Loggerhead Key

NPS Natural Resources, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

A remote island featuring a historic lighthouse, pristine beaches, coral reef ecosystems, abundant marine life, and some of the clearest waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

General Information
Hours:
Open year-round, 24 hours daily as part of Dry Tortugas National Park; most visitors access the island during daylight hours
Fees:
Dry Tortugas National Park entrance fee: $15 per person (7-day pass)
Children 15 and under: Free
Transportation by ferry, seaplane, or private boat required and charged separately
Pet Policy:
Pets are not permitted on Loggerhead Key
Closest cities with hotels:
Key West (70 mi by boat or seaplane)
Seasons:
All year; November through April offers the most comfortable temperatures and calmer weather conditions
Location:
/search/?api=1&query=Loggerhead+Key+Dry+Tortugas+National+Park+Florida" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Loggerhead Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Website:
https://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nps.gov/drto

From Key West (70 mi): Travel by ferry, seaplane, or private boat to Dry Tortugas National Park, then continue approximately 3 miles west from Garden Key by private vessel or kayak to reach the island and its historic lighthouse.

Overview

The Loggerhead Key area represents one of the most secluded and visually striking destinations in Dry Tortugas National Park. Located west of Fort Jefferson, the island is best known for its impressive nineteenth-century lighthouse, which rises above white-sand beaches and native coastal vegetation. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the island offers visitors a rare glimpse into an environment where maritime history and natural beauty exist side by side. Its isolation has helped preserve an atmosphere that feels much the same as it did for sailors who once relied on the lighthouse to navigate the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The waters surrounding the island contain some of the park's finest snorkeling opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life thriving in protected habitats. Visitors who make the journey are rewarded with uncrowded beaches, exceptional wildlife viewing, and panoramic views across the Dry Tortugas archipelago. The island also serves as an important nesting area for sea turtles and seabirds, underscoring its ecological significance. For travelers seeking a combination of adventure, history, and pristine natural scenery, the island delivers one of the most memorable experiences in the Florida Keys.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Loggerhead Key, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

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United States Coast Guard, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jennifer Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted
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Acroterion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted
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; Image Size Adjusted