So where is Dry Tortugas anyway? And how did such a spectactular national treasure get such a bizarre name? About 68 miles off the western tip of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a group of tiny islets known for their sea turtles. Since tortugas is Spanish for turtles, that explains a portion of its unique name.
But what makes it dry, given that Dry Tortugas Park is surrounded by the waters of the crystal clear blue Caribbean? The name actually comes from the days when the Spanish settled the islands, and they soon found out that there were no fresh water springs available. So the islets eventually came to be known as the Dry Tortugas, or "dry turtles." To this day, as a major tourist attraction, boaters and tour operators must bring in their own water for visitors.
First designated a National Monument by FDR, the Dry Tortugas islets were named a National Park in 1992 at the tail end of George H. W. Bush's term just before Bill Clinton won the November election. The home of the previously unfinished Civil War era Fort Jefferson, a brick structure later used as a prison to house accused conspirators in President Lincoln's assassination, the strip of sandy beaches and shallow, colorful reefs has become a destination for 80,000 tourists each year. All leave this national treasure in amazement at its fascinating history involving its original intent to be a fortress against the real Caribbean pirates.
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.