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Fort Jefferson

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 4 attractions in Dry Tortugas National Park
Traveler Description: This is the largest all-masonry fortification in the western hemisphere and served as a Civil War federal prison.
Familiar with Fort Jefferson? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Historic site, Old jail, Nature reserve
Address: Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
Tel: 305-242-7700

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Fort Jefferson

( 1-9 of 9 )
5 of 5 stars
Harrisonburg, VA
Jun 26, 2008

We took the Sunny Days Fast Cat tour to Fort Jefferson (one of only two ways to get there). Definitely go see this! The fort is huge, and the snorkeling is fair (very calm if you are a weak swimmer like me). Wear lots of sunscreen because I got really burnt in a very short time. The only thing we... more

5 of 5 stars
New Bern
Feb 10, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

My son and I spent 3 days camping at Fort Jefferson at the end of January. The snorkeling was great but the water was rather cool, too cool for my 9 year old son. It was nice to be able to let him run free as there is no where for him to get lost. He really enjoyed all of... more

Jul 27, 2007
4/4 found this review helpful

I enjoyed my visit on July 17, 2007. This is my second trip to Fort Jefferson. I love to tour old forts and learn about history. If you are into snorkeling the best place to see fish is the North and South coaling dock ruins. I saw several starfish and queen conchs in the area. The were 4 or 5... more

Jan 25, 2005
4/4 found this review helpful

Had a day trip to Dry Tortugas - a great day trip for some adventure. We actually took a sea plane (sea planes of KW) and had a great time - 1/2 hr flight out, drop off for a few hrs, then pick up. Can have a great time exploring the fort, birdwatching, and snorkeling. more

5 of 5 stars
chicago, il
Dec 5, 2004
15/15 found this review helpful

A few small keys in the middle of the seas, a fort and so many shades of blue that your mind cannot digest it any longer. Top this with many frigate birds, terns, clear water and good marine life and that is dry tortugas. Will be etched in your mind forever. Must visit if you go to Fla Keys. Some... more

5 of 5 stars
Windsor, Ontario
Feb 21, 2004
6/6 found this review helpful

This is the least visited national Park in the U.S because of its accessability and that is a bonus for those of us who don't like crowds. A remote tropical island with fascinating history, white sandy beaches and great snorkling. If this appeals to you then take the boat from Key West and enjoy. My only complaint is that I... more

5 of 5 stars
Gloucester,Massachusetts a/k/a Perfect Storm island
Jun 11, 2003
11/12 found this review helpful

I had the distinct pleasure of enjoying 2 week's during the millenium celebrations at Fort Jefferson camping with a sailboat that we really never bothered to use. It was breathtaking during the meteorite showers considering there was no artificial lighting save the light by the dock. To walk the wall around the moat at night with a small lantern and... more

Jun 1, 2003
6/12 found this review helpful

Visited Fort Jefferson twice sailing to Cuba. Tourist pressure from high speed boats daily from Key West is destroying the natural beauty. No longer a quiet harbor for sailors. Disney on the water. more

Oct 20, 2002
12/12 found this review helpful

This is by far the most exotic national park in America. The fort is only accessible by seaplane or boat, and is far from crowded. The history and masonry is extraordinary, and the ambience is exceptional. Take snorkeling gear and walking shoes. The barracudas are fun to swim with, and there are several camping spots and numerous picnic areas. more

Reviews of Fort Jefferson

( 1-9 of 9 )
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Location: Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
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Fort Jefferson: Management Resources

Fort Jefferson Address

Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
Tel: 305-242-7700