Trip Planner 2017-18 Trip Planner For Group Leaders | Page 13

KEY WEST
Garden Key Light at Fort Jefferson
Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles
west of Key West, appeals to both history
lovers and nature enthusiasts. Its 100 square
miles are mostly open water, interrupted only
by seven small islands. Despite its relatively
remote location, it is the the site of the
well-preserved Fort Jefferson, coral reefs,
clear blue waters and marine life. There is no
automobile access to the park, so visitors
must arrive by regular ferry service, chartered
boat or seaplane.
At snorkeling sites throughout the park,
divers can observe shipwrecks and wildlife.
The most popular dive is at the site of the
sunken Avanti, a three-masted, iron-hulled
sailing ship. The hull of the wreckage
has become an artificial reef that attracts
small tropical fish and 200-pound grouper.
Laminated maps available at visitors centers
provide the necessary information for a self-
guided tour of the site.
Fort Jefferson is located on Garden Key,
the largest island in Dry Tortugas and the
place where boats and seaplanes land.
Ranger-led tours cover the fort’s history,
ecology and preservation, and living-history
demonstrations and night-sky presentations
also are regular parts of the park’s
programming. Campgrounds are available
for travelers staying overnight, and snorkeling
excursions along the exterior walls of Fort
Jefferson are popular.
To learn more, contact Jack Meier Jr. of
Florida Keys & Key West at domsales@
fla-keys.com or go to fla-keys.com.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
The Ernest Hemingway Home and
Museum, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter
Ingham Maritime Museum
TOP FESTIVALS
Conch Republic Independence
Celebration (late April 2018), Hemingway
Days (July 2018), the Lower Keys
Underwater Music Festival (July 2018)
Dry
Tortugas National Park
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Start with...
Salem’s Most Visited Museum
Because...History Matters!
19 1 / 2 Washington Square North • Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Open Year Round • Shop at our museum store onsite or online!
978.744.1692 • salemwitchmuseum.com
Make us a part of your next visit to New England!
NTAonline.com
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