Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Travelers from all over the world are drawn to the water surrounding the islands, which are clean and clear and full of sea life. Fort Jefferson, a Civil War era fort on Garden Key island, is a popular place with snorkelers because the water is shallow and calm. Scuba divers seeking a deeper water experience often take to a nearby shipwreck, which is located 18 feet below sea level.
A campground on the same island as Fort Jefferson has 10 sites. The campground is open year round to the public and operates on an a first-come, first-served basis. Public bath facilities offer showers and flushable toilets. Be aware that you must bring your own fresh water, fuel, ice and food, and should be prepared to remove any trash that you create while visiting.
A number of companies in the Key West area offer charter fishing trips to the Dry Tortugas. Game fishermen visit the waters off the islands in search of fish such as tarpon, bonefish, cobia, grouper and snapper. Several types of fishing are offered on the island: offshore fishing, deep sea fishing, fly fishing on the island's flats or light tackle fishing. Guides provide gear and will usually also provide time for sight seeing. Often, guides offer information on viewing whales and dolphins that frequent the area.