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By Morris Dye

The Dry Tortugas, a cluster of islands 70 miles from Key West and accessible only by boat or plane, offer a glimpse of pristine tropical wilderness.

Dry Tortugas, Florida

Unless you have access to a private yacht, visiting this remote group of small islands and sandbars will begin with a journey to Key West at the southern terminus of U.S. Highway 1. From there you must board a boat or seaplane and travel the remaining 70 miles through the Gulf of Mexico to one of the most secluded outposts in the U.S. National Park system.

Except for Fort Jefferson, a massive brick military installation built here in the mid-1800s, the beaches and reefs of the Dry Tortugas have been preserved in a largely natural state. The isolated haven for sea birds and marine life looks much as it did when Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon happened upon the islands in 1513. Visitors have access to a number of fine sandy beaches with superb snorkeling, bird watching and sport fishing, plus guided tours of the historic fort.

Two boat operators sanctioned by the National Park Service — Sunny Days Catamarans and The Yankee Fleet — offer day trips to the Dry Tortugas. Air service via Seaplanes of Key West is significantly more expensive, but offers the added attraction of seeing Fort Jefferson and the keys from above. Overnight visits are permitted at a primitive campground near the fort.

Information
Dry Tortugas National Park, 305-242-7700.

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