Located a mere 70 miles from the pristine shores of Key West lies the Dry Tortugas National Park, a unique set of seven small islands and isles. The islands are home to an abundance of bird species, some not seen anywhere else in the world. The islands also provide visitors with some of the best snorkeling bar none. The islands themselves have also played an important role in the history of the United States. Upon approach of these islands, it’s impossible to miss Fort Jefferson looming in the distance, the largest coastal fort in the country, with some 16 million bricks making up its structure, and a carving out 11 acres of Garden Keys total 16 acres. The Dry Tortugas are a heavily protected national park, and limit the number of visitors so as to ensure the environmental impact is managed. Transport to the islands is available only by boat or by plane, and both are limited in their capacity, so if you think you would like to visit, you’ll want to plan in advance. Our Dry Tortugas blog is designed to educate guests about the islands, the importance of wildlife conservation, the species that thrive here and how to plan the perfect adventure to the Dry Tortugas.