
Passenger ferry service has resumed to Dry Tortugas National Park/NPS file
Concession-operated ferry service to Dry Tortugas National Park resumed Monday after engineers inspected the storm-damaged dock on Garden Key and determined it is safe to partially reopen. Visitors should check concessions websites or call for more information on availability.
Fort Jefferson remains closed beyond the fort entrance and visitor center while stabilization of damage from Hurricane Ian continues. However, the beaches on Garden Key are open, and the waters around the fort are accessible for snorkeling.
While marine waters in the park continue to be open, boaters are advised that both Garden and Loggerhead keys remain closed indefinitely to private vessels due to damage to the visitor courtesy slips and docks. Additionally, the park remains closed to camping until further notice.
Dry Tortugas National Park closed on September 26 in advance of Hurricane Ian, which passed directly over the park on the night of September 27-28 with sustained winds of 120 mph. Garden Key and Fort Jefferson were the first areas in the United States impacted by the storm. The National Park Service’s Eastern Incident Management team is assisting Dry Tortugas National Park staff with storm cleanup and emergency assessments of the fort’s damaged infrastructure.
Add comment