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Fort Jefferson


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 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.
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Attraction type: Historic site, Old jail, Nature reserve
Address: Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
Tel: 305-242-7700

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
jadebeans 2 contributions
Indianapolis
Jul 17, 2009

Yes, it has great snorkeling, but Fort Jefferson also has amazing history. The fort rings the entire island and just dwarfs you. The architecture is stunning. While most people headed for the beach we ended up hanging out in the 300+ arches that make up the outer walls. It was so calm and serene, just sitting there in the shady... more

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5 of 5 stars
surferjoe5899 34 contributions
Miramar, FL
Jan 30, 2009
4/4 found this review helpful

Fort Jefferson is among the best places you can see in Florida. I rank it up there with my other favorite spot, Bahia Honda. To get to Fort Jefferson you have to take a two hour ferry ride. In the winter the water could be a little on the rough side so you might want to bring some dramamine. Between... more

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5 of 5 stars
forhym216 31 contributions
Harrisonburg, VA
Jun 26, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

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

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5 of 5 stars
finnerman 1 contribution
New Bern
Feb 10, 2008
5/5 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

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4 of 5 stars
Richard2323 1 contribution
Chicago
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

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5 of 5 stars
ParadiseMissouri 6 contributions
Saint Louis, Missouri
Feb 7, 2006
3/8 found this review helpful

Walking around inside Fort Jefferson reminded me of walking around inside the Coliseum in Rome. A monumental ruin where you can still picture what it was like when it was in use. I went on the Yankee Freedom II and I cannot praise the crew enough. more

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5 of 5 stars
TC1 43 contributions
MA
Jan 25, 2005
5/5 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

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5 of 5 stars
krakow007 3 contributions
chicago, il
Dec 5, 2004
17/17 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

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5 of 5 stars
ronnyber 179 contributions
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

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Gloucester,Massachusetts a/k/a Perfect Storm island
Jun 11, 2003
12/13 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

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Fort Jefferson Address

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