Loggerhead Key
Loggerhead Key is the largest of the park's islands and the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling, hiking or catching a mesmerizing sunset.
Plan Around Loggerhead Key
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Loggerhead Key Details
Loggerhead Key is the largest of the park's islands and the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling, hiking or catching a mesmerizing sunset. The key is open to the public during daylight hours only. While there's no public transportation to the island, you can access it by private vessel, kayak or canoe. Three miles west of Garden Key, it'll take a few hours to paddle here and back. A primary attraction is the Windjammer Shipwreck, located approximately one mile southwest of the key. Snorkelers or scuba divers can explore the ruins of the sailing vessel Norwegian Avanti, which sank in 1907. While the exact cause was never pinpointed, maritime archeologists believe it got lost in a storm. These days the artificial reef is home to numerous fish and sea creatures. Before exploring this site, pick up a laminated dive map from the Visitor Center. Snorkelers and divers will also enjoy Little Africa. Comprising large coral heads that mimic the shape of the continent, colorful tropical fish and spiny lobster are just some of the creatures you'll see underwater here. Swimmers who visit the designated swim area on the northwest side of the island will find calm, shallow waters. Little Africa is just a few yards away. There are also hiking and walking trails on the islands, one of which leads to a lighthouse. Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths so as not to disturb protected animals or foliage.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
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Nearby Parks Around Loggerhead Key
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Loggerhead Key
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Loggerhead Key while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Little Africa
This coral formation, located a few yards from the Loggerhead Key swimming beach, is shaped like the continent of Africa.
2.9 mi away
Windjammer Wreck
Considered the most popular dive of Dry Tortugas, this site is the wreck of the Norwegian Avanti sailing vessel.
3.0 mi away
Parade Ground
Eight open acres in the middle of Fort Jefferson.
3.0 mi away
Fort Jefferson
Historic Fort Jefferson, on Garden Key, is an ideal spot for an easy hike or watching the sun rise or set.
3.0 mi away
Dr. Mudd's Cell
Dr. Samuel Mudd is the the most famous prisoner to be held at Fort Jefferson. Mudd was found guilty of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln
