Where is Fort Jefferson,Dry Tortugas, Florida?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Fort Jefferson is located in Florida, USA, inside Dry Tortugas National Park. It lies between Key West and the Marquesas Keys and is situated about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. It is famous for its massive 1800s brick fort, clear blue water, coral reefs, and amazing snorkeling.

Fort Jefferson Location Map,Dry Tortugas, Florida

Top Attractions Inside Fort Jefferson

  • Fort Bastions & Walls – Massive hexagonal brick fortification to explore.
  • Moat Walk – Scenic walkway offering panoramic ocean and fort views.
  • Inner Courtyard – Open green space with historic structures and ruins.
  • Gun Rooms & Casemates – Arched interior chambers showcasing the fort’s military design.
  • Snorkeling Areas – Clear waters around the fort filled with coral and marine life.
  • South Coaling Dock Ruins – Underwater remnants ideal for snorkeling exploration.
  • North Beach – Quiet beach perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Fort Jefferson Facts

Official NameFort Jefferson
LocationDry Tortugas National Park, Monroe County, Florida, USA — located about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico
Latitude & Longitude24.6286° N, 82.8731° W
Total AreaFort structure: ~16 acres; Dry Tortugas National Park total: 64,701 acres (261.7 km²), mostly water
Established / OpenedConstruction started in 1846; fort used through late 19th / early 20th century; became part of National Park in 1992
Managed ByNational Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
RegionFlorida Keys / Gulf of Mexico
Address / AccessAccessible only by boat or seaplane from Key West; no street address
Zip CodeN/A
Area Code305 (for Key West access point)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHistoric coastal fortification, military history, preservation, island ecology
Main Sections / AreasFort Jefferson structure, surrounding Dry Tortugas islands, coral reefs, beaches, marine sanctuary areas
Famous AttractionsFort Jefferson, guided tours, snorkeling at coral reefs, birdwatching, beach and historic site exploration
Visitor ActivitiesHistorical tours, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, photography, camping (limited), nature observation
Entry Fee / Access TypePaid Admission — National Park entrance fee required; boat or seaplane transport needed
Ticket Price RangeDry Tortugas ferry round-trip: ~$190–$200 per adult; seaplane tours: ~$200–$250 per person
Ticket OptionsFerry tickets, seaplane tours, guided historic tours
Best Time to VisitNovember–May (dry season, calmer seas, pleasant weather)
Nearby AirportKey West International Airport (EYW) – ~70 miles (112 km) by ferry / seaplane to Dry Tortugas
TransportationFerry service from Key West, seaplane access, private boat
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/drto/learn/historyculture/fort-jefferson.htm

Distances from Fort Jefferson to Nearby Landmarks

  • Garden Key Beach – 0.1 km (0.06 mi)
  • Garden Key Lighthouse – 0.2 km (0.12 mi)
  • Bush Key – 0.4 km (0.25 mi)
  • North Coaling Dock Ruins – 0.3 km (0.19 mi)
  • South Coaling Dock Ruins – 0.4 km (0.25 mi)
  • Long Key – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Hospital Key – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Loggerhead Key – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Little Africa Reef – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Pulaski Shoal Lighthouse – 19 km (11.8 mi)
  • Tortugas Bank – 24 km (14.9 mi)
  • East Key – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Middle Key – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Bird Key – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Santa Rosa Island (closest point) – 219 km (136 mi)
  • Key West – 112 km (70 mi)
  • Marquesas Keys – 66 km (41 mi)
  • Sman’s Shoal – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Rebecca Shoal Lighthouse – 48 km (29.8 mi)
  • Dry Tortugas Research Natural Area Boundary – 3 km (1.9 mi)