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So where is Dry Tortugas anyway? And how did such a memorable national treasure get such a strange name? About 68 miles off the western tip of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a group of tiny islets known for their sea turtles. A portion of its unique name is explained by the fact that the Spanish word for turtles is tortugas.

But what makes it dry, given that Dry Tortugas Park is surrounded by the waters of the crystal clear blue Caribbean? The name was derived from the Spaniards – when they settled the islets, they soon discovered that there were no fresh water springs. So the islands eventually became known as the Dry Tortugas, or “dry turtles.” To this day, as a popular tourism destination, boaters must bring their own water to the islands.

First named a National Monument in 1935 by FDR, Dry Tortugas was designated a national park in 1992 at the end of George H. W. Bush’s term. As the home of the unfinished Civil War era Ft Jefferson (a brick structure which came to be used as a prison housing accused conspirators in Lincoln’s assassination), the strip of sandy beaches and colorful reefs is now a destination for the 80,000 tourists who visit each year. All leave this national treasure in amazement at its fascinating history involving its original intent to be a fortress against the real Caribbean pirates.

Visitors to Dry Tortugas can enjoy a large array of activities, from educational tours of Ft. Jefferson, to lazy days on the beach, to spectacular wildlife snorkel tours of the corral reef.

Of course, visitors can only arrive by chartered boat of sea plane. So if you want to book a trip, a Dry Tortugas charter will be necessary. There are some great discounts available on Dry Tortugas charters, Key West hotels, Key West snorkeling, and other recreation packages at Gold Card Key West.