May 4, 2026
We left for the terminal at 6:30am for our day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. The rich cultural heritage of the Dry Tortugas all begins with its location 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The seven keys (Garden, Loggerhead, Bush, Long, East, Hospital, and Middle) collectively known as the Dry Tortugas, are situated on the edge of the main shipping channel between the Gulf of America, the western Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean. The only way to get to Dry Tortugas is by boat or sea plane and it is almost a 3 hour voyage. We hit rough seas about an hour outside of Dry Tortugas and many of the passengers got sick!!!
Once we arrived we set about exploring Fort Jefferson which takes up most of the island. Fort Jefferson on Garden Key
Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort in the United States, was built between 1846 and 1875 to protect the nation’s gateway to the Gulf of America. Supply and subsidence problems and the Civil War delayed construction. The fort was never completed because of fears that additional bricks and cannon would cause further settling and place more stress on the structure and the cistern system. Distinguishing features include decorative brickwork and 2,000 arches. Time, weather, and water continue to take their toll, necessitating ongoing stabilization and restoration projects. The fort includes a moat and the distinction that it was never attacked. The big cannons that dot the fort were never fired at an enemy.
We walked along the roof that provided us unique views as we discussed what it would have been like to reside in the for in the 1800’s.
To cool off from our exploration we snorkeled along the moat wall looking for coral and fish that we never found!!
Another stamp in my National Parks passport!!! One that few people get because of the difficulty in getting to the island.
Soon it was time to depart for Key West and we sat on the top deck enjoying the perfect day. My feet got really sunburned!!! I thought I had enough sunscreen on but alas I now have burnt toes!!!
Once we got back to shore we headed for food and adult beverages in our sandy clothes!!
Then we headed to Truman Park to experience the sunset!!! The sunset did not disappoint as it reinforced that Key West has the best sunsets!!!
Absolutely a “Best Day Ever….So Far”!!! I am loving exploring the US!!
