When is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?

If you want fewer people, go in November, the quietest shoulder-season month. May is the busiest month on average, and October the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.

How much does it cost to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?

$15 / person. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.

What are some things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park?

The National Park Service lists 4 things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park, including Fishing at Dry Tortugas National Park, Paddle to Loggerhead Key, Snorkel Little Africa, Viewing Wildlife in Dry Tortugas. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.

When did Dry Tortugas National Park become a national park?

Dry Tortugas National Park was established as a national park on October 26, 1992.

What is the closest national park to Dry Tortugas?

Everglades National Park, about 135 miles away in a straight line.

Florida · Est. 1992

Dry Tortugas National Park

Last verified October 1, 2026$15 / person

Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area. — nps.gov

A few of the stars at night with a view of Fort Jefferson. — Photo: NPS Photo / Brett Seymour

State: Florida
Established: October 26, 1992
Size: 64,701 acres
2025 visits: 89,355
Busiest-park rank: #56 of 63
Entrance: $15 / person

Best time to visit

When is Dry Tortugas quiet?

Dry Tortugas is busiest in May and quietest in October. For a quieter visit outside the dead of the off-season, November is the quietest shoulder-season month, going by National Park Service visitor counts for 2021–2025.

In 2025 the park logged 89,355 recreation visits, the #56 busiest of the 63 national parks. Quiet months can also mean closed roads or facilities, so check current conditions before you go.

Crowd calendar, all 63 parks →Is Dry Tortugas open right now? →

Average visits by month

2021–2025 · NPS IRMA

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Quietest: OctoberBusiest: May

Fees & passes

What it costs to visit Dry Tortugas

Per person (on foot / bike)$15

From the NPS fees data, checked October 1, 2026. Fees on nps.gov

Visiting several parks this year? The pass calculator shows whether the America the Beautiful pass pays off.

Reservations · 2026

No park-wide reservation

The National Park Service lists no timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Dry Tortugas National Park. Campgrounds, tours and backcountry permits may still need booking, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.

Every park that needs a reservation in 2026 →

Things to do

Things to do in Dry Tortugas

The National Park Service lists 4 things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park, from quick stops to full-day outings. The shortest come first.

All activities →

Fishing at Dry Tortugas National Park
Fishing at Dry Tortugas
Pets OK
Paddle to Loggerhead Key
Paddle to Loggerhead Key
Snorkel Little AfricaAll year
Snorkel Little Africa
Viewing Wildlife in Dry Tortugas
Viewing wildlife in Dry Tortugas
Pets OK

From the National Park Service (checked October 1, 2026). Each title opens its nps.gov page with current conditions.

By activity

The number shows how many of the 63 national parks offer each activity.

Weather

Weather at Dry Tortugas

The climate in the Dry Tortugas is subtropical, which basically means that it has warm and tropical weather in the range of 60°F to 90°F. The two main seasons are the winter stormy season from December through March which is windier and sees rougher seas, and the summertime tropical storm season from June through November where there is a higher chance of isolated storms.

During the summers it is hot and humid. During the winter the temperature is milder and drier.

From the National Park Service.

Getting there

Getting to Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote parks in the National Park System. Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West it is accessible only by a daily concession ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane.

No road in: Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West it is accessible only by a daily concession ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane.

40001 SR-9336, Homestead, FL, 33034 · Directions on nps.gov

Nearby

National parks near Dry Tortugas

Straight-line distance between park centers; drive times are rough estimates.

Closest big cities: Miami (184 mi) · Tampa (232 mi) · Jacksonville (401 mi)

Dry Tortugas is the orange dot. Tap any park to tick it off your checklist.

Macro photography of a Scorpion — Photo: NPS Photo / Brandon Cintron Gerena

A photo in front of Loggerhead Key from a boat — Photo: NPS Photo / Brandon Cintron Gerena

FAQ

Dry Tortugas, quickly

When is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?: If you want fewer people, go in November, the quietest shoulder-season month. May is the busiest month on average, and October the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.
How much does it cost to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?: $15 / person. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
Do you need a reservation for Dry Tortugas National Park in 2026?: The National Park Service lists no park-wide timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Dry Tortugas National Park. Campgrounds, tours and some popular hikes may still need bookings, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
What are some things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park?: The National Park Service lists 4 things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park, including Fishing at Dry Tortugas National Park, Paddle to Loggerhead Key, Snorkel Little Africa, Viewing Wildlife in Dry Tortugas. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.
When did Dry Tortugas National Park become a national park?: Dry Tortugas National Park was established as a national park on October 26, 1992.
What is the closest national park to Dry Tortugas?: Everglades National Park, about 135 miles away in a straight line.

Sources · 3

1.Dry Tortugas National Park — official site · National Park Service
2.NPS Data API — /parks (all park units) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
3.Dry Tortugas National Park — Visitor Use Statistics · National Park Service (IRMA)

About this page

Park facts, photos, fees and visitor counts come from the National Park Service (NPS Data API and Visitor Use Statistics), last checked October 1, 2026. Park'd is an independent app and is not affiliated with the National Park Service. For official, current information, visit nps.gov/drto.

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Dry Tortugas National Park