Visting Dry Tortugas Park

So where is Dry Tortugas, and how did such a natural treasure get such an odd name? About 68 miles off the western tip of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a group of tiny islets known for their sea turtles. Since tortugas is Spanish for turtles, that explains a portion of its unique name.

But what makes it dry, given that Dry Tortugas Park is surrounded by the waters of the crystal clear blue Caribbean? It turns out that the name comes from when the Spaniards occupied the islands, and they quickly discovered there was no fresh water available. So the islands came eventually to be called the Dry Tortugas, or “dry turtles.” Even now, because the islets are a popular tourist destination, visitors must bring their own water.

First designated a National Monument by FDR, the Dry Tortugas islets were named a National Park in 1992 at the tail end of George H. W. Bush’s term right before Clinton won the November election. The home of the previously unfinished Civil War era Fort Jefferson, a brick structure later used as a prison to house accused conspirators in President Lincoln’s assassination, the strip of sandy beaches and shallow, colorful reefs has become a destination for 80,000 tourists each year. All leave in amazement at the intriguing history of the former based originally conceived as a defense against — you guessed it — the (real) pirates of the Caribbean.

Visitors to Dry Tortugas can enjoy a large array of activities, from educational tours of Ft. Jefferson, to lazy days on the beach, to spectacular wildlife snorkel tours of the corral reef.

Of coures, one can only get to the islands by boat or sea plane. So if you want to book a trip, a Dry Tortugas charter will be necessary. There are some great discounts available on Dry Tortugas charters, Key West hotels, Key West snorkeling, and other recreation packages at Gold Card Key West.

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