This Florida National Park Has Seven White-Sand Islands & Sparkling Turquoise Water

You can 'walk on water' through abandoned ruins there!

Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort Jefferson. Right: Abandoned ruins and turquoise water.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort Jefferson. Right: Abandoned ruins and turquoise water.

Georgia Contributing Writer

Dry Tortugas National Park is a breathtaking cluster of seven white-sand islands in the Florida Keys. Beneath the sparkling turquoise water hide coral reefs, protected exotic marine life, and a beautiful mystic world ready to be explored.

The 100-square-mile secret gem is only accessible by boat or seaplane, making the destination your own private playground for the time of your visit. After sunset, the unpolluted sky is illuminated with millions of stars as far as the eye can see.

The night sky over Fort Jefferson and turquoise waters in Dry Tortugas National Park. The night sky over Fort Jefferson and turquoise waters in Dry Tortugas National Park. @stephenippolitophoto | Instagram

History comes alive within Fort Jefferson's towering brick walls. An expert tour guide will take you through a tour of the fort's dark history and jaw-dropping surroundings.

Visitors can even walk the outstretched stone pier across the Atlantic's pristine waters.

If you prefer diving in, you can snorkel the perimeter and see preserved reefs of living coral, and protected wildlife like sea turtles, starfish, and tropical fish, firsthand. Fins, masks, and snorkels are complimentary.

You can visit for a day trip, or bring supplies and drinking water to stay the night, and embalm yourself in the magical sunset while enjoying primitive camping.

Undisturbed trees offer a respite from the intense Florida sun on Dry Tortugas' undisrupted beaches.

Adventure seekers are just one ferry ride away from enjoying the bliss of one of Florida's most beautiful beaches. The island is kid-friendly, making it a destination the whole family can enjoy.

If you're looking to kayak across turquoise waters, or just unwind and take in the view while you lounge, this national park is a must-see.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Where: Island in Monroe County, FL

Price: $180+

Why We Love It: Picture perfect beaches and stunning historical buildings make these islands the perfect tropical destination.

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Contributing Writer Maeve Browne (she/her) is a journalist living in her hometown Savannah, Georgia. Maeve is an award-winning reporter and expert on all things "Lowcountry." She has a knack for internet culture, food, wine and travel writing, as well as breaking news in Georgia's major cities. She has been freelancing for digital publications for seven years and was Narcity USA's first full-time Staff Writer.

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