Hire a car and drive there - it's amazing. Plus condos in Largo are cheap because there are so many.

All part of the ultimate road trip:
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A stunning group of coral islands 60 miles off Key West, only accessible by boat or seaplane.

The name comes from “tortugas”, referring to the then abundance of nesting sea turtles on the islands, with the word “Dry” added later to indicate to sailors that there was no water here.

The main island is home to the amazing brick construction of Fort Jefferson, built to protect young America’s shipping routes from the Spanish and then the English. It was later used as a prison for civil war deserters.

The islands have been called “the Galapagos of north America” because of the diversity of wildlife. While snorkeling – in perfectly clear water - you can see sharks, rays, hundreds of types of tropical fish and spectacular coral formations. Many rare birds, including masked boobies, sooty terns and frigate birds, only nest on or visit these islands.

Turtles lay their eggs here too, and you can occasionally see them popping their heads up above the surface.

There are two boat services and a seaplane to choose from.

We went on the Yankee Freedom ferry, which costs $139 per person, and includes breakfast, lunch, cold drinks and all snorkelling gear.

You can also camp on the island.

Yankee Freedom ferries: www.yankeefreedom.com/

Dry Tortugas
www.nps.gov/drto/

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This hotel is made up of three different buildings - the Arch House, the Cigar House and the Island City House. Each has a distinct style and the buildings are set among lush tropical foliage in the quiet residential area of Key West.

We stayed in the Arch House, which has a private bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, a balcony with a hammock, sitting room/living area, and a queen-sized bed set into an alcove. It’s all spotlessly clean and tastefully furnished.

The pool is lovely, there are bikes for hire and the buffet breakfast in the courtyard is well worth getting up for.

It’s the oldest guest house in Key West, and while it’s in the quiet area, it’s only five minutes’ walk from Duval St and even closer to the marina waterfront area.

Staff are friendly and helpful and will organise boating and snorkelling tours for you at the front desk.

Rooms come at a range of prices for different parts of the hotel and different times of year, so it’s best to check on the website.

411 William Street, Key West, FL 33040
Tel: (800) 634-8230/(305) 294-5702
Email: info@islandcityhouse.com
www.islandcityhouse.com/

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