At the galley, you can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, ice cream, and snacks. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most unique destinations in the entire U.S., as it combines history and a pristine marine ecosystem into one unforgettable experience. Please note that the National Park Service does not keep a . It was the right decision. Read all of our articles about Florida in our Florida Travel Guide and the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Try and find a way to take the seaplane -it is a once in a lifetime trip IMO, Agree with Louise M .. the seaplane is much more than just transportation it is imperative to take the first (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas is the Yankee Freedom III. Then when you land in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! The half-day excursion for four hours from Seaplane Adventures costs between $250 and $400 per person, while the full-day excursion for eight hours costs between $515 and $650 per person. Because of these special requirements, you will need to speak with a reservation agent to determine availability of kayak transport for your dates of interest. Provided by Touchpoints Powered by Mai Theme, 12 Best Things To Do In Crystal River FL You Shouldnt Miss. Since we didnt have the kids with us we figured we would take advantage of the fact that we could close our eyes and get some sleep! There are two ways to get here: by boat or by seaplane. We went in the fort first then quickly realized we didnt want to be inside but instead wanted to be out by the beautiful beach and water so we headed to the beach. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. So disappointed! Yes, it is expensive but in reality it only costs a little more than going to Disney for a day. Yes No An official form of the United States government. To reserve, call Yankee Freedom's phone at 1-800-634-0939. The beach itself is a palm-lined paradise, where . If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. So, if you want to visit the highlights of Dry Tortugas National Park and still have plenty of time in Key West, the half day tour, particularly the first time slot of the day, is a great option. Are you ready to book your ticket to the Dry Tortugas? But you are on a 2 and a half hour boat ride there and back (its 70 miles off of Key West), plus they feed you breakfast and lunch. However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. If you have any questions about how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Dry Tortugas National Park: Fantastic Day Trip - See 5,527 traveler reviews, 4,181 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. It was rocky from the beginning but when we got into the channel it REALLY started to rock. Neither of these locations are close to Key West. 4. If you love civil war and military history this is a must. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas has kind of been loved to death these days. You can only get to Dry Tortugas National Park by boat or by seaplane and these all leave from Key West, Florida. Unless you camp, the ferry or seaplane give you only a few hours on the island to tour the historic fort and snorkel in its dazzling clear Caribbean waters. I spent several years working as a tour guide in Western-Canada, including the Rocky Mountains. We rounded the corner and their were hundreds of them all over the beach. Cannot wait to do it again!! I think I remember reading that they changed their cancellation policy so this tends to happen less often nowadays. Q: How do I make a camping reservation? Q: I am trying to book a date for later in the year and the reservation engine says that its not available. Parking is free and plentiful at the seaplane terminal. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Fastest way to and from Dry Tortugas National Park, Can visit the Dry Tortugas with low crowds before the ferry arrives or late in the date once the ferry departs, The full day tour seems a little too long, Cant bring camping gear or scuba equipment, 4.5 hours on the Dry Tortugas, a nice amount of time on the islands, Can bring camping gear, scuba equipment, and kayaks, More crowded experience on the Dry Tortugas, Private tour of Dry Tortugas National Park. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. The only thing is there is no running water on the island so you have to come prepared. The only ferry authorized to enter the water in Dry Tortugas National Park is the Yankee Freedom. Flickr Matthew Dillon. capacity 175 passangers . We visit Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas on the show. August: High of 92 F and a low of 79 F. September: High of 90 F and a low of 77 F. October: High of 85 F and a low of 75 F. November: High of 79 F and a low of 70 F. October and November have comfortable temperatures, but peak hurricane season tends to last through November, so it's still not a great time to visit. Below we shared tips on visiting the Dry Tortugas, Florida and what to expect when you visit. Breakfast Lunch,use of snorkeling gear,guided tour of the fort. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and is accessible by boat and seaplane only. It was used as a prison during the Civil War. Photos from the Flight to Dry Tortugas National Park. Things to know before your visit National Park Entrance Fee $15.00 per person ages 16+ and is good for 7 consecutive days - Ferry tickets include the cost of entrance to the park, but camping fees . There is no other way to do it. If you're early risers be there at boarding time by 7:30am & you'll know by 8am when they leave if there's any open spots. The island is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. If you want a day trip you can book a ferry to Bimini or Grand Bahamas from Ft Lauderdale and come back the same day. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. Are there any other options? Before we left we walked over to check out the tent camping area and the other beach area where people were snorkeling. You can check out their blog post about it here. Enjoy the natural beauty of this top destination with your own personal seaplane charter. The most popular ways to get to Dry Tortugas National Park are the Yankee Freedom ferry and Key West Seaplane Adventures, but you can also get there using a permitted personal boat or a private charter. At the heart of the Dry Tortugas sits Fort Jefferson, a . Alternatively, you may use, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. With about 30 minutes left I took a dramamine because I was not sure if I was going to make it! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III. Nothing like fishing the crystal clear waters 5.0 / 5 . The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is called theYankee Freedomiii. The Dry Tortugas are a group of small islands composed of coral reefs located in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of the Florida Keys, United States. Half day trips are offered throughout the day. Now that would be amazing. Hopefully next year my dream will come true! Plan a full day for your visit, and be prepared to spend the day in awe of the natural beauty of the park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96966450', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight is AMAZING itself. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112876149', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights or plan poorly, but the odd are very poor. The days are delightfully warm in Key West and the Florida Keys. All rights reserved. Departing from the Historic Seaport area of Key West each morning, it's quite the boat trip. However, space is very limited. Thsnk you! beer and wine available . more. It felt like we had the place to ourselves. You can also go on a 45 minute narrated tour of the fort. We were blown away by the colors of the water with the contrast of the fort. The second half of the Dry Tortugas Ferry takes you 70 miles through the Gulf to Fort Jefferson National Park, a Civil War-era fort used as a prison. Line up in the order you arrive on the benches along the wall next to the front door of the Terminal. The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Entry to the national park costs $15 and this is included in the price of the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry. If you are looking for activities to do in the Florida Keys that are north of Key West check out: Turtle Hospital and Dolphins Plus. Seriously how can the water be those colors?! We hiked out on the beach peninsula area at the Dry Tortugas National Park and couldnt stop smiling. If not do the walking tour at Fort Zach to get a sample of that type of history. If you want more info. . Both come with their advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose depends on cost, how much time you have, if you plan to camp on Garden Key, and other factors such as seasickness. Phone +1 305-242-7700. The seaplane disadvantage is you only get about 2-1/2 hours on the island for the basic fare vs. about 4-1/2 hours with the ferry option. They do not transport campers to the island. from my point of view don't hesitate to send me a pm. Take your comfortable seat and enjoy the relaxing ride to the Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson, just 70 miles west of Key West. That must not have happened on the Dry Tortugas because there were birds all around the mangrove island. You can click here to learn more about the prices and availability for camping on the island. Better early then late and missing the boat! Get on the Yankee Freedom III ferry waiting list now. KEY WEST: For a list of top experiences in Key West, read our article Best Things to Do in Key West. The snorkeling is actually better at the reef. However, we were NOT ready to leave when it was time to go. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96967216', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Key West check the wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth daily as well. Go Snorkeling at Garden Key. Best price guaranteed, verified reviews, and secure online booking. If you love Key West snorkeling, then Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and skin diving in North America, just 70 miles from Key West and the Florida Keys. This is paradise! Getting to the Dry Tortugas by Ferry The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Then you may have to arrive very early the morning of to grab any possible seats that are canceled at the last minute. Seriously this is one of those locations to add to your bucket list. Thanks for the helpful guide on Dry Tortugas National Park. The seaplane can sell out months in advance. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Magic Kingdom In One Day 11 Tips On How To Do It! PJK is correct of course unless if any in your party is a annual park pass holder or a lifetime pass holder in that case, the seaplane will accept that . These beautiful, pristine beaches are a Key West attraction not to be missed. Before departure each day we spray all mouthpieces and vest with the same solution and let them sit overnight. Dry Tortugas Charter Trips - Book Today! Yankee Freedom: Wow! Learn more on the National Park Service website. On the day we were here, Yankee Freedom must have been using a different boat, since this is not their typical boat they use to go to the Dry Tortugas. Here is an overview of the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park for specific conditions: You'll experience the mildest weather in Dry Tortugas National Park in January, February, March, November, and December. Midday, the ferry deposits a lot of people on the island, so it is more crowded during this time. Going by ferry turns your visit into a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. ! RESERVE EARLY! Yankee Freedom Ferry Details Phone Number: 800-634-0939 Cost: Day trips to Dry Tortugas are $180 per adult. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. My wife and I are from Northwest FL and are finally making it down to the keys for our anniversary. Also, be sure to check out our Florida Road Trip as this is a stop on the route and our Florida Keys Road Trip post. A ferry ride to Dry Tortugas National Park An optional guided tour of historic Fort Jefferson Complimentary breakfast and picnic lunch Sanitized snorkeling gear Plenty of free time for swimming, snorkeling, bird spotting, photography, and exploring the island . tour of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun No Hidden Fees. This includes the National Park entrance fee. Due to the no refunds cancellation policy of the ferry, it's pretty unusual for people to not show up for reservations. The ferry arrived at 10:20, and it got a lot more crowded. Wonderful Transportation To Dry Tortugas NP Jul 2021 Solo I took the Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park for the day from Key West. drinks on board. Here are some of the highlights of my countless trips to the three National Parks (Banff, Jasper and Yoho) in the Canadian Rockies. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas Below we shared tips on visiting the Dry Tortugas, Florida and what to expect when you visit. I agree with everyone about the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For day trips, adults should pay $190 while children will be charged $135 Showing up at 7:30 is not likely to work. PRO TRAVEL TIP: The seaplane carries 10 people, and two seaplanes travel together. 3.3 Fishing in the Dry Tortugas. This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Really wanted to go to Dry Tortugas but it is sold out during the month of April. It's just not the same experience at all . guided tour of the fort. For more rates, click here. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. We also have guides on renting a Tiki Boat in Key West, Where to Eat in Key West, and Where to Stay in Key West. Personally, I would save your money and spend it on a couple other water excursions like a snorkel trip to the reef or a sunset sail. 365 Days a Year. Below I list more advantages and disadvantages for each mode of transportation. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! Half Day Seaplane + National Park Fee: $386 Yankee Freedom Ferry (includes the National Park Fee): $200 Price Difference: $186. As a place filled with great beauty, solitude, and history, Dry Tortugas is one of the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. Drive, walk or ride your bicycle aboard one of our three ferries. As you pull in it is absolutely gorgeous. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to camp at Dry Tortugas National Park, you will have to take the ferry or a private boat to get here. Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry Tickets route/stop changes on the day of your tour. WOW! Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The 2.5 hours in Dry Tortugas National Park goes by extremely fast, and the entire time Tim and I felt like we were in a race. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Click to Chat. Those days will not be available for reservations. Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Key West. There is no way to know if there will be space on any given day, it is completely random. The second-best option is to take the last flight of the day. They are located 70 miles west of Key West. What To Bring Valid Photo ID Required Sunscreen and Bathing suit Camera Plus, if you go camping then it is totally worth the boat ride. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. We also have a guide to the best things to do along the Florida Keys. Come to the Florida Keys and visit Fort Jefferson today! Dry Tortugas is made up of seven islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key The word tortugas is Spanish for turtles, due to the large amount that inhabit the surrounding waters. So join us and take in the sights in a private rental boat from Boatsetter. Our friends at Tiny Shiny Home had a chance to camp with their 4 kids. The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. Thankfully the National Park limits visitors to 175 people, so there is only one ferry. For more information, please see our A: We have maintenance days scheduled throughout the year and a two week period for annual maintenance the last week of October and the first week of November. The Yankee Freedom Ferry operates daily from Key West to Dry Tortugas-departing Key West at 8:00 AM and returning at 3:00 PM. I`ve been dreaming to go there for a long time. This high speed, state of the art catamaran is the perfect way to sail across the 70-mile run to the Dry Tortugas. We did not bring the kids with us this time since we didnt think they would enjoy being a boat for 2 1/2 hours there and 2 1/2 back all in one day. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Cost: $371 per adult, $296.80 for children 12 and under National Park Fee: $15 (this is in addition to the seaplane ticket price) Grand Total: $386 Length of Time: 4 hours total; 40-minute flight each way and 2.5 hours at Dry Tortugas National Park. [CDATA[ (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/97/1032023597.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-9fl4orvz7")); // ]]> Craig and I got up at 4:30am in the morning so we could get ready and drive an hour to get to Key West to be there by 6:30 so we could park and get to the terminal. For the last 6+ years they have explored all over North America and share their top tips on things to do in locations with kids, along with road trip ideas and tips on RVing. If you love Key West snorkeling, then Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and skin diving in North America, just 70 miles from Key West and the Florida Keys. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ), underwater sand dunes, reefs, shipwrecks, and the keys. You do need to book your trip in advance, providing names of the passengers, so planning a trip out to the islands is required. Next time we go back we also want to check out Loggerhead Key. Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Amazing! 2023 KeyWestTour.com | Sitemap ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112876696', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane. What was your favorite view from the pictures we shared? , 6.5 hours is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III you with a experience! Availability for camping on the island let us know in the United States of! Those locations to add to your bucket list were birds all around the mangrove island sit overnight with... 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