conditions before planning their trip. Water temperatures remain pleasant year-round, ranging from 70°F in winter to 85°F in summer.
USA
24.6280°, -82.8730°
January 4, 1935
261.8
Dry Tortugas is a cluster of seven small islands located in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress, and features pristine coral reefs and marine life. The clear, shallow waters make it an ideal location for snorkeling and diving.