If you’ve ever wanted to be off-the-grid, Dry Tortugas National Park is your place
For folks who love immersing themselves in the beauty and extravagance of nature, taking a trip to a national park probably equates to the dream vacation. The United States has 63 national parks, with some of the most notable being Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains. Mountain views are gorgeous and certainly breathtaking, but how does visiting a remote national park that’s 99% underwater sound? If this sounds like your vibe, Dry Tortugas National Park might be for you.
Dry Tortugas is one out of three national parks located in Florida and is considered one of the most remote parks in the U.S.’s national park system (more on this later). Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven small islands, however, the majority of the park is water. The 100-square-mile park is heaven for those that can’t help but swoon over tropical vibes and gorgeous, clear blue waters. To add to the tropical beauty, Dry Tortugas National Park sits at the southwest corner of Florida Keys’ coral reef system. This makes the park a hub for marine life, which is why the National Park Service recommends water-based activities such as swimming, snorkeling and diving to get the full experience.
If getting in the water isn’t your idea of a fun time, consider spending your time visiting Garden Key. As the second largest island in the Dry Tortugas, Garden Key has had the most human activity over the years. It is home to the park’s headquarters, visitor center and campgrounds. It is also home to Fort Jefferson. Constructed from 1845 to 1876, “Fort Jefferson is a 19th-century third system coastal fortification that occupies the majority of Garden Key,” according to NPS. During the Civil War, the fort was used by Union ships to block Southern shipping. It also functioned as a prison. As one of the park’s main attractions, NPS works to “protect, stabilize, restore, and interpret Fort Jefferson, an outstanding example of 19th-century masonry fortification.”
Is your interest piqued yet? Before you start packing your bags, here are a few more things you need to know.
#1: The island is remote, y’all.
For some folks, this is the beauty of the park. Dry Tortugas isn’t accessible by car and there are no supplies available when you arrive. This means no food, water, charcoal, etc. This can seem intimidating, but don’t worry. This just means you’ll need to put in time toward extra preparation before your adventure. That said, if this makes you a bit anxious, maybe make your first experience a day trip. Also, the only available restrooms are on the Yankee Freedom ferry during the day. After 3 p.m., composting toilets are available for use. And for those of you addicted to your phones (and let’s face it, we’re all that person to varying degrees), don’t ask for the WiFi password because there isn’t one. In fact, Dry Tortugas has no cell service or internet access. This definitely isn’t the norm these days, but if you’re someone who’s always wanted to go off-the-grid, Dry Tortugas is your place.
#2: Spending time at the park is only half the fun.
Getting to Dry Tortugas is an adventure in itself. Because the park is 70 miles west of Key West, you can get there by ferry, private boat, charter boat, or seaplane (yes, you read that correctly, seaplane. Think: airplane meets boat). The latter option is considered to be one of the more scenic ways to get to the national park, as you’re able to see the gorgeous blue water and marine life from a bird’s eye view. Taking a seaplane is a bit more expensive, costing $361 per adult for the 40 minute trip to and from. If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, day trip ferry rides start at $200.
#3: Take a trip when you’re ready.
Some of you were probably ready to make your way to Dry Tortugas National Park after reading this story’s headline. Apprehension probably rose in others after mention of no cell reception. Whichever camp you fall into, Dry Tortugas is ready when you are. Due to its subtropical climate, the park is open all year round. The temperature generally stays warm and sunny, regardless of the season. Summers can be hotter and more humid, while winters are windier, but whenever you choose to go, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable time.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.
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This story was originally published February 21, 2023 at 6:08 PM with the headline "If you’ve ever wanted to be off-the-grid, Dry Tortugas National Park is your place."