Dry Tortugas National Park Is Modifying Operations to Implement Local Health Guidance

Key West, Fla. – Dry Tortugas National Park, in response to guidance from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Safer at Home Executive Order issued April 1, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

 As of April 3, Dry Tortugas National Park will close all islands in the park to public access until further notice. Visitor programs, concession tours, and the campground were closed previously.

Park waters remain accessible to the public for recreational use in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance, in addition to entry fees being waived for visitors. Garden Key Harbor and Bird Key Harbor also remain open for boats to anchor.

 If an emergency occurs and land access is required, visitors should first contact the park by radio, hailing “National Park Service, Dry Tortugas National Park” on VHF Channel 16 and declare the nature of the emergency, so the park staff may appropriately prepare to respond to the emergency.

 The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Dry Tortugas National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.

If contemplating a visit to a national park during this pandemic, the NPS asks visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safer and healthier.

 The NPS also encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools available to explore Dry Tortugas National Park, including videos on the park website.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.

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