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So where is Dry Tortugas, and how did such a beautiful place get such an odd name? Nestled about 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park is a actually group of islands (actually more like islets, they are so small) known for its sea turtles. Tortugas is Spanish for turtles, and that explains a portion of its odd name.

But what makes it dry, given that Dry Tortugas Park is surrounded by the waters of the crystal clear blue Caribbean? It turns out that the name comes from when the Spaniards occupied the islands, and they quickly discovered there was no fresh water available. So the islets eventually came to be known as the Dry Tortugas, or “dry turtles.” Even now, because the islets are a popular tourist destination, visitors must bring their own water.

First designated a National Monument by FDR, the Dry Tortugas islets were named a National Park in 1992 at the tail end of George H. W. Bush’s term. As the site of the unfinished Fort Jefferson, a civil war era brick structure briefly used as a prison to house Lincoln’s accused assassination conspirators, the strip of sandy cays and corral reefs is now a destination for eighty thousand tourists each year. Everyone leaves in amazement at the fascinating history of the former fort originally thought of as a defense against the real pirates of the Caribbean.

Now, visitors to Dry Tortugas Park can enjoy a host of fascinating and leisurely activities, from a historical tour of Fort Jefferson, to a lazy day on the beach, to an astounding snorkeling or scuba diving expedition to witness the spectacularly colorful sea life.

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.

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