On June 21, 1513, explorer Ponce de Leon and his shipmates discovered a group of islands they named Las Tortugas (The Turtles) for the scores of sea turtles there. On the 500th anniversary of that discovery, visit the seven tiny coral-and-sand islands now known as Dry Tortugas National Park, lying 68 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, and learn about the archaeology and history of the remarkable spot during this special quincentennial event. Boat reservations to the Dry Tortugas can be made with Yankee Freedom. Admission to the park is included in ferry cost.

Contact the Ibis Bay FunDesk at 305-296-0616 to reserve your spot on the Yankee Freedom ferry.