Florida
DRY TORTUGAS
ESTABLISHED 1992
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this group of seven small islands off the Florida coast is well worth the effort it takes to reach it—you’ll be greeted by coral reefs teeming with marine life, rich birdlife, and the magnificent, historic Fort Jefferson.
In the Dry Tortugas, the coral reefs are pristine—even without donning a snorkel and flippers, you’ll be treated to the dazzling sight of technicolor fish skimming just below the water’s surface. If you’re adventurous enough to get into scuba gear, other worlds await, including the remains of long-ago shipwrecks. The waters are also home to several turtle species and fish ranging from angelfish to barracuda. Birders, too, will have a field day identifying the more than 300 species of island bird.
Dressed in its harlequin-like coat, the ruddy turnstone winters on the islands
A mighty fortress
Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer imposing size of the park’s most famous landmark, Fort Jefferson. With more than 16 million bricks, it’s one of the largest brick buildings in the world, although it remains unfinished. Work began in 1846 with the aim of protecting these desirable waters from pirates and military foes. The builders took no chances: the fort is protected by a moat, even though it’s on an island in the middle of the ocean.
Wandering the deserted rooms, it’s easy to imagine the long-gone soldiers who were stationed here, as well as the ghosts of infamous inhabitants past. In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln made imprisonment at Fort Jefferson an alternative to capital punishment. After his assassination in 1865, four accomplices of his assassin, John Wilkes Booth, were sentenced to life imprisonment at the fort.
One famous guest who didn’t arrive in shackles was author Ernest Hemingway. When he lived on Key West, this was a favorite place to indulge his passion for sportfishing. He and his fishing buddies were once marooned for two weeks at the fort after a storm. The islands are still a fishing hot spot, and anglers and other visitors can reach them from Key West, 70 miles (113 km) due east, by hopping aboard a ferry, seaplane, or private boat.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Turtles
You’re sure to see turtles during your stay—it’s always an exceptional thrill, whether you’re sharing the sea with them or spying them from a boat while sailing among the islands. There’s a mysterious, primeval quality to these creatures, with their bodies so ungainly on land, but totally at ease in water.
Best Dive Sites
Little Africa ▷ Off Loggerhead Key, this is perfect snorkeling and is family-friendly.
The Windjammer A ship sank here in 1901. Divers follow a map of the site, which reveals its treasures, some of which you can also see when snorkeling.
The Moat Wall ▷ Fort Jefferson is for experienced divers only. Night diving is a real thrill, but make sure to explore first during daylight.
Fort Jefferson is part of a chain of coastal forts that stretches from Maine to Texas