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Dry Tortugas National Park

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Fort Jefferson


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 4 attractions in Dry Tortugas National Park
Traveller Description: This is the largest all-masonry fortification in the western hemisphere and served as a Civil War federal prison.
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Attraction type: Historic site, Old jail, Nature reserve
Address: Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
Tel: 305-242-7700

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Amazing
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5 of 5 stars
pcola, florida
16 Nov 2009

Just returned from a unplanned trip to Key West, and decided to take the tour to the Dry Tortugas / Fort Jefferson National Park using the Sunny Days high speed catamaran. The Dry Tortugas / Fort Jefferson is a beautiful, pristine national park 70 miles more or less, off the shore of Key West. It's a long boat ride but... more

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5 of 5 stars
Indianapolis
17 Jul 2009

Yes, it has great snorkeling, but Fort Jefferson also has amazing history. The fort rings the entire island and just dwarfs you. The architecture is stunning. While most people headed for the beach we ended up hanging out in the 300+ arches that make up the outer walls. It was so calm and serene, just sitting there in the shady... more

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5 of 5 stars
Miramar, FL
30 Jan 2009
4
people found this review helpful

Fort Jefferson is among the best places you can see in Florida. I rank it up there with my other favorite spot, Bahia Honda. To get to Fort Jefferson you have to take a two hour ferry ride. In the winter the water could be a little on the rough side so you might want to bring some dramamine. Between... more

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5 of 5 stars
Harrisonburg, VA
26 Jun 2008
2
people found this review helpful

We took the Sunny Days Fast Cat tour to Fort Jefferson (one of only two ways to get there). Definitely go see this! The fort is huge, and the snorkeling is fair (very calm if you are a weak swimmer like me). Wear lots of sunscreen because I got really burnt in a very short time. The only thing we... more

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5 of 5 stars
New Bern
10 Feb 2008
6
people found this review helpful

My son and I spent 3 days camping at Fort Jefferson at the end of January. The snorkeling was great but the water was rather cool, too cool for my 9 year old son. It was nice to be able to let him run free as there is no where for him to get lost. He really enjoyed all of... more

27 Jul 2007
4
people found this review helpful

I enjoyed my visit on July 17, 2007. This is my second trip to Fort Jefferson. I love to tour old forts and learn about history. If you are into snorkeling the best place to see fish is the North and South coaling dock ruins. I saw several starfish and queen conchs in the area. The were 4 or 5... more

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5 of 5 stars
Saint Louis, Missouri
7 Feb 2006
3
people found this review helpful

Walking around inside Fort Jefferson reminded me of walking around inside the Coliseum in Rome. A monumental ruin where you can still picture what it was like when it was in use. I went on the Yankee Freedom II and I cannot praise the crew enough. more

25 Jan 2005
5
people found this review helpful

Had a day trip to Dry Tortugas - a great day trip for some adventure. We actually took a sea plane (sea planes of KW) and had a great time - 1/2 hr flight out, drop off for a few hrs, then pick up. Can have a great time exploring the fort, birdwatching, and snorkeling. more

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5 of 5 stars
chicago, il
5 Dec 2004
17
people found this review helpful

A few small keys in the middle of the seas, a fort and so many shades of blue that your mind cannot digest it any longer. Top this with many frigate birds, terns, clear water and good marine life and that is dry tortugas. Will be etched in your mind forever. Must visit if you go to Fla Keys. Some... more

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5 of 5 stars
Detroit, Michigan
21 Feb 2004
6
people found this review helpful

This is the least visited national Park in the U.S because of its accessability and that is a bonus for those of us who don't like crowds. A remote tropical island with fascinating history, white sandy beaches and great snorkling. If this appeals to you then take the boat from Key West and enjoy. My only complaint is that I... more

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Location: Key West, Florida Keys
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Fort Jefferson Address

Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
Tel: 305-242-7700