How To Get Around Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. Have you ever wanted to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park in the Keys? FLORIDA KEYS: Plan your Florida Keys road trip with our Florida Keys Itinerary, which has suggestions on how to road trip from Miami to Key West. When we got to the end of the peninsula we started to see conch shells. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I`ve been dreaming to go there for a long time. Does anyone know if it's worth it to show up REALLY early and wait in case you can get a spot from a no-show or cancellation? All rights reserved. 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. This secluded park is located about 70 miles from Key West, and it definitely deserves a spot as one of the best places to . Per CDC guidelines all our snorkels, masks, fins, and vests are dipped into a solution of water and Buckeye International SaniQ, washed with fresh water, and then hung on the rail to dry. If not do the walking tour at Fort Zach to get a sample of that type of history. But we had to get on the boat to head back. Plus, if you go camping then it is totally worth the boat ride. The ferry serves a continental breakfast that consists of coffee, cereal, and doughnuts. We had to capture it to share with you guys! Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. ; If you hold a National Parks Pass, show it at either check-in, and the entrance fee will be deducted or not charged with transportation costs.The pass must be shown in person with a valid ID. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. Dry Tortugas National Park comprises a cluster of seven small islands, but most of the 100-square-mile park is water mesmerizingly blue, crystal-clear water worthy of your wildest tropical. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know on how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. "One of the 10 great places to explore nooks and crevasses" USA Today, "One of the top 10 things to do in the Florida Keys" Islands Magazine, "One of the coolest things to do in Key West" Rachael Ray Magazine, {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. - See 2,588 traveler reviews, 2,466 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. 4 Where to Stay when Visiting the Dry Tortugas. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. LEARN MORE. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane. I will tell you hands down it was worth the money. It is expensive at $200 per adult. 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. Snorkeling and Diving The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. The snorkeling is actually better at the reef. At 3 pm, the ferry departs Dry Tortugas National Park, and you will arrive in Key West at 5:30 pm. Then you may have to arrive very early the morning of to grab any possible seats that are canceled at the last minute. We arrived just past 8:30 and for almost two hours, it was just us, the other 18 people from the two seaplane flights, a few campers, and some park rangers. The ferry costs $200 for adults and $145 for kids through the age of 16. Ferry To Dry Tortugas. If you take the ferry over, you can camp on the island. ], 7 Awesome Things To Do In Miami With Kids. A breakfast snack, boxed lunch, and snorkeling equipment are included with the fee. You can also go on a 45 minute narrated tour of the fort. Before we left we walked over to check out the tent camping area and the other beach area where people were snorkeling. use of snorkeling gear. 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. Unfortunately, I struck out with both the seaplane and ferry when I tried to make it to Dry Tortugas on a recent Key West trip. We also have a guide to the best things to do along the Florida Keys. Amazing! We recommend you plan to get there early like 6:30am ish just in case you run into any issues on your way there. It is the largest island in the Dry Tortugas and is supposed to have a lot of loggerhead sea turtles and also a Lighthouse. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. ! Dry Tortugas National Park: Nice trip! Made up of seven small islands, it is one of the worlds most unique eco-attractions. http://www.travelthruhistory.tv/explore-dry-tortugas-fort-jefferson-key-west-fl/ - Things to do in Key West, FL. 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. Not sure what your budget is but you could always try the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This includes the National Park entrance fee. Get on the Yankee Freedom III ferry waiting list now. #truth, 11 East Coast National Parks You Want To Visit This Year, 29 Best Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama. Saint Augustine is pretty cool too- a national park/iconic . Line up in the order you arrive on the benches along the wall next to the front door of the Terminal. The ferry takes 175 people. Julie Last updated: January 31, 2023 United States 2 Comments. The ferry is the more economical way to the island, but it still has its pros and cons! 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. 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. If you can, try to do Dry Tortugas but that's a whole day while you're down there. To reserve, call Yankee Freedom's phone at 1-800-634-0939. Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. The soft sand in our toes, the teal water, and the ocean breeze. The Dry Tortugas has kind of been loved to death these days. 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. 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 . On the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park both my son and I got really sick, but on the jet boat it was a breeze. This product hasn't received any reviews yet. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. But if you are visiting the Florida Keys for longer, we recommend Fiesta RV Resort, Sunshine Key RV Resort, Pelican RV Resort & Marina, and Hawks Cay Hotel and Resort. The plane parks at a beach on Garden Key and this is where you get off. //