Dry
Tortugas National Park is a small cluster of islands nearly 70
miles to the west of Key West, FL. Located in the middle of
the Gulf of Mexico, the park is dominated by historic Fort
Jefferson (located on Garden Key). This coastal fort was
started in 1846, and was used as a federal prison after the
Civil War. Located nearby are Bush and Long Key, which serve
as the nesting ground for thousands of Sooty Terns and Brown
Noddies, as well as a sizable Magnificent Frigatebird Colony.
A few miles away is Loggerhead Key and its 150 foot
lighthouse. During spring bird migration, the fort draws in
thousands of migrant birds and is a hotspot for birders who
can arrange the trip. Spending a few days on these islands is
a truly unforgettable experience!