Fort Jefferson on Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park
Garden Key is the most visited key in Dry Tortugas National Park for it is the only island with amenities for tourists, plus it is where the Yankee Freedom Ferry arrives every day with up to 150 passengers. A visit to any of the other keys requires that you either have your own boat or that you bring a canoe or kayak with you on the ferry (option only for those camping). Five of the remaining six keys in the park are within paddling distance of Garden Key.
Fort Jefferson on Garden Key
Garden Key is only about 14 acres in size, 85% of which is covered by Fort Jefferson, a mid-1800s military fort that is open to visitors during the day time. Despite its small size, the island still has a visitor center, two swimming beaches, a campground, picnic tables, docks for private boats to unload gear, and a beach area where seaplanes can station themselves after landing. All boats staying overnight in the park must anchor within a mile radius of the island.
Seaplane at Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park
Those coming to Garden Key on the ferry get to spend about four hours on the island. Nearly everyone leaves when the ferry departs, so those who remain to camp have the place pretty much to themselves.
Fort Jefferson on Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on August 8, 2024
