The Dry Tortugas - A World Away
The Dry Tortugas are a string of 7 islands about 70 miles off the coast of Key West. The islands are part of America’s National Park System. Visiting the island can be tricky - a private boat is not a feasible option - however charters, ferries, and catamaran services can get you right on to the island without any trouble.
Once on the islands, there are many things to do and to enjoy. From white sand beaches and spectacular swimming and snorkeling, to visiting two out of the way lighthouses, to witnessing the marvel that is Fort Jefferson, touring the Dry Tortugas is a fun way to learn a lot about history and nature. This article explores 3 of the island chain’s best attractions.
Snorkel The Dry Tortugas
Just off the coast of the island chain are some of the most pristine and well protected waters on the North American coast. The waters are the site of a protected marine sanctuary. This affords you the amazing opportunity to snorkel in some of the cleanest, clearest water in the Northern Hemisphere. The area is rich with tropical fish and living coral, it is a vast ecosystem just below our own.
Around the islands’ coasts also lie many sunken ships, which have been transformed by time and nature into beautiful marine habitats for the life below — a marvel to see.
The Lighthouses On Dry Tortugas
On the island chain, sit two lighthouses. On the island of Garden Key, the Tortug Harbour Light stands inoperable. The lighthouse was built in 1822 to help alleviate shipwrecks and guide vessels to port. However, it did not prove large enough so in 1858 the Dry Tortugas Lighthouse was finished on Loggerhead Key. The torch was first lit in 1858 and the lighthouse became fully automated in 1988.
The lighthouses hold the distinction of being the only two on the Gulf Coast to remain operational throughout the Civil War. A must see for history buffs and those interested in architecture.
The Great Fort On The Dry Tortugas
Fort Jefferson, a 16 million brick fortress is known as the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. It is a marvel of engineering and most notably a military ghost town.
Construction began in 1846 and was never completed, it simply continued until the fort was abandoned in 1874. During the Civil War, the fort became a military prison and housed 4 men convicted as co-conspirators in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. In 1935, Fort Jefferson was named a national monument and in 1992, the fort was incorporated into the Dry Tortugas National Park in an effort to better preserve and protect this piece of military history.
A trip from Key West to the secluded island chain is not short. On average, the trip takes about 2 hours by sea. But with so much to see once you get there, it is well worth the boat ride. But in Key West, even the trips and traveling are part of the fun and adventure.
Christine O’Kelly writes for the Key West attractions experts at Best on Key West. They provide information on Key West activities like the Dry Tortugas.