What type of animals are found in Tortuga?

The islands are located among acres of coral reef gardens that house a variety of colorful reef fish, amberjacks, grouper, tarpon, sea turtles, stingrays, and many other types of reef species.

1. Are there Dolphins at Dry Tortugas?
2. Are there sharks in Dry Tortugas?
3. What are the endangered species in Dry Tortugas?
4. Are there bugs in the Dry Tortugas?
5. Can you take your own boat to Dry Tortugas?
6. Does anyone live in the Dry Tortugas?
7. Has anyone been bitten by a nurse shark?
8. Can you stay in the Dry Tortugas?
9. What harmed the turtles of Tortuga Isla?
10. What animals are in Dry Tortugas?
11. What is a Tortuga?
12. Can you bring alcohol to Dry Tortugas?
13. How long does it take to Dry Tortugas from Key West?
14. Why is it called Dry Tortugas?

Are there Dolphins at Dry Tortugas?

One of the most popular residents in Key West are our friendly bottlenose dolphins. There's an estimated 200 of them living in the waters that surround the island and many who come to visit cannot wait to catch a glimpse of them.

Are there sharks in Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas National Park

People can swim with nurse sharks without incident, although the sharks will sometimes attack humans if they are antagonized, so it is best to leave them alone if you see them.

What are the endangered species in Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas National Park is home to about 30 species of coral, including elkhorn and staghorn coral, both of which are listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Are there bugs in the Dry Tortugas?

Bugs? Lack of “facilities”? If you're there on a day trip, you probably won't experience many discomforts. You can get fresh water from the concessioner and use the ferry's bathroom. There are no mosquitoes at Dry Tortugas.

Can you take your own boat to Dry Tortugas?

Yes, all private boats and vessels entering Dry Tortugas National Park must file a boat permit at Garden Key before recreating within the park. Even if you do not plan on exploring Fort Jefferson, you must stop by Garden Key to pay the entrance fee and file the required permits.

Does anyone live in the Dry Tortugas?

There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live in the fort at the Dry Tortugas. They work 10 days on the island and then they are off for 6, so they can head into Key West to restock and catch a movie or something.

Has anyone been bitten by a nurse shark?

Nurse sharks are, for the most part, harmless to humans. However, the slow-moving bottom dwellers, who have strong jaws filled with thousands of tiny, serrated teeth, will bite defensively if stepped or bothered in some way, according to National Geographic.

Can you stay in the Dry Tortugas?

There are no restaurants, hotels, fuel stations, marine supplies, fishing supplies, or other gear available for rent or purchase on the island. Visitors must arrive with all gear and supplies. ... While fishing at Dry Tortugas is an amazing experience, do not plan to "catch your meals".

What harmed the turtles of Tortuga Isla?

Death by ingestion of discarded plastics and entanglement in marine debris, such as lost or discarded fishing gear, also is a major threat to sea turtles.

What animals are in Dry Tortugas?

There are opportunities to view sharks, sea turtles, coral, lobsters, squid, octopus, tropical reef fishes, and Goliath groupers.

What is a Tortuga?

Tortuga is the Spanish word for a turtle or tortoise.

Can you bring alcohol to Dry Tortugas?

You are welcome to bring along beer and wine. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a Florida State Park but it is legal in a National Park (no open containers on the aircraft). If you need a place to cool off at the Dry Tortugas the visitor's center located in Fort Jefferson is air-conditioned.

How long does it take to Dry Tortugas from Key West?

How long is the trip from Key West to Fort Jefferson? The ride on the Yankee Freedom usually takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Why is it called Dry Tortugas?

Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, the Dry Tortugas were named after the large population of sea turtles living in the island's surrounding waters. “Tortugas” means turtles in Spanish, and Ponce de Leon himself caught over 100 sea turtles during his time on the island.