Next time you’re in Key West, Florida, take the time to head to the Dry Tortugas—an oasis of natural beauty and wildlife about 70 miles west in the Gulf of Mexico. Catch a ferry or hop on a seaplane and make the amazing journey to this remote cluster of islands that offers an abundance of activities for the entire family. Each year, nearly 80,000 people visit the Dry Tortugas and with good reason, from camping to bird watching, snorkeling and scuba diving, to fishing and just lazing on a white sandy beach, it’s been deemed as one of the top ten things to do when you’re in Key West.
If tales of pirates, shipwrecks and sunken treasures don’t lure you in—the vibrant wonderland that exists just a few feet offshore surely will. For those who love to snorkel, there’s nothing more inviting than the warm, shallow waters of the Dry Tortugas. The islands in the Tortugas are actually a part of the coral reef that surrounds Key West and the other islands in the area. A fringe reef, as it is called, this fragile ecosystem is teeming with a diverse assortment of species, from the tiniest polyps that actually create the coral reef, to large fish and many others in between.
Snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas is truly a unique experience because you can simply walk right into the water in the designated snorkeling area. There’s no need to be transported back out to sea! And that’s when the real adventure begins. The moment you put your mask in the water, you’ll be witness to an amazing spectacle of marine species that make the coral reef their home.
Large coral heads, colorful tropical fish, thriving sea grass, tentacled sea anemone, starfish, sea sponges and many other sea animals live in and around the reef of the Dry Tortugas. If you’re lucky, and many have been, you may run into a graceful sea turtle. This beautiful species is why Juan Ponce de Leon originally named the islands the Dry Tortugas. In June of 1513, the Spanish explorer caught 160 sea turtles and proclaimed the islands as the Tortugas. The word Dry was added because of the absence of fresh water on the island.
Whether you love to snorkel or just enjoy the great outdoors, a visit to the Dry Tortugas is a must do while in Key West.
