Dry Tortugas Park Guide (Printed Version)

8/18/2019 Dry Tortugas Park Guide (Printed Version)

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Dry Tortugasnational park



A destination as well known for

its legendary intrigue as it is for

its natural wonders—is comprised

of coral reefs and rubble andsurrounded by generous shoals and

waters. One major attraction is Fort

Jefferson, one of the largest coastal

forts ever built.

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Te reef was previously knownto only a handful of divers as“Sherwood Forest,” because duringearly morning dives the corals aremysterious looking and reminiscentof a forest canopy.

Dry ortugas National Park is located at the ar western

end o the Florida Keys. Tese islands are not tetheredto the mainland by roads and bridges, so SCUBA divers

must arrive by private boat or charter. Beneath the water diverswill find the Caribbean’s largest and healthiest ree system. One o

the highlights is Sherwood Forest, eaturing a canopy o mushroom-shaped ormations. More than 400 species o fish reside here; o them,

hammerhead sharks, barracuda, and Goliath grouper are ofen seen.

scuba diving

w h a t

t o s e e

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Coral reefs are diverse underwaterecosystems held together by calciumcarbonate structures secreted bycorals. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals.

u n d e r t h

e s e a

More than 99% o the park is water, so you really have to get

in or under the water to experience it. Dry ortugas just might be the best snorkeling the Florida Keys has

to offer. A designated snorkel area is available on Garden Key,southwest o Fort Jefferson along its outer wall. Te area eatureschest-deep water, turtle grass, and coral. Coral rees make up a very smallraction o the underwater environment, but they provide habitat or morethan 25% o the area’s fish population.

snorkeling

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For more information aboutDry ortugas, please visit:www.nps.gov/drto

Due to excessive commercialfishing new regulations prohibit

fishing in about hal o thepark’s waters. Te ban was required tohelp repopulate a once thriving fishcommunity. Good fishing is still possiblein and around Dry ortugas, and thescenery and climate is a serious bonus.Calm water makes spring and summerthe preerred seasons or fishing.

Grouper and snapper are commonlycaught. Dry ortugas National Parkfishing excursions are available romseveral Key West area charters. A wide variety o multi-day, multi-angler tripsare available ranging anywhere rom$600- 3,300 (call or exact rates).

fishing

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Map & Transportation

Te park is 70 miles southwest o Key West,FL. It can only be reached by sea plane orboat. Tree boat and sea plane operatorsprovide service to and rom the park.

officer

quarters

VISITOR

CENTER

soldier

barracks

visible ruin Picnic area Primitive campground

Restrooms

Great snorkel area

Great snorkel area

Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry

(305) 294-7009

240 Margaret Street; Key West, FL 33040 Rates: $165(adult)/$120 (child 4-16) (Includes Park Entrance)

www.yankeereedom.com

Sunny Days Catamarans

(305) 296-5556

I 201 Elizabeth Street; Key West, FL 33040

Rates: $145 (adult)/$100 (child 3-16) plus Entrance Fee

www.sunnydayskeywest.com

Key West Seaplane Adventures

(305) 293-9300

I 3471 South Roosevelt Blvd; Key West, FL 33040

Rates: Adult $249(hal)/$435(ull), Child (3-12) $199/$349

www.keywestseaplanecharters.com

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Documents

Dry Tortugas Park Guide (Printed Version)