Can you scuba dive in Dry Tortugas?

A diver’s dream destination, SCUBA, snorkel, and swim through over 67,000 acres of coral reef. Swim with nurse sharks, moray eels, and angelfish, and soak in the natural wonders of the Dry Tortugas.

Are there sharks in Dry Tortugas?

Nurse sharks went back to Dry Tortugas islands for up to 28 years, new research finds. Some species of shark return to the same breeding grounds for decades at a time, and live longer than previously thought, scientists studying the animals off Florida say.

Can you scuba dive in Dry Tortugas? – Related Questions

Are there crocodiles in Dry Tortugas?

For nearly 14 years, one individual American Crocodile was a resident at Dry Tortugas. No other crocodiles have been recorded in this location for at least the past century. Until recently, this male crocodile spent most of its time in areas of Garden Key and Bush Key that were not heavily used by visitors.

Why is Dry Tortugas least visited?

Dry Tortugas is a cluster of seven islands located about 70 miles west of the Florida Keys. Of course, one of the reasons for its low visitorship is that it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane.

What types of sharks are in Dry Tortugas?

Nurse shark

They typically live in tropical and subtropical water no deeper than 40 feet, which makes the reefs around the keys that make up Dry Tortugas National Park a perfect home for them.

Can you swim in Dry Tortugas?

The swim areas on Garden Key are accessible via North, South, and East Beach. These beaches offer gradual slope and easy entry and are ideal for beginner swimmers and snorkelers.

What animals are at Dry Tortugas?

There are opportunities to view sharks, sea turtles, coral, lobsters, squid, octopus, tropical reef fishes, and Goliath groupers.

What is Dry Tortugas most famous for?

Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas is known for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, beaches, coral reefs, campgrounds and array of activities both in and out of the water.

Is there a restaurant on Dry Tortugas?

There are no restaurants, shops, or any other services that offer food, water or fuel available on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park.

Are there snakes in the Dry Tortugas?

There are NO snakes in Dry Tortugas National Park. As of January 2022, NPS doesn’t report any species of snake as possible in the park. Of the water-loving venomous snakes in Florida (Florida Cottonmouth and Harlequin Coralsnake), neither species is known to live south of the north Florida Keys.

Are there black mambas in Florida?

They are more gray or dark brown, and secondly, black mambas do not live in Florida. Black mambas get their name from the black inside of their mouths, and they live in sub-Saharan Africa.

Can you drink at Dry Tortugas?

Can we bring a small cooler with water, food, and beer to enjoy at the Dry Tortugas? You may bring a small cooler with beverages to take to the beach; Remember, you cannot consume any alcohol from your cooler while aboard the Yankee Freedom, as we have a liquor license and glass containers are forbidden.

Are there rats in Dry Tortugas?

Like other islands vulnerable to exotic species, the Dry Tortugas support a population of black rats (Rattus rattus). Rats have inhabited the Tortugas probably since the arrival of humans.

Are there mosquitos on Dry Tortugas?

Summer is beautiful but challenging in the Dry Tortugas. Be prepared for sun, heat, thunderstorms and mosquitoes.

What is the best time of year to visit the Dry Tortugas?

October through January is one of the best times to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, when Bush Key is open. Walking around this key was one of our favorite experiences in the park. We visited Dry Tortugas National Park in early December. The high temperature for the day was 80°F and the water also felt very warm.