America's 58 National Parks Season 1 Episode 18

Ep 18. Dry Tortugas

  • TV-NR
  • February 20, 2013
  • 4 min

In season 1 episode 18 of America's 58 National Parks, viewers are transported to the beautiful Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. This remote national park is only accessible by boat or seaplane and features an array of natural wonders and historical artifacts.

The episode begins with a breathtaking aerial shot of the seven Dry Tortugas islands floating in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The narrator explains that the park encompasses 100 square miles of land and sea, with over 99% of its territory being water.

The first stop on the tour is the park's most iconic landmark, Fort Jefferson. This massive, unfinished fortress was built in the 1800s to protect the Gulf of Mexico from pirates and foreign invasion. The presenter takes the audience on a tour of the fort's lighthouse, lookout towers, cannons, and prison cells while recounting the fascinating history that surrounds this engineering marvel.

Next, the show shifts focus to the natural beauty of the park, including its famous coral reefs, sea turtles, and bird habitats. The presenter dons a snorkel and mask to explore the park's coral reefs, which are among the most pristine and diverse in the world. Viewers are treated to stunning footage of colorful fish, sea fans, and delicate coral formations as the presenter points out the different species and their behaviors.

As the episode continues, viewers learn about the park's diverse wildlife, including its namesake tortoises, which can weigh up to 500 pounds and live for over 100 years. There are also huge populations of nesting sea birds, which migrate to the park each year to breed and raise their young.

The final segment of the episode focuses on the park's unique offshore shipwrecks, which are now home to an array of marine life. The presenter dons scuba gear to explore these underwater treasures, pointing out the various species of fish, eels, and other creatures that have made the wrecks their home.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning shots of the park's natural and man-made wonders, as well as an engaging narrative that provides a mix of history, science, and adventure. The Dry Tortugas is a truly one-of-a-kind national park, and this episode does an excellent job of showcasing its many treasures.

Description
Watch America's 58 National Parks - Dry Tortugas (s1 e18) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
America's 58 National Parks, Season 1 Episode 18, is available to watch and stream on Questar. You can also buy, rent America's 58 National Parks on demand at Amazon online.
  • First Aired
    February 20, 2013
  • Content Rating
    TV-NR
  • Runtime
    4 min
  • Language
    English