Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Current Alerts
- CautionGarden Key Harbor Light
Vessel operators - the Garden Key Harbor Light is undergoing repairs and is extinguished. At this time it is unknown when the light will again be illuminated.
- Park ClosureSeasonal Closure: Bush Key
Visitors may only access the harborside of Bush Key through Fall 2026 to protect nesting Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Boaters must maintain a distance of 100 feet from the island's mean low tide.
More info → - Park ClosureSections of moat wall closed until Winter 2026
Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) are undergoing repair and reinforcement. For your safety, please follow posted signage and do not cross any barricades.
- Park ClosureCurrent Alerts and Conditions
Be sure to review the Alerts and Conditions below before and during your visit for additional, up-to-date information on closures, cautions, and other current park conditions.
- InformationMigrant Notice
Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, we have seen an increase in Cuban migrants arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. You may observe migrant landings at the park and visitor areas may be impacted.
Source: National Park Service.