For many the road trip from Miami to Key West ends at mile marker 0. However, 70 miles past Key West is one of the least visited yet most spectacular National Parks in the USA. I have lived in South Florida for over 20 years and Key West is a great destination for a weekend getaway. Yet embarrassingly enough I had not visited Dry Tortugas. Therefore, at the beginning of 2019 I decided that a weekend road trip to Key West was in order. And this time it would include a Dry Tortugas day trip.
In case you are one of those who likes to be spontaneous, it is important to understand that a Dry Tortugas day trip is not something you decide to do last minute. The Islands are remote and only accessible via boat or seaplane (both require advance bookings). Therefore, you will want to plan your Dry Tortugas day trip in advance, decide how you will get there and what you want to see and do.
So I have put together this guide with all you need to know to plan a Dry Tortugas day trip as well as additional information you will need in case you want to stay longer.
Pin to Read Later – Dry Tortugas Day Trip
Visiting Dry Tortugas a Florida Keys National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is unique compared to other National Parks in the USA. They are a chain of 7 islands that are remote and only accessible via boat or seaplane. And although they are around 100 square miles, only 1% is above water.
The area is known for its dangerous reefs which is why it currently possess on of the highest concentrations of shipwrecks in North America. This also makes it one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and diving.
How to get to Dry Tortugas. Specifically, How to get to Garden Key
For the purpose of this guide we will be focusing on Garden Key. This is the most popular and most visited of the Dry Tortugas Islands and where Fort Jefferson is located.
Assuming you do not have your own boat you will need to determine if you will be traveling to Dry Tortugas by boat charter, seaplane or high speed catamaran/ferry. Of course there are advantages and disadvantages to each.
A chartered boat will give you the most flexibility but it will also be the most costly of the options. The catamaran or ferry will be the less expensive option but you are also travelling with more people, and bound by their schedule – there is only one departure time from Key West and requires a full day or overnight stay. A seaplane is more expensive than the catamaran but offers a bit more flexibility with half day morning or afternoon departures as well as a full day option.
However, between the vibrant coral reefs, the rich marine life and the multitude of unique birds that call it home, the Dry Tortugas will be an unforgettable experience regardless of how you get there.
Getting to Dry Tortugas via the Yankee Freedom III High Speed Catamaran (The Ferry)
The Yankee Freedom III travels at speeds over 30 miles per hour and will go from Key West to Dry Tortugas in about 2 1/4 – 2 1/2 hrs. This means your round trip travel time will be approximately 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Therefore you will require a full day for this option.
The cruise offers a one fee all-inclusive package. Included with your trip is breakfast and lunch, snorkel equipment, entrance fee to the park, fully narrated 45 min tour of the fort and transportation from Key West to Garden Key and back.
Yankee Freedom Itinerary
As I mentioned you will need a full day for this Dry Tortugas day trip. It is about 10 hours all inclusive. With 5 hours of check in/travel time and about 5 hours on shore. Here is the itinerary provided by Yankee Freedom:
- CHECK IN: 7:00 am (If you are camping arrive at 6:30 am)
- BOARDING: 7:30 am
- DEPART KEY WEST: 8:00 am
- ARRIVE FORT JEFFERSON: 10:15 am (Depending on Weather)
- FORT JEFFERSON TOUR: 11:00 am
- LUNCH: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- DEPART DRY TORTUGAS: 3:00 pm
- ARRIVE KEY WEST: 5:15 pm (Depending on Weather)
How Much Does it Cost for the Dry Tortugas Day Trip on the Yankee Freedom?
Taking a day trip to Dry Tortugas will cost a pretty penny. However if you are looking for the most cost effective way to get there then this is it.
Costs for the Dry Tortugas day trip on the Yankee Freedom III is $180 for adults and $125 for children age 4-16. There are available discounts for seniors and military. On occasion coupons are also available so keep your eyes open for those.
The rates are all inclusive. Which means it covers transportation costs from Key West to Dry Tortugas and back. Breakfast and Lunch. Park Entrance fee. Guided tour and snorkeling equipment.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made ONLINE or by calling 1-800-634-0939.
Visiting Dry Tortugas by Seaplane
At the moment there is only one Company that is allowed to operate flights to the Dry Tortugas. Taking a seaplane with Seaplane Adventures is a fast and fun way to get to Fort Jefferson. It is also a safe. Key West Seaplane Adventures has flown over 10,000 flights to Dry Tortugas. They hire only the most highly skilled pilots and have an unparalleled safety record.
The duration of the flight is only 40 minutes so it allows you to book half day tours. They have several morning and afternoon departures to suit your schedule. They also have a full day tour to allow you more time to explore on the Island.
Fun fact – Key West is on Eastern Standard Time. However the Dry Tortugas is on Central Time. This means you actually land on Dry Tortugas 15 minutes before you take off! But do not worry about changing the time on your watch. Everyone keeps time set on Eastern to make it easy.
Which is the Best Time to Take the Seaplane to Dry Tortugas?
Seaplane Adventures offers several morning and afternoon departures so you can book a time that fits your schedule. Departure times for the Half day excursion are 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm. The full day departs at 8:00 am.
However if you are able to book the first morning flight you will have the advantage of arriving at Fort Jefferson prior to the Yankee Freedom. This means you will get to experience the island at its best – quietly with few people around.
Alternatively, if you are not a morning person, you could book the last afternoon flight. This will also allow you time to explore without others as the Yankee Freedom will have already departed for the day.
Sample Itinerary for a Half Day Excursion to Dry Tortugas
The duration of the half day excursion to Dry Tortugas is approximately 4 hrs from the time you board to the time you deplane back in Key West. You will have approximately 2 hrs and 40 min on shore to explore Fort Jefferson.
Since I was planning on driving home that same day I opted for a morning flight. And although I booked a month and a half out I was not able to secure availability on the first flight – (see how important it is to book early). On the bright side this allowed me time to sleep in a bit and go out for a great breakfast and coffee at Keys Coffee Co. This is also a great place to pick up a sandwich to go if you want to have breakfast or lunch on the Island. Anyway here is a sample itinerary based on the schedule I had boarding the second morning flight:
- CHECK IN TIME: 9:30 am
- DEPARTURE TIME: 10:00 am
- ARRIVE AT FORT JEFFERSON: 10:40 am
- FORT JEFFERSON TOUR: 11:00 am
- DEPART FROM DRY TORTUGAS: Around 1:20
- ARRIVE BACK: by 2:00 pm
How Much Does it Cost to Get to Dry Tortugas by Seaplane?
Because they operate small tours and have higher costs to operate them, taking a seaplane to Dry Tortugas will cost more than taking the Ferry/Catamaran. However, it is convenient if you have limited time plus provides a scenic view you will not get on a boat.
A half day excursion will cost $356 per adult and $284.80 per child under 13. There is an additional $15 National Park Entrance Fee paid at check in (Cash Only) unless you are a National Park Pass Holder.
Parking is FREE in their own lot and a parking pass will be provided at check in.
Is Taking a Seaplane to Dry Tortugas Worth it?
It is totally worth it to take the seaplane to Dry Tortugas. Everyone gets a window seat so you get amazing views regardless of where you sit. You also receive a headset so you can hear a narrative explaining the sights along the way. The pilot is your personal guide pointing out what you see.
You get great views of Key West when taking off. And then during flight you get to see the most beautiful clear turquoise waters. If any sharks or sting rays are visible the pilot will point them out.
PRO TIP: Make sure to bring polarized sunglasses as it really helps with spotting sharks, sting rays and turtles.
The flight takes you over very shallow waters known as flats. Then you see plenty of mangroves and other islands such as the Marqueses Islands and some small Islands that are privately owned. We got to spot some sea turtles in the deeper waters of the “Quicksands” before seeing the remains of the old Spanish Galleon as well as a few other ship wrecks.
However one of the most impressive sights is seeing Fort Jefferson from the air. The unique shape and the beautiful blue waters all around it. It is simply magnificent. An experience you cannot get any other way unless you are taking the seaplane to Dry Tortugas.
PRO TIP – Sit on the right side of the plane (side opposite the pilot). Although every seat has a window and you get a great view form every seat, the approach to Dry Tortugas and the view of the Fort is much better on the right side of the plane.
Things to do on Your Dry Tortugas Day Trip
Spending a day in Dry Tortugas promises many adventures. With so many things to do in Dry Tortugas you will be begging for more than just a day to explore.
Enjoy the Marine Life While Snorkeling or Swimming in The Crystalline Waters
Having the majority of this National Park underwater makes for some amazing snorkeling. Therefore, snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas is not to be missed. If you have never snorkeled before this is the perfect place to start. The waters are shallow (5 ft to 15 ft) and clear. And the abundant sea life and coral reefs will make it an unforgettable experience.
I highly recommend you spend at least some time in the water. You will have your pick of areas to explore. A few of my favorites were North Swim Beach and the South Swim Beach. Also snorkeling along the moat wall was incredible. So many fish were around and the waters were calm and with excellent visibility. Here is a SNORKELING MAP showing all the areas you can swim and snorkel in.
Go on the Guided Dry Tortugas Tour – Step Back in History With a Tour of Fort Jefferson
Make sure to take advantage of the guided tour of Fort Jefferson. During this tour you will learn the fascinating history of Fort Jefferson all while marveling at its construction. It is also a great way to take a break from the sun.
I won’t give you all the details because it is much better to learn it from the experts. But here is a very brief summary. Fort Jefferson served as an important station in the blockade of Confederate ports and was occupied by Union forces during the Civil War.
The Fort also served as a prison during the war and after. With the most famous prisoner being Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was convicted for his role in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
My Favorite 3 Facts I Learned About Fort Jefferson:
- 16 million bricks were used in the construction of the fort making it the largest masonry structure in the western hemisphere.
- The construction lasted 30 years yet the fort was never finished.
- The fort features over 2000 archways.
Explore Fort Jefferson on Your Own
After the tour is over you have the opportunity to explore on your own and spend additional time enjoying the views or returning to areas you wish to photograph. I particularly loved taking pictures by the arches and also through the openings with views towards to ocean. Another favorite was walking along the walls on the top level and gazing out into the distance – these were the very best views.
Or perhaps you decide to skip the guided tour and will be exploring all of Fort Jefferson on your own. If so you might benefit from downloading a self guided audio tour.
Please beware that once on the top level there is no railing. Please be cautious while walking here as an error in judgement would be fatal. Enjoy the views but allow yourself enough room away from the edge. And I would NOT recommend heading to the top if you are traveling with small children. Here are a few more pictures from Fort Jefferson:
Bird Watching – See How Many Species of Birds you can Find
Dry Tortugas does not just have an abundance of marine life. It also has an abundance of birds. There are actually around 300 species of birds at one time or another within the park. This makes Dry Tortugas National Park on of Florida’s best places for bird watching.
While you can see a variety of birds all year round, the periods of Spring and Fall migration are ideal for birdwatchers. This is because the Dry Tortugas is a layover spot for birds making the trips north or south.
Additionally, it is a great place to spot rare birds. For example, species like the Frigate bird and Sooty terns nest nowhere in the continental Unites States other than the Dry Tortugas. Or the Red-footed Boobies which are rare visitors to North America, however they do make an appearance here. Another species to watch for is the white-tailed tropicbird.
So if you are a bird enthusiast then the Dry Tortugas will be your perfect playground. Just be sure to bring a long zoom camera lens or binoculars and have fun spotting all the different types of birds. Please do keep in mind that you cannot approach nests.
Additional Things to do in Dry Tortugas if You Want to Visit for More Than One Day
Staying overnight in Dry Tortugas provides a one of a kind experience. You will also be able to do additional things that you would not be able to do on a day trip. Here are some of the things you can do in Dry Tortugas if you plan a one night or multi night stay:
Dry Tortugas Camping – Spending the Night Under the Stars in Garden Key
If you want to get away from it all for at least a night then Dry Tortugas Camping is what you need in your life. Dry tortugas Camping boasts one of the most secluded and natural camping experiences out there. One thing I learned from my recent visit is that there isn’t enough time to explore Dry Tortugas on just a day trip. And for $15 extra dollars you get to stay overnight with more time to relax, to snorkel and explore at leisure. And most importantly get away from it all and truly have a digital detox by reconnecting with nature.
Since I have yet to camp at Dry Tortugas I am no expert and will not be commenting on the expereince. However, I do know it requires lots of planning. So I want to provide you with a few basics you should know if you intend to go camping in Dry Tortugas.
- There are only 11 campsites on the island, so you must reserve early – it is recommended you book 8 months in advance.
- Camping is limited to three days if you arrive via the ferry.
- You cannot take the seaplane and stay overnight.
- Campsites have picnic tables and grills however you must bring all supplies with you.
- All trash must be carried out upon departure.
- Camping fees are not included in the transportation fee. There is a cost of $15 per campsite.
Spend The Night Stargazing and Feast on the Sight of Millions of Shimmering Stars
If you decide to go camping in Dry Tortugas then you will have access to night skies that are far from city lights. This provides an excellent opportunity to see the stars.
According to an article in BBC Travel “The East Coast is the most light-polluted place on Earth, if we’re talking about large areas. There are only four or five spots where you can see the Milky Way with your own eyes, and Dry Tortugas is one of them.” You can read the entire article here and see a beautiful time lapse film that showcases the beauty of the night in Dry Tortugas.
Kayaking in Dry Tortugas – Explore More than Just Garden Key
If you want to Kayak in the Dry Tortugas it is going to require lots of planning as well as an overnight stay. It is possible to have your own kayak transported on the Dry Tortugas ferry for a fee. You will want to contact the Yankee Freedom Directly for cost and to arrange the logistics. The earlier you make arrangements the better as they only transport a limited amount of kayaks on each trip (as of the last time I inquired it was only 3).
Where to Kayak in Dry Tortugas
There are 7 main islands that are part of Dry Tortugas National Park. Garden Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Loggerhead Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key.
The two closest keys to Garden Key (Where Fort Jefferson is) are Bush Key and Long Key. Bush Key sometimes connects to Garden key by a sandbar and there is a walking trail you can follow during the months it is open. (According to NPS it closes to the public February to September due to nesting birds in the area).
Loggerhead Key is the largest key in the park offering many great opportunities for secluded beaches and amazing snorkeling. There is also a lighthouse on this island. However it is about 3 miles away and can take several hours to get to by kayak. It also involves kayaking over deep open ocean waters that may have strong currents.
If you enjoy kayaking and are in Florida then I highly recommend Kayaking in The Everglades. Another really amazing kayaking adventure is outside of Las Vegas – Kayaking the Black Canyon.
Important Information and Regulations for Kayaking in Dry Tortugas
- You will need a boating permit to kayak in the park. It is a free permit but must be arranged in advance.
- You are required to have a personal floatation device, a signaling device and a portable vhf radio.
- You need to be aware of closures and protected areas. A fine is imposed if you do not respect them.
For more information and a PDF on Kayaking the Dry Tortugas from the National Park Service click here
What to Pack For a Day Trip to Dry Tortugas
Try to pack as light as possible. If you are taking the seaplane you will be limited with the amount of things you can take. Also you will have to take everything off the seaplane or the ferry once you arrive. Both the seaplane and boat operators will provide snorkel equipment if you do not wish to bring your own. But aside from that here are a few essentials you might want to take along:
- Motion Sickness meds if you are taking the boat (even if you have never been sick before it is advisable to take it. They are sold on the boat but in order for it to be most effective you need to take it several hours prior to departure)
- Sunscreen – please make sure that it is coral safe. Our reefs are in great danger due to human disruptions and it helps immensely to use the proper sun care.
- Polarized sunglass – these are especially helpful on the seaplane ride as it will allow you to see the marine life such as sharks more clearly.
- Hat – Even if you bring sunscreen a hat will help keep you cooler. It will protect your head and face from the sun and is a great item to bring along.
- Swimsuit, cover-up, towel and water shoes – basic essentials for any island destination.
- Camera (I used my phone as I did not want to lug heavy equipment and had it in a waterproof case which comes in handy for underwater pictures)
- Solar charger for your phone – keep in mind there is no cellphone service. You might want to put your phone on airplane mode to conserve battery. However having a solar powered charger is helpful if you need some additional juice for your phone.
- Foldup shelter if you want sun protection while lying on the beach as there is very little shade (note you cannot bring this if traveling via seaplane).
- Binoculars if you wish to do bird watching.
- Plenty of water (The Seaplane operator provided this with a small cooler).
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12 comments
I’ve never heard of Dry Tortugas National Park before. I really need to visit more national parks. I love water and islands, so this sounds like a great one to visit. I think it would be so cool to take a seaplane there, I have never done that before. That is really interesting about the time change.
I also need to visit more National Parks. Hope to get to visit them all one day. Dry Tortugas is definitely one you want to add to your list. Well worth the cost.
I’m not sure that Dry Tortugas is least visited National Park because I was there at least three times. I was always using boats to get there, and I agree that it must be booked in advance. Once I used Yankee Freedom, but back then, it was not III, but I 😉 It is a really excellent option to get to Fort Jefferson. Looking at your pictures, I miss snorkeling near the island – it was one in a lifetime experience! If someone is going to KeyWest, DryTortugas should be included in the itinerary!
So glad you got to visit often and enjoy the snorkeling there. It is not the least visited but it is one of the least visited. I feel lucky that I live near it and was able to visit. Such a beautiful State Park and worth the price to get there.
I never knew the Dry Tortugas National Park was 70 miles south of Key West. And good to know I need to plan a boat or seaplane to get there. Even if it is quite expensive for a day trip. But doing a tour that includes the flight may ensure you make more of your time on the islands. And a great sightseeing flight too. We would definitely be taking snorkelling or scuba diving gear.
You are given the snorkeling gear and if you take the seaplane you are not allowed to bring diving gear with you. It is really a magnificent State park and worth the expense to get there.
Key West really looks like a great destination for a weekend getaway and good to know you lived in South Florida since 20 years and discovering many hidden gems. I would love to visit Dry Tortugas as it has beautiful waters and visiting Dry Tortugas by Seaplane looks like fun and beautiful thing to do. As you said this place is best for stargazing then I would love it as we cannot see many stars in city. Thanks for sharing all tips and information.
I have been curious about Dry Tortugas for a couple of years. I did not know it has the highest concentrations of shipwrecks in North America. The fort is gorgeous and the views from the seaplane are amazing! Great tip about the polarized sunglasses to spot sharks, sting rays and turtles.
Wow – what a unique park. I love kayaking and would definitely join in that exercise. Thanks for all the detailed information you made about getting there with the prices. It makes it so much easier to plan when you have given us all of the information we need.
This is a great idea. We have never been to Dry Tortugas and would love to visit. Thank you for the heads up that it needs advance booking. We are usually spontaneous so, we’d be glad to start planning for this treat early.
Thank you for sharing this very detailed guide. It is very helpful. We are so looking forward to enjoying snorkeling and enjoy the pristine clear waters.
Oh my gosh, I would love taking a seaplane ride anywhere, but especially to Dry Tortugas. The water is so beautiful, and the views must be fantastic! I would also enjoy exploring the fort. Sounds like a perfect day trip, despite the cost.
I love national parks and offbeat places that are rarely visited by the travellers. So, I love the fcat that you wrote a post on the Dry Tourtugas National Park. I haven’t been in the region yet but I know whenever I ma there next I’ll definitely drive 70 miles past Key West to visit the least visited yet most spectacular National Parks in the USA. Love your packing tips. I too try to pack as much light as possible but barely succeed 😛