Welcome to Key West

Visiting The Jewel Of The U.S. National Park System -- The Dry Tortugas National Park
by Christine OKelly

If you're planning a trip to the Florida Keys, make sure you save some time during your stay to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park. This incredible U.S. National Park offers both natural and manmade wonders that you'll find nowhere else in the world. The 70-mile charter boat trip from Key West is well worth the time it takes to get there. This article looks at some of the things you'll see when visiting this jewel of the national park system.

Many Species Of Birds

Dry Tortugas National Park is home to plenty of interesting and beautiful native birds. Because of its location, it is also a regular stop for migratory birds heading south for the winter or north for the summer. If you're a bird watcher or a bird lover, you'll enjoy the wide variety of birds you'll see. During the March/September nesting season, you'll likely spot an amazing 100,000 Sooty Terns or you might be surprised by a Frigate Bird with a 7-foot wingspan.

Although you'll see more birds in the spring, there is no bad time of year for bird watching. At all times of the year you'll see birds like ruby-throated hummingbirds, shiny cowbirds, yellow-billed cuckoos, red-footed boobies, double crested cormorants, or maybe even a Caribbean short-eared owl. Bird watchers have spotted nearly 300 different types of birds in the park. The activity of bird watching is so popular, the park even offers a checklist so you can keep track of all the different birds you see.

Below The Surface

A favorite area for scuba diving and snorkeling, the water around the park is home to North America's largest living coral reef. You'll find all kinds of marine creatures living in this spectacular reef. Special charters specifically for scuba diving and snorkeling come to the park because of the impressive life under the sea here. You'll see amazing sights like unusual plants, brightly colored corals, schools of vivid tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and much more. The clear water provides excellent visibility.

Manmade Sights To See

While the wildlife on the island and in the water around it provides plenty of wonder, it's the manmade wonder many people come to see. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a gigantic military post built in 1846 by the United States government to protect U.S. sailing interests within the Gulf of Mexico. Fort Jefferson served many purposes during its time on the island in addition to a military post, including a quarantine station and prison. Full of history, the fort is now part of the park open to visitors arriving on special charters.

Dry Tortugas National Park is far from touristy. In a natural state, you won't find a shopping mall or string of restaurants here, so it's important to bring what you will need for your visit and make sure you "pack out" what you bring so you leave the park just as clean and natural as when you arrived. If you have an inquisitive spirit, a love of nature, and a passion for history, you'll enjoy a visit to the jewel of the U.S. National Park System.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly writes for the experts at Best On Key West. They provide information on Dry Tortugas National Park.