KEY WEST, Fla. - Dry Tortugas National Park will reopen on August 31 after the passage of Hurricane Idalia. Weather permitting, ferry and seaplane tours will also resume. Fort Jefferson, South Beach, and the campground on Garden Key are open.
Loggerhead Key and the North Beach of Garden Key will remain closed until park staff are able to safely assess storm impacts.
Bush Key is closed for sea turtles and nesting birds at this time of year. No landing or anchoring is permitted within 100 feet of the shoreline of Bush Key.
As park staff are still assessing the damage from the high winds, storm surge, and wave action, visitors should wear proper footwear and watch out for hazards. Park staff will have limited abilities for emergency response.
The NPS Hurricane and Severe Weather Response has updates for all National Park Service sites.
Private Boating Reminders
Private boats recreating or stopping in Dry Tortugas National Park must obtain a boat permit at the Garden Key dock house before recreating within the park.
The finger piers remain closed from Hurricane Ian damage. Vessels are prohibited from using the seaplane beach.
Private vessels may use the main dock when available, but space is limited. The east end of the main dock is reserved for the Yankee Freedom III between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Vessels may use the west end of the dock when available, but dock space is limited to approximately three boats tied to the dock and no more than two boats deep (hip to hip). Total allowable dock usage for one day is two hours (cumulative) per vessel, and no overnight docking is permitted.
The National Park Service has secured funding for repairs to the finger piers and dinghy beach, and repairs are expected to be completed in 2024.
Tags: severe weather hurricane hurricane idalia
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service