The Yankee Freedom II | Florida National Parks | Key West

Dry Tortugas National Park

Discover the Dry Tortugas, voted "One of the top 10 things to do in the Florida Keys" 2 years in a row by Islands Magazine.

Ponce de Leon discovered the Dry Tortugas in 1513 when he caught over 100 sea turtles there. Subsequently the islands were referred to as the "Tortugas" (turtles). During the 1600s and 1700s the area around these islands was used by pirates as a base for attacking merchant shipping in the Gulf.

Surrounded by coral reefs and teeming with wildlife, the Dry Tortugas National Park is world renowned as a favorite destination for snorkeling, kayaking, camping, birding and deep sea fishing. Legends of pirates and sunken gold abound at Fort Jefferson, America's largest 19th century coastal fort.

* Take a day trip complete with breakfast and lunch aboard our high-speed, state-of-the-art catamaran.

America's largest 19th Century Coastal Fort

Built in the wake of the War of 1812 to provide defense for our southern coast, Fort Jefferson is a six-sided building constructed of 16 million handmade red bricks.

In 1825 a lighthouse was built on Garden Key to provide warning to sailors about the dangers of reefs and shoals surrounding the Dry Tortugas.

Dry Tortugas National Park -- 500 Years of Adventure

Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513 when he caught over 100 sea turtles

The haunt of pirates, including Jean Lafite ("The Gentleman Pirate")

Studied and painted by naturalist John James Audubon in 1832

Prison for the notorious Dr. Mudd, found guilty of conspiracy for helping John Wilkes Booth escape after assasinating President Lincoln.

Tropical Storm

Designated as a bird reserve in 1908, a national monument in 1935 (by President Franklin D. Roosevelt) and a national park in 1992 (by President George H. Bush). What will you discover when you visit?

Book online to make a reservation or call 1-800-634-0939.