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THINGS TO KNOW Getting Started:
When you first arrive, place your towel and personal
gear beneath a tree or near a picnic table. A limited number of picnic tables are available outside of Fort Jefferson. Please be considerate and share these tables with others. No food, drinks or trash are permitted inside Fort Jefferson.
It is illegal to feed or harass wildlife.
Restrooms:
Due to the remote nature of the park, public restrooms are not available. All park visitors are required to use the facilities on the commercial ferry boats. After 2:30 PM, composting toilets are available within the campground. These specially-designed toilets do not require water or chemicals, and can only accomodate a small number of users. They are extremely fragile. Throwing trash into toilets is prohibited.
Collecting Is Prohibited:
Please help us protect the park. Do not remove seashells, coral, sand, brick, glass, stone, metal, or any other natural or historic objects. Never move or disturb artifacts. If you find an artifact, contact park staff.
Closed Areas:
There are clearly–marked areas inside Fort Jefferson that are closed to the public. For your safety, please abide by all park regulations. The interior of the fort is open during daylight hours only. Due to sensitive birding nesting, Bush Key is closed from February through mid-September.
Hospital Key and Long Key are closed year round. East Key and Loggerhead Key are open during daylight hours only.
Pets:
Pets must be on a leash and under physical control at all times. Pets are not allowed inside Fort Jefferson. Pets must be curbed. |
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THINGS TO DO Visitor Center
Information, exhibits, an orientation video, and educational sales items are available. The Visitor Center is open daily.
Touring Fort Jefferson
One of the great pleasures of any visit to the park is the chance to explore Fort Jefferson. Daily 45–minute guided tours are offered by the commercial ferry operators. You can also take a self–guiding walking tour by following the signs featuring a Civil War soldier.
Ranger–Conducted Activities
Check with park staff for times of ranger–guided
program.
Junior Ranger
A Dry Tortugas National Park Junior Ranger program is available. Recommended ages 8-13. Stop by the Bookstore for your free copy of the Junior Ranger Handbook.
Snorkeling
A designated snorkle area is located near the campground. Snorkeling along the outside of the moat wall or around the pilings of the south coaling dock is recommended. Before snorkeling, make sure that all equipment fits properly. There are no life guards on duty, so swim at your own risk. No swimming or snorkeling
is permitted inside the moat. Make sure to never touch or stand on coral. Carelessness can destroy years of coral growth in seconds. Seagrass beds are a nursery for small fish and marine life. Please keep off. Stand in the sand. Never stand on coral or seagrass!
Fishing
Sport fishing is permitted. Lobstering and spear fishing are prohibited in the park. Florida state fishing laws and regulations also apply. Florida fishing license is required (available in Key West).
On Garden Key, the following areas are closed to fishing:
• The moat, moat wall, and within 300 feet of moat wall
• Vessels moored at the Garden Key Dock
• The helicopter pad area
• The north and south beaches
Bird Watching
The Dry Tortugas are renowned for spring bird migrations and tropical bird species. See a ranger
to obtain a free Dry Tortugas Bird Checklist.
Walking the Moat Wall
The Moat Wall offers an easy hike (0.6 miles) around the fort. Walking the moat wall is a great opportunity to view coral, fish, and other marine life.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES:
• Entering the moat
• Climbing the moat wall
• Jumping from the moat wall
• Fishing from the moat wall
Walking Bush Key
Bush Key is closed for nesting February through mid-September. During the remainder of the year, Bush Key is normally open to the public. When walking the island, remain on the shoreline
at all times. The island’s interior is closed to protect its vegetation and bird nesting areas.
Acknoledgement to Dry Tortugas National Park News for the information provided. |
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