Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas are a group of seven islands that make up a protected national park. The snorkeling and diving in Dry Tortugas is some of the best in the entire United States. The water is warm and clear, and it’s home to vibrant coral and nurse sharks. It’s a great snorkeling destination for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
The Dry Tortugas snorkeling area is made up of four beaches. The first is Garden Key. It is located on a moat wall and is open to the public 24 hours a day. The water is crystal clear, and the island is surrounded by a sandy beach on each side. The second snorkeling area is a series of 4-6 small patch reefs. This is the easiest of the Dry Tortugas snorkeling sites.
Texas Rock is one of the deeper Dry Tortugas diving sites, and it’s perfect for experienced snorkelers. Texas Rock is a 55 foot deep reef that contains many types of coral. Depending on the time of year, the currents can be moderate to strong. It’s also best to stay in the area where the shallow shoals are.
Another popular Dry Tortugas snorkeling area is Windjammer Wreck. This site is on the Loggerhead Reef and is perfect for diving and snorkeling. It’s also possible to see the historic Coaling Pier pilings and Little Africa Reef.
If you want to do more than snorkel, you can also kayak out to Loggerhead Key or paddle board. These are both great ways to get to the more remote areas of the island. You can also visit Bush Key and the South Coaling Dock Ruins. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch. You’ll also have a ranger guided tour of the fort.
The Dry Tortugas snorkeling water is also home to a variety of tropical fish. You can see queen conchs, sea turtles, barracuda, and a variety of tropical reef fish. The waters surrounding the Dry Tortugas islands are clear and warm, making them perfect for snorkeling. The area is also home to a lot of fire coral, which can be very painful if you’re allergic to it.
The best time to visit Dry Tortugas is May to September, when the waters are warm and the weather is not hot. It’s also a great time to visit if you’re traveling with children. The waters are also home to sea turtles, which have become endangered in the area.
When visiting Dry Tortugas, it’s important to keep in mind that coral reefs are protected by law. You should also keep in mind that you cannot remove any objects from the beach. It’s also a good idea to swim with a buddy. If you’re traveling with a large group, chartering a boat might be the best option. It’s also the most expensive option.
If you plan on snorkeling at Dry Tortugas, it’s a good idea to check your snorkeling equipment before leaving. You’ll also want to pack sunscreen and a waterproof swimsuit. The waters are warm and clear, and you can see a variety of sea life, including nurse sharks and sea turtles. It’s also a good idea for snorkelers to carry a dive flag to show other people that you’re snorkeling in the area.