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Lakes & rivers

Dry Tortugas National Park

Key West, FL · Florida Keys$$15 per person, included in the ferry fare; seaplane passengers pay it at check-in

About

Less than 1 percent of Dry Tortugas National Park is dry land: seven small islands in about 100 square miles of water, nearly 70 miles west of Key West. Fort Jefferson on Garden Key was built of more than 16 million bricks between 1846 and 1875, and never finished. Snorkel off the outside of its moat wall or around the south coaling dock pilings; swimming inside the moat isn't allowed. Spring migration peaks from April to mid-May, when more than 200 species of birds pass through. The ferry carries at most 10 campers a day, and those seats sell out months ahead.

Highlights

Historic Fort JeffersonSnorkeling outside the moat wallFerry, seaplane or private boatSpring bird migration

Getting there

40001 SR-9336, Homestead, FL 33034

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