Famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon stumbled on these little island gems in 1513 and promptly dubbed them Dry Tortugas for their lack of fresh water and abundance of tortoises. Through the ensuing centuries the islands gained a reputation for concealing pirates and sunken treasure, as well as their wildlife. Ft, Jefferson was built here to defend the U.S. from attack from the southwest, however the fort was never completed. It was used as a prison during the civil war and held the confederate prisoners. I'm sure you all remember John Booth (the dude who shot Lincoln), well when he jumped from the balcony and broke his leg, and still escaped, He hobbled to the nearest doctor, who set his leg. That was Doc. Mudd (remember," Your name is Mud"), Well he was sentenced to life in this prison and chained to the wall for his crime. After several years he was allowed to practice medicine in the prison and he was the one that discovered the cure for malaria. He was then pardoned but the ship transporting his pardon sailing from New York to here (a year long journey) lost his pardon and he died here several years later, his only crime was that he set a mans broken leg. Too bad they didn't have a fax or cel phones. Anyway, the pirates are gone, but the Dry Tortugas are still an unspoiled paradise rich in marine and bird species, making this island outpost popular for birders, scuba divers, and snorkelers. Excellent diving exists year-round with the waters at a warm 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months, and dropping to the low 60s in the winter. The best time to dive these waters is in the spring, summer, and autumn months; when the Gulf Stream eddies in, the visibility is better than the usual 40- to 60-foot range, and the currents vary from very little to stiff. More than 200 shipwrecked vessels lie within the park's boundaries, making wreck diving a popular sport. The islands are located almost 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The Dry Tortugas don't exactly roll out the red carpet for visitors. I've seen 3rd world countries that have better facilities. They're reached only by boat or seaplane, and because no fresh water is available on the island, we must bring all of the water and food needed for the entire stay. All the trouble is worth it to explore some of a dozen primitive islands and reefs in the area, Need to be on land for the night, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A policy of "pack it in, pack it out" is strictly enforced

The trip

We'll be meeting in Punta Gorda, Florida, Once the boats are provisioned we'll be leaving the dock aboard one or two  50 foot catamarans (depending on the number that signup) , sailing through-out the day and night to arrive at these beautiful islands about mid-day. A tour of the fort is a must. It's history, architecture and the views from atop the walls provide loads of photo opportunities. Plenty of spectacular snorkeling around the fort wall (the south side is the best). Several great snorkeling reefs are close by and many more are just a short dingy ride. All meals onboard are included, Our chef prepared meals will be a delight to everyone. Want to get involved with the running and the handling of the boat. This can be a hands-on sailing trip! Like to just site back and read a book, that's okay to. Cocktails & snacks are included as well.

Snorkel the Coral Reefs
The waters surrounding the Dry Tortugas are ideal for beginner and expert snorkelers with shallow diving accessible right from the beach. Colorful corals, tropical fish, starfish, and sea conches are just a few of the delights that await.

Wreck Diving
 There are no dive shops here, so bring everything you need, the boats have a dingy that can be used to get you out to the reefs but can only take two divers at a time. Between Key Largo and Dry Tortugas lies the only living barrier reef ecosystem in the continental United States. The reefs are typically shallow and constructed of hard Elkhorn corals; boulder-size brain corals; tall, willowy sea whips; and giant purple sea fans. The reef is  a very popular spot for diving. More than 200 shipwrecks have been discovered in the region, and are open for exploration.  Beginning divers may want to explore the City of Washington and the Benwood.  More advanced divers may try to locate the Bibb, the Duane, or the Avanti, which sank in 1907  and now acts as an artificial reef that spans 20 feet from surface to the seafloor.

Fishing
Fish from the beach or at sea. Fishermen may catch grouper, amberjack, cobia, tarpon, mackerel, snook, red snapper, and other saltwater fish. Taking lobster is not allowed. Saltwater fishing licenses are needed. We will have a fishing license for the boat but if you want to take the dingy or fish from the beach, you'll nee your own license.

Bird Sanctuary
The islands are famous for their birds and were designated a sanctuary to protect them. You are not allowed on the sanctuary islands but you're welcome to walk the tidal-zone or the surf area of these islands. Some of the birds you're likely to see include pelicans, sooty terns, just to name a few, which nest on the islands between May and September, and many other tropical species.

Key West

This trip would not be complete without stopping at key West for a couple of days on the return. Explore the island, bars and the fun night life of this popular island.