Camp in an Island Paradise
The Dry Tortugas don't exactly roll out the red carpet for visitors. They're reached only by boat or seaplane, and because no fresh water is available on the island, visitors must bring all of the water and food needed for their entire stay. All the trouble is worth it to settle into one of a dozen primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. A policy of "pack it in, pack it out" is strictly enforced.

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.

Dive for Wrecks
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 also a very popular and inexpensive 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 with a load of lumber and now acts as an artificial reef that spans 20 feet from surface to the seafloor.

Catch Dinner
Fish from the land or a charter boat 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 available in Key West.

Patrol for Pelicans
The islands are famous for their birds and were designated a sanctuary to protect them. Some of the birds you're likely to see include pelicans, sooty terns, which nest on the islands between May and September, and many tropical species.