Dry Tortugas National Park
Trailie
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Dry Tortugas at a glance
- Best time
- September–November
- Trip length
- 2–3 days
- Don't miss
- Viewing Wildlife in Dry Tortugas
- Nearby city
- Homestead, FL
Explore this park
Alerts(4)
Seasonal Closure: Bush Key
NPS detailsVisitor access to Bush Key is suspended until Fall 2026 to protect nesting Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Boaters must maintain a distance of 100 feet from the island's mean low tide.
Sections of moat wall closed until Summer 2026
Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Ian (2022), as well as several hurricanes in 2024 are undergoing repair and reinforcement. For your safety, please follow posted signage and do not cross any barricades.
Migrant Notice
Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, we have seen an increase in Cuban migrants arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. You may observe migrant landings at the park and visitor areas may be impacted.
Garden Key Harbor Light
Vessel operators - the Garden Key Harbor Light is undergoing repairs and is extinguished. At this time it is unknown when the light will again be illuminated.
Common questions
Planning Dry Tortugas
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
No park-wide entry reservation is required for Dry Tortugas. Cave tours, campgrounds, or activity passes may still need advance booking — see Overview on this page for fees, hours, and what to book ahead.
