Both

Dry Tortugas National Park

Florida, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggestedExtreme remoteness1–21 m depthBoth entryRash guard or 2mm shorty typical

Dry Tortugas National Park at a glance

Dry Tortugas National Park is a both dive site in Florida, United States with depths of 1–21.3 m (3–70 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Green sea turtle, Yellowtail snapper, and Tarpon. Recent reports put the water around 32°C (89°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 1h ago

0.5 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 32°C · seasonal avg 31°C

Site hazards: Extreme remoteness

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sun

Fri14:00–20:00

Sat8:00–20:00

Sun8:00–20:00

Mon8:00–20:00

Tue8:00–20:00

Wed8:00–20:00

Thu8:00–20:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:53 · Sunrise 7:16 · Sunset 19:39

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 2.5 km from site · graded 1h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Green sea turtle, Yellowtail snapper, Loggerhead sea turtle

Best time: April-June offers the calmest seas and best visibility; summer is warm but thunderstorm-prone, winter cold fronts bring wind and chop. Ferry sells out — book well ahead.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan43%24°C1.5 m
Feb67%24°C1.3 m
Mar67%24°C1.3 m
Apr59%26°C1.3 m
May98%28°C0.8 m
Jun89%29°C0.8 m
Jul100%31°C0.6 m
Aug88%31°C0.7 m
Sep96%31°C0.8 m
Oct59%29°C1.4 m
Nov53%27°C1.5 m
Dec47%25°C1.5 m

July hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

The underwater calendar

When these animals are most recorded around Gulf of Mexico — from open sighting data, not a promise.

Green sea turtleMar–May

Watch the whole year animate on the Migrations map

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

Dry Tortugas National Park protects seven remote islands and some of the most pristine coral reef in the continental U.S., 70 miles west of Key West around historic Fort Jefferson. Access is only by ferry, seaplane, or boat; snorkelers can shore-enter along Garden Key's moat wall and beaches, while scuba diving — including the popular Windjammer (Avanti) wreck in about 20 ft off Loggerhead Key — requires a private vessel or the park's approved dive charter since tanks are banned on the ferry and seaplane. Expect superb visibility, abundant sea turtles (the park's namesake), and large grouper in a lightly fished ecosystem.

boatreefshorewreck

Extreme remoteness — 70 miles west of Key West with no fuel, water, or emergency services; nearest recompression chamber is hours away, so dive conservatively. Currents around channels and wrecks, boat traffic near Garden Key anchorage, summer thunderstorms and winter cold fronts, sunburn/dehydration. Research Natural Area zones are no-anchor/no-fishing; spearfishing and lobstering prohibited parkwide; permits required for private vessels.

How deep is Dry Tortugas National Park?

Dry Tortugas National Park ranges from 1 to 21.3 metres deep (3–70 feet). It is a saltwater site. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Dry Tortugas National Park a shore dive or a boat dive?

Dry Tortugas National Park can be dived from shore or by boat. The entry is recorded as boat-only. The entry area is recorded as moderately exposed to surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

When is the best time to dive Dry Tortugas National Park?

April-June offers the calmest seas and best visibility; summer is warm but thunderstorm-prone, winter cold fronts bring wind and chop. Ferry sells out — book well ahead. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Dry Tortugas National Park?

Divers at Dry Tortugas National Park in United States commonly report sightings of Green sea turtle, Yellowtail snapper, Tarpon, Sooty tern (surface), and Staghorn coral. Green sea turtle and Yellowtail snapper are recorded as common sightings, while Sooty tern (surface) is seasonal, while Tarpon and Staghorn coral are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Dry Tortugas National Park?

Extreme remoteness — 70 miles west of Key West with no fuel, water, or emergency services; nearest recompression chamber is hours away, so dive conservatively. Currents around channels and wrecks, boat traffic near Garden Key anchorage, summer thunderstorms and winter cold fronts, sunburn/dehydration. Research Natural Area zones are no-anchor/no-fishing; spearfishing and lobstering prohibited parkwide; permits required for private vessels. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.

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