Photo: Richard Gangemi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Seventy miles west of Key West, a huge brick fort rises from a tiny island in water so clear it looks unreal. Fort Jefferson took nearly 30 years to build and was never finished, and today it is surrounded by coral, sea turtles and clouds of seabirds. There are no roads, stores or cell service, only a boat or seaplane ride out and a few hours of wandering and snorkeling. Pack food, water and sunscreen, and book well ahead.
TRAILS
1 OF 6
Fort Jefferson
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.5 mi
Elevation gain
50 ft
Garden Key · ferry dock — Walk through the sally port into one of the largest brick forts in the Americas, with arched casemates stacked around a wide grassy parade ground. Climb to the top tier for views of turquoise shallows and the lighthouse. Free ranger and ferry-crew talks share the fort's Civil War history, including its most famous prisoner, Dr. Samuel Mudd. Wear sturdy shoes; the old brick is uneven.
⚠︎ Ferry or seaplane only. Book well in advance.
Photo: NPS staff, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 6
Moat Wall Walk
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.5 mi loop
Elevation gain
Flat
Garden Key · around the fort — A narrow walkway on top of the seawall circles the fort, with the moat on one side and the open sea on the other. Look down for nurse sharks, rays and big schools of fish in the clear water. It is the best spot for photos of the fort walls. There are no railings, so watch your step.
Photo: drytortugasnps, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 6
Snorkel the Moat Wall
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
Snorkel
Elevation gain
Swim
Garden Key · South Swim Beach — Slip in from the swim beach and follow the outside of the moat wall, where coral grows on old cannonballs, anchor chains and cement barrels. Reef squid, parrotfish and hogfish are common, and nurse sharks rest in the shadows. The ferry lends snorkel gear to its passengers. Never snorkel alone, and do not touch coral or artifacts.
⚠︎ Swimming inside the moat is not allowed. Check for posted closures.
Photo: drytortugasnps, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 6
Coaling Dock Pilings
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
Snorkel
Elevation gain
Swim
Garden Key · North Swim Beach — The old Navy coaling piers are long gone, but their pilings still stand in the water and draw some of the biggest fish in the park: grouper, tarpon and barracuda. The pilings sit at the edge of a deeper channel, so stay close to the shallow side. This is a spot for confident swimmers. Go with a buddy.
⚠︎ The South Coaling Dock ruins are closed after hurricane damage. Use the north pilings.
Photo: Dry Tortugas NPS, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 6
Overnight on Garden Key
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
Overnight
Elevation gain
Flat
Garden Key · campground — Stay after the ferry leaves and the island becomes yours, with sunset over the fort walls and a sky full of stars far from any city lights. Sites are primitive and first come, first served, a short walk from the dock. You must bring everything, including water, and pack it all back out. Night snorkeling along the moat wall is unforgettable if you are comfortable in the dark.
⚠︎ Only 10 campers per day on the ferry, and the seaplane does not carry campers.
Photo: ALAN SCHMIERER, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 6
Loggerhead Key
Difficulty
Hard
Length
3 mi from Garden Key
Elevation gain
Boat
Loggerhead Key · by private boat — The largest island in the park sits 3 miles west of Garden Key, crowned by a tall lighthouse and edged with empty beaches. Sea turtles nest here, and the reef offshore is some of the best in the park. You need a private boat, charter or experienced kayaking skills to get here. Check winds and currents carefully before crossing.
⚠︎ No ferry or seaplane service. Open-water crossing; plan for wind and current.
Photo: drytortugasnps, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Dry Tortugas trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.