The hidden National Park that can only be accessed by boat or plane and most people don’t know it exists

Almost 70 miles west of Key West (Florida) lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands and is only accessible via boat or seaplane. The park is home to Fort Jefferson an unfinished 19th century fortress along with picturesque blue waters, incredible coral reefs and marine life, and the vast array of bird life that frequents the area.

A trip to Dry Tortugas has been deemed as ‘one of the 10 great places to explore in the United States’ by USA Today and is a popular attraction for those visiting the Key West area of Florida.

Dry Tortugas origin

Originally discovered by Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer in 1513, the Dry Tortugas were named after the large population of sea turtles living in the island’s surrounding waters. “tortuga” means turtle in Spanish, and the explorer from Valladolid caught over 100 sea turtles during his time on the island.

The name “Dry” Tortugas was later given to the island to indicate to other mariners that the land mass lacked fresh water, which was an extremely important detail for seafarers to know.

The area surrounding the archipelago has a reputation for its treacherous reefs, and in 1825 a lighthouse was built on Garden Key to warn ships and guide them toward safety.

At the time shipwrecks were common, and with underwater wrecks dating back to the 1600s, the Dry Tortugas currently possess one of the richest concentrations of shipwrecks in North America.

Construction of the emblematic Fort Jefferson began in 1846, and although it was never officially finished, it remains a historic icon of the Dry Tortugas and receives thousands of visitors yearly.

Wildlife

The islands are home to a multitude of unique sea birds and the crystal clear waters are home to colourful coral reefs, nesting sea turtles, unique tropical fish and underwater wonders.

April is widely regarded as the best time to visit the islands for bird watchers with both boat and sea-place trips available in Key West.

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