

All coral, reef fish, and cultural artifacts within the park are protected. Visitors can snorkel and take in the underwater views in Dry Tortugas National Park. Most single-day boat trips to the Dry Tortugas will have you back to Key West by 5 p.m.Here you can view pristine seagrass, large coral heads, and catch a glimpse of tropical fish such as parrotfish and angelfish One of the most popular snorkeling areas in the park is located approximately 75 yards from the western edge of the moat wall of Fort Jefferson.Although 99% of the park is underwater, you can enjoy some solitude on land by relaxing on the beach, birding, or taking a tour of Fort Jefferson. At Dry Tortugas National Park, you’ll be away from the clamor of everyday life.Boat rides typically leave in the morning and take two hours, but are dependent upon weather. Hop on a ferry ride, boat, or seaplane charter to Dry Tortugas National Park.Be sure to follow responsible fishing best practices. In the shallow and quiet backcountry waters of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, fishermen often target bonefish, tarpon, permit, and barracuda.
CAMPING FLORIDA KEYS DOWNLOAD
Download the Marine Sanctuary Explorer App to familiarize yourself with the various marine zones, navigation channels, and dive sites within sanctuary waters.
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Visiting is a good place to start, or you can use this interactive map tool to search Florida State Parks in the Florida Keys. Other options: Long Key State Park, Curry Hammock State Park, or any of the privately-owned camp areas.Image: Michael Schilling/ Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest Where to Camp Getting Thereįly into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Marathon, or Key West if traveling from afar and rent a car. Wildlife abounds, as well as a chance to explore a 19th century fort-one of the largest ever built.

The more remote Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles from Key West, encompasses 100 square miles of pristine waters and a chance to truly unplug from the buzz of everyday life. Exploring the Florida Keys also offers an opportunity to experience the unique cultural convergence there-a community that in 2000 adopted the slogan “One Human Family” honoring “Conch culture” and the rich history of Native American, Spanish, Cuban, African, and Bahamian influences. Within the clear tropical waters of the Florida Keys, visitors can explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, seagrass beds, and observe wildlife such as fish, seabirds, and manatees. August 2022 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Dry Tortugas National Parkįlorida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the waters surrounding the island chain known as the Florida Keys, extending from south of Miami, Florida, westward to encompass the Dry Tortugas, excluding Dry Tortugas National Park.
