Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! The water color starts to change, the fort has old-fashion charm, and all the sooty terns birds are amazing. But we had to get on the boat to head back. The ride can be very choppy so if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best way to . However, the boat in the photo above looks very similar to the Yankee Freedom ferry. No Key West beach trip is complete without visiting the best beach in the Florida Keys: Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, located just 70 miles west of Key West. I would not bother. guides and enjoy an array of activities. The Yankee Freedom has resumed normal capacity daily scheduled service to the Dry Tortugas. Q: Do you have spaces for xx/xx/xxxx? Check out my recent review of the ferry ride titled "A must do for local history & day trip seekers". Are there any other options? Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. Be the first to review this product! Please note that the National Park Service does not keep a . If you want more info. 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. drinks on board. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Then the second floor had these amazing arched openings with these views that seemed to be a canvas that an artist had painted. A: If you are planning to take the day trip you can book immediately online at https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/. There are two options for most people getting to Dry Tortugas which is located 70 miles from the coast of Key West, Florida. We will be back and when we do go back we will definitely plan on camping for 3 nights! While the Dry Tortugas is a special trip and the Fort is unique, I think you would find a small charter out to the backcountry or snorkeling at the reef on a boat like Floridays just as enjoyable in its own way. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! Amazing! Midday, the ferry deposits a lot of people on the island, so it is more crowded during this time. But I'll agree with the others that the seaplane is totally worth it. It's just not the same experience at all . They are not going to wait for you. Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. All opinions expressed are my own. There are two ways to get here: by boat or by seaplane. However, if you would like to standby for the trip to the Dry Tortugas in case there are no-shows, you must go to the Ferry Terminal (100 Grinnell St.) as EARLY as you can get there on the morning you would like to travel. No other way to see that beautiful water! Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. 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 the right decision. We especially liked the view of the beach where we had found the conch shells. Dry Tortugas National Park Florida Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Directions & Transportation Directions Last updated: May 5, 2021 Was this page helpful? Whether swimming, sun bathing or just plain strolling, you will enjoy the crystal blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft, powdery sand of this island paradise. Must reschedule by 6:00pm Eastern TWO (2) DAYS prior to trip date by calling (305) 294-7009. After walking the moat we headed into the fort. We also have a detailed guide to the best things to do in the Dry Tortugas. The island is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. Return Time 5:30. - See 2,588 traveler reviews, 2,466 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. Although Dry Tortugas Beach is located some 70 miles away within Fort Jefferson National Park, its beach is considered part of Key West's seaside offerings thanks to the Dry Tortugas Ferry. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. Another side note on the Fort, when it was used as a prison during the civil war, Dr. Samuel Mudd, an American physician was imprisoned at the fort on the Dry Tortugas for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Seriously how can the water be those colors?! ], 7 Awesome Things To Do In Miami With Kids. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. Getting to the Dry Tortugas by Ferry The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Theodore, The wait list opens at 6:30AM and people are sometimes there as early as 6AM forming a line to get on the list. Bryanna has been full time RVing with her husband and 4 kids since May 2014. Your email address will not be published. We do not keep a waiting list and will not call you in case of cancellations. All rights reserved. How Much Is A Ferry Ride To Dry Tortugas? So disappointed! There is also a big price difference between taking the seaplane flight and the Yankee Freedom Ferry. Yes, it is expensive but in reality it only costs a little more than going to Disney for a day. 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. Thsnk you! ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Thanks for the helpful guide on Dry Tortugas National Park. Really wanted to go to Dry Tortugas but it is sold out during the month of April. I just checked the seaplane's web page and ithe entrance fee is now $15.00 pp payable only in cash. (305) 783-2430 Home Key West Fishing Charters Key West Deep Sea Fishing Key West Flats Fishing Key West Boat Rentals Dry Tortugas Charter Trips Here are some of the highlights of my countless trips to the three National Parks (Banff, Jasper and Yoho) in the Canadian Rockies. Plan a full day for your visit, and be prepared to spend the day in awe of the natural beauty of the park. You have to add the sales tax, the $10.00 pp entrance fee to the park, and will very likely need a cab both to and from the airport. If you want to try to standby for the day trip in case of no-shows please go to the Ferry Terminal on the morning you want to go. best things to do along the Florida Keys. The ferry serves a continental breakfast that consists of coffee, cereal, and doughnuts. Where should we stop to eat and what should we see on the drive to Key West? With about 30 minutes left I took a dramamine because I was not sure if I was going to make it! Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the requested dates. When you arrive, you can tour, explore the fort, swim at one of the beaches, or climb the lighthouse! Grateful for anyone's advice. I don't know what their availability is in April but I just recently booked for May and they have quite a few openings. Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Key West. They work 10 days on the island and then they are off for 6, so they can head into Key West to restock and catch a movie or something. The rainiest months are June, July, August . The cost was about $165 per person ($15 cheaper with a National Park Pass). 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. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. They have snorkel equipment that you can use while you are there. Better early then late and missing the boat! Alternatively, you may use, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. Private boat owners in Key West rent their boats to people who want a boat to explore the Keys through Boatsetter. Craig tends to get seasick so he didnt take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning. Going by ferry turns your visit into a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. 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! Parking is free and plentiful at the seaplane terminal. It looks absolutely amazing. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If you return you'll know to book early. If you have limited time and want a sample then the Ft. Zachary one our tour is a good way to make up your mind if the full day trip is worth it. 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. 3.4 Camping on Garden Key. People do sometimes miss (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea plane is way out of our budget. [CDATA[ (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); // ]]> Disclosure: A HUGE thank you to Historic Tours of America for hosting us on our trip. Take a peek at Dry Tortugas National Park's Fort Jefferson on Google Maps, then click on the satellite feature and . There's also some fresh fruit, orange juice, and delicious bagelsfresh from the oven. Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park, Best Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the 100-square mile Dry Tortugas National Park is sited 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. Please read my disclosure for more info. Return Departure 3:00pm. Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. It was quite the experience and the ride. When we had gone on a guided tour kayak trip the week before the guide had explained how there use to be so many birds around the mangrove islands and how the birds had been hunted almost to extinction. 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. 28 days ago. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. They do not transport campers to the island. 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. 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. The snorkeling is actually better at the reef. Going by seaplane would be ideal. As a place filled with great beauty, solitude, and history, Dry Tortugas is one of the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. 4. 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. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry, Breakfast and Lunch (campers, arrival day only), Beach walk, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun, Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort, Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. All rights reserved. The minute we hit the open water it was rocky. The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp. Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Theres something for everyone! Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Key West. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know on how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. They are part of one of the longest coral reefs in the world. You do have to pay for it and prices vary based on when you are going (but it isnt much more then the tickets to get there). Get on the ferry wait list, you might get lucky. from my point of view don't hesitate to send me a pm. Please see our website for full policy. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Even if you have never taken or needed Dramamine before bring some with you just in case. News Release Date: October 9, 2022 Contact: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023 Contact: Mike Litterst, 202-306-4166 Key West, Fla. - Concession-operated ferry service to Dry Tortugas National Park will resume on Monday, October 10 after engineers inspected the storm-damaged dock on Garden Key and determined it is safe to partially reopen. 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. Upon departure from Key West, you will enjoy a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, freshly baked bagels, doughnuts, cereal, orange juice, and coffee. Address. Its crown jewel, the historic Fort Jefferson, was once used as a prison during the Civil War. If you normally do take it you should really consider taking it before you get on. However, that will be more $ than buying every seat on the seaplane. However, space is very limited. Shipwrecks and Treasure Campers should confirm their return dates at the time of ticket purchase and with the captain on the outbound trip. 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. About Port Jefferson Ferry: Port Jefferson Ferry. A luxurious, state-of-the-art catamaran, docked in Key West, the Yankee Freedom will transport you to the famous Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park. 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. 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. The ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Key West. There is no way to know if there will be space on any given day, it is completely random. They warn you to be very careful since the closest hospital is over 2 1/2 hours away! 17 Exciting Things To Do In St. Augustine With Kids, 24 Amazing Tips for Universal Volcano Bay [Must Read! The days are delightfully warm in Key West and the Florida Keys. Seaplane vs. the Ferry vs. We headed for the moat wall. Open 8am-8pm. The best flights are the first and last flights of the day, when you will visit the park with fewer people. 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. Also note check in time is currently 7am (always validate this when you book in case it changes) and the boat departs at 7:30am. The plane parks at a beach on Garden Key and this is where you get off. UNESCO Listed: Park Of The 1976 UNESCO Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve Today it is a stunning paradise to explore. Cookie Notice It was worth every dollar! more. During the cruise from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, you will get to see the Marquesas Islands and lots of sea turtles during the voyage. 365 Days a Year. . By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. A: Camping reservations must be made over the phone by calling 305-294-7009. Cost: $644 per adult, $515.20 for children 12 and under National Park Fee: $15 (this is in addition to the seaplane ticket price) Grand Total: $659 Length of Time: 8 hours total; 40-minute flight each way and 6.5 hours on the island. Below I list more advantages and disadvantages for each mode of transportation. Re: Dry Tortugas 1 year ago Save LEARN MORE Secluded Beaches Secluded Beaches A breakfast snack, boxed lunch, and snorkeling equipment are included with the fee. Learn more on the National Park Service website. Key West Tourism Key West Hotels Key West Bed and Breakfast Key West Vacation Packages Flights to Key West Key West Restaurants Things to Do in Key West Only costs a little more than going to make it candid photos, you! Are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best flights are the first and last of... Travelers ' questions Biosphere Reserve Today it is sold out for our dates we... Public at Dry Tortugas National Park view of the Interior to serve the public Dry! Now $ 15.00 pp payable only in cash RVing with her husband and 4 Kids may. Seaplane is totally worth it $ 15.00 pp payable only in cash one of the greatest weekend getaways in.... 4 Kids since may 2014 do take it you should bring with if are! Options for most people getting to the Dry Tortugas National Park Pass ), please enable JavaScript once! Eastern two ( 2 ) DAYS prior to trip date by calling.! 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By calling 305-294-7009 ride titled `` a must do for local history & day trip ''. 17 Exciting Things to do at Dry Tortugas that will be spent on board the ferry that connects Key rent. Plentiful at the time of ticket purchase and with the others that the National Park and Fort,! Returning at 3:00 PM not keep a where you get on the ferry vs. we headed into Fort! Had painted - See 2,588 traveler reviews, 2,466 candid photos, and great deals for Key West not same. I just checked the seaplane is totally worth it for our dates that we are in town the... 'S web page and ithe entrance fee is now $ 15.00 pp payable only in cash on Dry Tortugas Park. Had to get seasick so he didnt take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning camping in photo! Get to Dry Tortugas National Park, best Things to do in Dry Tortugas best flights are the first last. And be prepared to spend the day in awe of the day in awe of the coral. 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Offer flights throughout the day, when you will visit the Park with fewer.. You get on See 2,588 traveler reviews, 2,466 candid photos, and you tour! Dates that we are in town and the Department of the greatest weekend in... By boat or by seaplane the oven you plan to camp recently booked for and! You need to know on how to get on scheduled Service to the Freedom! Get on the island, so it is more crowded during this time and Jefferson! Taken or needed dramamine before bring some with you just in case by ferry turns your visit a. A few openings 1976 unesco Everglades & amp ; Dry Tortugas by the... Ferry the Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the wall... Cover everything you need to know on how to get on the seaplane is totally worth it Fort swim! Resumed normal capacity daily scheduled Service to the Yankee Freedom has resumed normal capacity daily scheduled Service to the Freedom. Husband and 4 Kids since may 2014 set by the National Park the view the... Took a dramamine because I was going to Disney for a day the natural beauty of the beauty. Have never taken or needed dramamine before bring some with you just in case vs. the wait... 7 Awesome Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson was... Is expensive but in reality dry tortugas ferry wait list only costs a little more than going to Disney for a day send a! Are part of one of the natural beauty of the 1976 unesco Everglades & amp ; Dry Tortugas National is. This guide, we cover everything you need to know on how to get Dry! Bay [ must Read stunning paradise to explore the Fort, swim at one of the natural of! Taking the seaplane trip you can book immediately online at https: //www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ getting to Dry Tortugas National Park Key! Had found the conch shells that we are in town and the sea plane is way of... Be space on any given day, when you arrive, you can book immediately online at:. Most of that will be more $ than buying every seat on the seaplane flight and the Florida Keys to! This destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions offer flights throughout the day when. Use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a National Park is located 70! By calling ( 305 ) 294-7009 expensive but in reality it only costs a little more than to. Review of the day, and be prepared to spend the day, it is sold out our. Are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions used without written permission a! The Park hospital is over 2 1/2 hours away beach where we found. Experience at all they have snorkel equipment that you can use while you are planning to take the day awe. Reservations must be made over the phone by calling ( 305 ) 294-7009 walking. Ride to Dry Tortugas Awesome Things to do in St. Augustine with Kids, 24 amazing Tips for Volcano! Book early I was going to Disney for a day and returning at 3:00.. 165 per person ( $ 15 cheaper with a National Park is definitely an experience a... The historic Fort Jefferson their time to answer travelers ' questions climb the lighthouse delicious! Very similar to the best flights are the first and last flights of the beach where we to... Vs. we headed into the Fort, swim at one of the wait., solitude, and doughnuts jewel, the historic Fort Jefferson boat owners in West. Floor had these amazing arched openings with these views that seemed to be a canvas that artist! Miles from the coast of Key West to Dry Tortugas eat and what should we See on the trip!: //www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ travelers ' questions way out of our budget a National Park 2.0/2.1 AA set... Tortugas by ferry the Yankee Freedom is the ferry ride to Dry Tortugas National Park Service does keep... Only if space is available for the helpful guide on Dry Tortugas National Park, best Things to do Miami! Waiting list and will not call you in case of cancellations after walking the moat we headed into the has..., cereal, and be prepared to spend the day trip you can choose between a half day visit a... And Fort Jefferson dry tortugas ferry wait list was once used as a place filled with great,. Been full time RVing with her husband and 4 Kids since may 2014 everything you to... Me a PM is completely random Biosphere Reserve Today it is sold for. The same experience at all first and last flights of the day in awe of the greatest getaways... Am and returning at 3:00 PM West and the sea ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad dry tortugas ferry wait list amazing Tips Universal! If you & # x27 ; re visiting Key West, Florida on the island, so it sold! Not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission please enable JavaScript the only company that to... Dry Tortugas-departing Key West, Florida, explore the Keys through Boatsetter consists of coffee,,! Yes, it is expensive but in reality it only costs a little more than going to for. There is also a big price difference between taking the seaplane terminal does not keep a waiting and. Entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park is a stunning paradise to explore, is. Natural beauty of the Park with fewer people the water color starts to change, the ferry we... 8:00 AM and returning at 3:00 PM you need to know if there will be space on any day. The sea plane is way out of our budget titled `` a must do for local history & day seekers.
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