Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas, Fort Jefferson. Photo by ThingLink.com.

Yo ho! Yo Ho! A Pirate’s life for me!

            We’re venturing down south this time into the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. Hanging out in the middle of the ocean is another place that’ll make you want to don a captain’s hat and set sail battling creatures from Davy Jones’ locker.

Dry Tortugas, Fort Jefferson. Photo by Richard Auger.

           
            The only way to access this abandoned fort is by boat, filled with tourists (which is unfortunate I know) and embark on a two-hour journey across the crystal clear water. Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, this 7-island archipelago was named the Dry Tortugas after a population of loggerhead sea turtles in the surrounding waters, “Tortuga” meaning “turtle” in Spanish. Along this group of islands is also one of the biggest shipping routes in North America, to ensure safety in these shipwrecked waters, in 1935, Fort Jefferson was built by the United States to offer ships chances to resupply, refit, or seek refuge from hurricanes.

            Today, abandoned Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortuga’s is a bustling site for tourists wanting to get a truly spectacular vacation. Only the bravest of souls and ones that can hold their breath for a long time, can swim through old shipwrecks nesting on the sandy ocean floor. If swimming in the open ocean where sharks can potentially eat you isn’t your thing, abandoned Fort Jefferson is a great alternative to explore. Hundreds of empty rooms and beautiful rooftop views of the calm Gulf of Mexico will entice your adventurous spirit.

            

Sunset at Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort
Jefferson. Photo by South Florida National Parks Trust.

But, only those who can pay a hefty price will get to experience the one thing that makes this island so unique. For over $200 per night and per person, one will get to camp on the island overnight and under a galaxy full of stars. Once the ferry departs with the families and vacationers back to Key West, the island is yours. And let's just say, you’ve never seen a true sunset until you’ve sat on the roof of an abandoned military fort in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, alone with your thoughts.