America's Gateway to the Caribbean
Written: Aug 07 '01 (Updated Nov 14 '01)
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Pros: Beautiful tropical marine park, pristine clear water, historical significance, spectacular structure and scenery
Cons: remote with limited access and no public fresh water for camping
The Bottom Line: A spectacular historical structure on a pristine tropical island
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| blawler1's Full Review: Dry Tortugas National Park |
Overview
Discovered by Ponce Deleon in the early 1500's and named for the many turtles he spotted there, the Dry Tortuga's form the western tip of the Florida Key's and the gateway to the Caribbean. It was identified as the "Dry" Tortugas in subsequent maps to denote the lack of a fresh water source on the islands. Garden Key, where Ft Jefferson is located is approximately 68 miles west of Key West. Accessible by only 2 water ferries, an air charter service and private boats, this park is considered the most remote park in the national parks system. Ft Jefferson, a massive fortress begun in the early 1800's to protect the Gulf States from attack from Atlantic and Caribbean routes, is a testament to early American engineering. With 45 ft. high walls, this huge hexagonal compound covers about 11 of the 16 acres that comprise Garden Key with three sides of the surrounding moat wall standing in the Gulf. Other islands in the Tortugas include both Bush Key, which is off limits during Sootie Tern nesting, is separated from Garden Key by a narrow navigation channel There is also Loggerhead Key which is just west of Garden Key and has a light house and is open for day use only.
The Marine Park
The aquamarine waters of the Tortugas are the most pristine in the Keys. This area has been designated a marine reserve and so some activities, such as lobstering, have been prohibited. You can get plenty of awesome snorkeling both around Garden Key and the surrounding area including a few shallow wrecks. The moat walls and piers along the edge of Ft Jefferson have become overgrown with coral and are home to many reef fish as well as an abundance of large barracuda which loiter in the shallow waters around Garden Key. There are also numerous southern sting ray in the sandy flats surrounding much of Garden Key along with occasional nurse sharks and turtles. A little further out, there are many patch coral formations within swimming distance of Garden Key which are also home to many reef fish.
One wreck site of note found within the marine park is the Windjammer wreck. This is a large vessel which was lost on the shallow reef around the turn of the 19th century and has been engulfed by coral growth. This site is offered as a side trip by one of the ferry services for a nominal fee and is located just off Loggerhead Key. It has many large barracuda and often is inhabited by a large jewfish and is well worth the extra money.
Camping
There are currently 12 marked camp sites on Garden Key just outside of Ft Jefferson, along a small but idyllic beach. The current cost is $3 per person per night on a first come, first served basis. This is an incentive to take the faster of the two ferries on busy week ends and holidays to get one of the choice shady spots. As there is no official public fresh water supply on the island, you must bring your own. (figure about 2 gallons per person per day) While the Parks Service probably does not want to advertise, there are two water fountains in Ft Jefferson, one in the visitors center and one just inside the main gate. Another insider trick you may want to know, but the Parks Service does not want to tell you is that if you bring a supply of beer and cigarettes, you can barter these for fresh shrimp and fish with the Cuban fishermen who pass through the park.
Activities
Besides snorkeling, kayaking is a popular activity; however, you must bring your own kayak which is an extra charge on the ferry. Many people come to watch the Sootie Terns nesting on Bush Key during the spring and summer months. Fishing with a rod is allowed from the pier and if you are any good, you may not have to trade your cigarettes to the Cubans. The Parks service offers free guided tours and maintains a visitor's center which has a collection of memorabilia accumulated from the 150 plus years of Ft Jeffersons existence; first as a strategic fortress protecting the gulf from pirates from the Caribbean and foreign warships from the Atlantic, then as a desolate prison and now as a National Park. For an after hours activity, the Parks service also offers a weekly slide show accompanying an audience participation in the reading of letters written by prior occupants of Ft Jefferson.
Recommended:
Yes
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Paddling & Water Sports
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Epinions.com ID:
blawler1
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Location: Lago Vista Tx, USA
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 2 members
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