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Where is Dry Tortugas National Park located and how do I get there?
How much is the entrance fee? The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person under 16 years of age is exempt from paying an entrance fee (this includes international visitors).If you hold a valid National Park Pass and are travelling either via ferry or seaplane, show your pass at check-in and the entrance fee will be deducted from your transportation cost. If you are bringing your private boat or arriving on a private seaplane, fees are collected through a self-service fee area on the main dock at Garden Key. Cash or check only.
Does the Park have any lodging facilities? Do I need reservations to camp at Garden Key? It is important to know that Dry Tortugas National Park has a carrying capacity of 68 people to camp at Garden Key. Please check in advance with the park prior to your visit if you are travelling on your private boat and would like to reserve the group camp site. If you are travelling by the ferry, please check with the company for trip planning and camping reservations. Note: If you are travelling via ferry and plan to camp in a group, check with the company for additional group size and gear restrictions as they only allow 10 campers aboard per day. How much are the camping fees? Camping fees can only be paid at the park by cash (exact change recommended) or check, regardless of your mode of transportation. Seaplane and ferry concessions do not collect camping fees. What can campers bring with them on the commercial ferries? Are there any restaurants or facilities that sell food and drinks at the park? Where is Loggerhead Key located and how can I get there? Is fishing allowed in the park? It is important to know that Dry Tortugas National Park is almost exclusively in Gulf of Mexico waters, but is part of Monroe County, Florida. Therefore, all Florida state fishing laws and regulations apply. A Florida Saltwater fishing license is required, unless you are under the age of 16 or a Florida resident over the age of 65. For a complete list of fishing rules and regulations, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
Is spearfishing or lobstering allowed in the park? Taking fish by pole spear, Hawaiian sling, rubber powered, pneumatic, or spring loaded gun or similar device known as a speargun, air rifles, bows and arrows, powerheads, or explosive powered guns are prohibited. Operators of vessels within the park must break down and store all weapons described in this paragraph so that they are not available for immediate use. Additional information on fishing regulations in the park can be found in the Dry Tortugas National Park Compendium. Are firearms permitted in the Park? If I bring my private boat, what do I need to know about overnight anchoring and mooring balls? Within the RNA, mooring buoys are available for day use only for a maximum of 2 hours. The mooring is designed to hold up to a 100 foot recreational vessel. It is intended for recreational use such as diving or snorkeling (bring a diver down flag), when weather and sea conditions are appropriate. For more information, check our Boat permits and mooring buoys brochure.
Are personal watercraft (e.g jet skis) allowed in Park? Is there a public dock at Garden Key? However, there are some exceptions: The main dock is occupied from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, due to the presence of the passenger ferry boat. On certain days, the main dock is not available for use when the park supply boat unloads cargo or unloads fuel. There may be other instances when the dock is not accessible. If this is the case, please contact park staff on VHF 16 for further questions. Does the park provide a shuttle service for boats anchored in the harbor? Does the park provide trash receptacles? Can I barter or trade with commercial fishermen for seafood? What is the RNA? Are dogs allowed in the park?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Garden Key however they are not allowed to go into Fort Jefferson. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and owners much pack out all dog waste. Official service animals (dog and miniature horses) are permitted within the fort. Emotional support animals are not permitted inside Fort Jefferson.
Are drones allowed in the park? No, drones and other unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park or any other National Park Service site. This includes model airplanes, quadcopters, etc. For more information about Dry Tortugas National Park Rules and Regulations, read our Code of Federal Regulations. If you have any further questions, e-mail us or call General Park Information at 305-242-7700 from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Last updated: August 28, 2024