Where is Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West, Florida?

Written by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 ET

Dry Tortugas National Park is located in Florida, USA. It lies between Key West and the Marquesas Keys and is situated about 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is famous for its historic Fort Jefferson, coral reefs, clear waters, and abundant marine life.

Dry Tortugas National Park Location Map, Key West, Florida

Top Attractions Inside Dry Tortugas National Park

  • Fort Jefferson – Massive 19th-century coastal fortress with guided tours and historical exhibits.
  • Snorkeling & Diving Spots – Crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands with coral reefs, shipwrecks, and abundant marine life.
  • Loggerhead Key & Garden Key – Scenic islands ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the park’s natural environment.
  • Birdwatching – Prime location for observing migratory seabirds and native species.
  • Camping Facilities – Limited backcountry camping on select islands for an immersive wilderness experience.
  • Historic Lighthouse – Iconic lighthouse offering scenic views and insight into maritime history.
  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Explore shallow waters and nearby reefs for wildlife and nature observation.

Dry Tortugas National Park Facts

Official NameDry Tortugas National Park
LocationOff-shore from Key West, Florida, USA — in the Straits of Florida / Gulf of Mexico / Florida Keys
Latitude & Longitude≈ 24.6280° N, 82.8731° W
Total Area≈ 64,701 acres (≈ 262 km²) — Mostly marine area including islands, coral reefs & seascape
Established / OpenedOctober 26, 1992 (as National Park; previously Dry Tortugas National Monument since 1935)
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionFlorida Keys / Gulf of Mexico coastal marine & island region
AddressDry Tortugas National Park, P.O. Box 440, Key West, FL 33041, USA
Zip Code33041
Area Code305 / 786
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving (Florida)
Theme / ConceptHistoric fort, remote island & marine wilderness, coral reefs, tropical ecology, bird & marine life, snorkeling/diving, heritage preservation
Main Sections / AreasGarden Key (with Fort Jefferson), Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long-range reef & surrounding seascape, coral reef & marine zones
Famous AttractionsFort Jefferson historic fortress, coral reefs, snorkeling & diving sites, seabird colonies, pristine tropical-island beaches, remote-island wilderness, marine wildlife (fish, turtles, rays)
Annual VisitorsApprox. 110,000–130,000 visitors (varies)
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Park Entrance Fee (ferry or private boat required to access)
Ticket Price Range US $15 per person (for boat/ferry + entrance; varies by operator & season)
Ticket OptionsFerry or private-boat access, snorkeling/diving trips, day-use, overnight camping (limited, permit-based)
Best Time to VisitNovember–May for more comfortable weather & good water clarity; year-round diving & snorkeling possible (check marine & weather conditions)
Nearby AirportKey West International Airport (EYW) – 70 mi (113 km) plus boat ride to the park
TransportationFerry boat or private boat / kayak / small-craft, limited small-plane access, snorkeling/diving gear, walking on islands / Fort Jefferson area
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm

Distances from Dry Tortugas National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Fort Jefferson – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Garden Key – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Loggerhead Key – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Sand Key – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Garrison Bight – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Key West, FL – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Naval Air Station Key West – 72 km (44.7 mi)
  • Bahia Honda State Park – 130 km (80.8 mi)
  • Sombrero Beach, Marathon – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Marathon, FL – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Key Largo, FL – 250 km (155 mi)
  • Everglades National Park – 270 km (168 mi)
  • Big Pine Key – 90 km (56 mi)
  • Dry Tortugas Ferry Dock – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – 68 km (42.3 mi)
  • Western Dry Rocks – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Sand Key Lighthouse – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Rebecca Shoal Light – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Alligator Reef – 60 km (37 mi)
  • Vaca Key – 120 km (74.6 mi)

Top Places to Visit in Florida

Explore the most popular tourist places in Florida. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.

Places (A -F)Places (F - M)Places (M - Z)
List of State Parks in FloridaFort Clinch State ParkMiami Beach
Amelia IslandFort De Soto ParkNaples Beach
Bahia Honda State ParkFort JeffersonPennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Big Cypress National PreserveFort Jefferson Dry Tortugas NPPensacola Beach
Biscayne National ParkFort Lauderdale BeachSanibel Island
Castillo de San MarcosFort Zachary Taylor Historic State ParkSanibel Island
Clearwater BeachGarden KeySiesta Key Beach
Cocoa BeachJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State ParkSouth Beach
Crystal River Archaeological State ParkKennedy Space Center Visitor ComplexSt Augustine Beach
Daytona BeachKennedy Space CenterSt Augustine Historic District
DestinKey West Butterfly and Nature ConservatorySt Pete Beach
Dry Tortugas National ParkKey WestWalt Disney World Resort Magic Kingdom
Everglades Airboat TourMagic Kingdom ParkWalt Disney World Resort
Florida Keys 

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.