PARK INFORMATION

For park information write to:
Superintendent, Dry Tortugas National Park
P.O. Box 6208
Key West, FL 33041-6208

Tel: (305) 242-7700

There is no fees charged for admission to this park.

The Visitor Center, offering information, exhibits, an orientation slide show, and the sale of publications is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check the announcement boards located in the dock area and in the Visitor Center for dates and times of ranger-guided programs. In addition to the scheduled guided tours offered by the park rangers, you may take a self-guided walking tour of the United States largest 19th century coastal fort. Follow the signs with a civil war soldier on them.

Snorkelling equipment may be borrowed at the Visitor Center.

TRANSPORTATION

Unless you have your own boat or sea plane, transportation is limited to private operators offering charter and taxi trips by boats and sea planes, mostly departing from Key West. However, there are also providers from Naples and Fort Myers areas.

In the Summer of 1996 we visited the park aboard the "Yankee Freedom." For information you may call (800) 634-0939.

Upon request, the park offices would provide a list of private carriers.

Also you may contact the following chamber of commerce:

3330 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33052
Ph: (305) 743-5417

Old Mallory Square
Key West, FL 33040
Ph: (305) 294-2587

1700 N. Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 33940
Ph: (813) 262-6141

RESTRICTIONS

There is no water, food, fuel, supplies, or accommodations available at the park. You must provide for your own existence.

All trash must be removed as you leave the park.

A 10-site primitive campgrounds is available free, first-come, first-served, but all supplies including food and fresh water, must be brought in. Fees charged. Parties of more than ten must make reservations by writing to the park.

Sport fishing is permitted. Lobstering and spear fishing are prohibited in the park. Florida state fishing laws and regulations also apply. Florida fishing licenses required. Fishing licenses are available in Key West. NO LICENSES ARE ISSUED IN THE PARK.

Fishing is prohibited in the moat, designated swimming areas, and life viewing area next to Garden Key and within 100 feet of the moat wall.

Private boaters can visit the park. Nautical charts are sold in Key West. Information is available from the Key West U.S. Coast Guard Station, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Charter Boat Association.

Load, unload, and moor vessels only where designated on the public dock. Moor private vessels no more than 2 hours between sunrise and sundown. Overnight mooring to docks or piers is prohibited.

Seaplane approaches, landing, and takeoffs are limited to within 1 mile of the fort. Moor seaplanes only in the designated area at Garden Key.

Dumping or throwing overboard bottles, cans, paper, or other trash on park grounds or in park waters is prohibited. It is illegal to pump holding tanks into park waters.

Jet skis are not permitted within the park waters.

RISKS

Boaters should be aware of the possibility of extremely rough seas. Visitors that are prone to get movement sickness should contact their own doctors or pharmacists for preventive medication.

Watch out for loose mortar and bricks and dangerous wall edges. Keep small children by the hand. Stairs, windows and top of the walls are extremely dangerous for unattended children.

Watch for uneaven walking surfaces, spiral stairways, sudden drop-offs and darkeded areas.

Never swim alone.

Swimmers and divers should be aware that strong currents run through the park in many areas.

Cuts from coral and punctures from sea urchins are painful and slow to heal.

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