Dry Tortugas: Most of Bush Key Reopens, One Area Still Closed for Frigatebirds

If you're planning a trip out to Dry Tortugas, this update matters for your day on the island. After a closure tied to bird nesting, you can once again walk most of Bush Key, which is open to visitors again.

That doesn't mean everything's reopened. To let the frigatebirds nest in peace, a small area on the north side of Bush Key stays closed, along with all of Long Key. In the same spirit, all vegetation remains protected, and you shouldn't step into it.

Here's what it means for your visit. Most of the sandbar is walkable, as long as you keep your distance from the marked areas. No reopening date has been announced, which means these restrictions stand until further notice. It's best to plan as if they'll still be in place the day you show up.

These frigatebirds are part of what makes Dry Tortugas so unusual. This park sits off the coast of Florida, reachable only by boat or seaplane, and it's home to one of the country's few nesting colonies. Respecting the closed area gives them the quiet they need to raise their young, and it's also what keeps the spectacle intact for the seasons ahead.

On the ground, it comes down to one thing. Follow the signs and don't enter any area marked as closed. Not on the north side of Bush Key, not on Long Key, and not in the stands of vegetation. The rest of your plans, swimming, birdwatching, and touring the fort, aren't affected by this at all.

To plan the rest of your visit and figure out what to see once you're on the island, find all our tips in the Dry Tortugas park guide. You'll see that even with these few off-limits spots, Dry Tortugas still has plenty to fill a great day.