Charter a Boat to Dry Tortugas

Where in the world is Dry Tortugas, and how did such a beautiful place get such an odd name? Tucked about 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, the park is a actually group of islands (actually more like islets, they are so small) known for its sea turtles. A portion of its unique name is explained by the fact that the Spanish word for turtles is tortugas.

But what makes it dry, given that Dry Tortugas National Park is surrounded by the waters of the crystal clear blue Caribbean? The name was derived from the Spaniards – when they settled the islets, they soon discovered that there were no fresh water springs. So the islands came eventually to be called the Dry Tortugas, or “dry turtles.” Even now, because the islands are a major tourist attraction, visitors must pack their own water.

First named a National Monument in 1935 by FDR, Dry Tortugas was designated a national park in 1992 at the end of George H. W. Bush’s term just before Bill Clinton won the November election. As the site of the unfinished Fort Jefferson, a civil war era brick structure briefly used as a prison to house Lincoln’s accused assassination conspirators, the strip of sandy cays and corral reefs is now a destination for eighty thousand tourists each year. All leave in amazement at the intriguing history of the former based originally conceived as a defense against – you guessed it – the (real) pirates of the Caribbean.

Visitors to Dry Tortugas can enjoy a large array of activities, from educational tours of Ft. Jefferson, to lazy days on the beach, to spectacular wildlife snorkel tours of the corral reef.

Of course, the only access to the island is by boat of sea plan. So if you want to book a trip, a Dry Tortugas charter will be necessary. There are some great discounts available on Dry Tortugas charters, Key West hotels, Key West snorkeling, and other recreation packages at Gold Card Key West.