Editor's note: The following is sponsor-supported content from Traveler's Essential Park Guide, Summer 2016.

It is an architectural wonder of the world, one located in one of the most unique places on the planet. Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park is no ordinary destination—and one that everyone should visit in their lifetime. If you’ve never heard of this tiny cluster of secluded islands off the Florida Keys, it’s time you did.

Just 70 miles west of Key West in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, this chain of islands was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513. Here, warm, cerulean waters cozy up to a pristine shoreline where graceful palms sway in the Florida breeze and beckon you to explore their splendor. Beneath the water’s surface, vibrant, multi-hued fish, sea turtles and resident porpoises harmoniously coexist, welcoming snorkelers and divers to explore their striking ecosystems.

From the moment you step off the Yankee Freedom III, the official ferry of the Dry Tortugas, you’ll understand why tens of thousands of visitors are drawn here each year. An imposing sight, Fort Jefferson will truly take your breath away. This Civil War fortress, which has stood for nearly two centuries, was painstakingly built in 1847 to protect the southern coastline of the United States. Constructed of an estimated 16 million bricks that make up the six-sided structure, this historic fort served as a military prison during the Civil War and was home to more than 2,000 people, including soldiers, civilians and prisoners.

As part of your experience here, a tour of the fort will include seeing the cell that once held the prison’s most famous resident, Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was convicted of being a co-conspirator in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. You can take a guided tour of the fort or explore on your own; there is much to see and learn about, including the weapons and the fort’s rich past.

During your visit to Dry Tortugas, you can join a guided tour of Fort Jefferson or tour it yourself. Afterwards, walk the beaches or head into the water for some snorkeling/Yankee Freedom III

Spend your day exploring the natural beauty, soaking up the sun on the beach, snorkeling the reef, and gazing up at some of the area’s most magnificent residents— an array of exotic bird species that come here to roost. In fact, the islands are an important part of the migration journey for bird species traveling between the United States and South America. More than 300 species, including the Sooty Tern, Brown Booby, the Brown Noddy, Brown Pelican, Black-bellied Plover, and Frigatebird are observed by bird enthusiasts throughout the seasons. It’s no wonder the Dry Tortugas is a top destination for bird watchers! 

For those who wish to spend more time here, pitch your tent at Garden Key. It’s a camping experience like no other, where you’ll sleep under the stars with the calming sounds of the ocean creating the ideal backdrop. The only catch: Dry Tortugas only offers primitive camping—which means you’ll need to bring everything with you, including water and all provisions.

To get here, you can sail in relaxation and comfort aboard the Yankee Freedom III, which will provide you with all you need to enjoy the Dry Tortugas. It will act as your home base throughout the day. Your Dry Tortugas adventure actually begins at Key West the moment you board this spacious, high speed, state-of-the-art, all aluminum catamaran that’s recognized world wide for safety, performance and passenger comfort.

The Yankee Freedom III provides a scenic, relaxing journey complete with a complimentary breakfast that’s served just moments after leaving the dock. You’ll also be treated to a delicious lunch buffet and cold beverages. The boat is equipped with freshwater showers, and the crew will provide snorkeling gear as well as instruction on the best way to safely and responsibly snorkel the reefs in the area.

Once at the Dry Tortugas, the Yankee Freedom III will dock for the day, offering you a cool spot to take a break from all your activity. While you can also get to the islands via private boat or on a seaplane, the Yankee Freedom III is not only the most affordable transportation, it’s the official ferry of the National Park Service to the islands. Prices are $175 for adults, $165 for seniors, college students and military and $125 for children ages 4-16. You can book online to ensure you get seats as trips do fill up fast.

If you’ve got a bucket list, the Dry Tortugas definitely deserves to be on it! And this one’s easy to cross off; just book your tickets today and experience this one-of-a-kind eco-treasure in the Florida Keys.