Key West Dry Tortugas: Spend a Day At Dry Tortugas National Park
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As a National Park enthusiast, I want to try to visit as many as I can. And that includes the hard-to-get-to-ones well. On that list is the Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys, near Key West, Florida.
What makes it so hard to get to? Well, because its an island WAY off the coast of Key West, takes two hours by boat and about $200 per person to get there. Not exactly easy!
But I wasn’t going to let that stop me!
Dry Tortugas is definitely more unique than most National parks I’ve been to. It is located on a small island and consists of an old fort that pretty much encompasses the entire island.
There are also very limited ways to get there that take advanced planning. So if you have any desire to visit Dry Tortugas, you’ll want to keep reading!
When booking our family trip to Key West, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the time to visit Dry Tortugas. It’s pretty expensive and takes an entire day. But I’m trying to visit all the National Parks and I couldn’t pass up the chance to cross this off my bucket list.
In the end, it was totally worth it for our family to visit, but it might not be for everyone. Ian this article, I’ll go over all the details on Dry Tortugas so you can determine if it’s worth it for you and your family.
Getting to Dry Tortugas is very limited. You basically only have two options. You can take their ferry or book a seaplane. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
The ferry takes about 2/2.5 hours to get to the island so it’s kind of a long ride. Not great for people who get seasick easily! Because it takes so long, you’re only option is to go the full day. They leave at 9 am and come back at 5 pm. So you have to commit your entire day to visiting.
The cost of visiting Dry Tortugas via their ferry is pretty pricey. It’s about $200 per person (a little less for kids).
Booking a seaplane can be a great option if you can afford the cost. These typically run about $400 per person and up. They only take 30 minutes to get to the island and the views are iconic. You can also come and go at different times of the day with the seaplane.
The only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas offers a unique travel experience with quick travel time and exceptional views, making it a memorable adventure in the Florida Keys.
So for some people, the cost of tickets and the fact that it takes up your entire day, might not be worth it. We actually enjoyed the ferry ride and those 2 hours did seem to fly by without anyone in our family getting sick!
Planning Your Visit
Planning a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park requires some careful consideration due to its remote location and limited amenities. This unique destination is accessible only by boat or seaplane, so it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
First and foremost, check the park’s website for up-to-date information on weather, sea conditions, and any potential park closures. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure that your visit goes as planned.
Booking your transportation in advance is crucial. Whether you choose the ferry or the seaplane, make sure to secure your tickets early, as they can sell out quickly. The ferry ride offers a full-day adventure, while the seaplane provides a quicker, albeit more expensive, option.
When packing for your trip, remember to bring essential items such as sunscreen, water, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, pack any necessary medications or equipment you might need throughout the day. Since the island has no services, it’s better to be over-prepared.
Consider purchasing a park pass or an annual pass to support the National Park Service. This not only helps maintain the park but also grants you access to other national parks across the country.
Lastly, plan your itinerary according to the park’s opening hours and guided tour schedules. This will help you make the most of your visit and ensure you don’t miss out on any key attractions.
Dry Tortugas National Park Tickets
To book the ferry, all you need to do is go to their website and book the day you want to visit.
The ferry only goes out once a day, at the same time every day. And tickets sell out fast, sometimes weeks in advance, so you definitely want to book early.
You can show up each morning to see if there are any cancellations, but I heard this is very rare.
The Yankee Freedom is the official ferry service transporting visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park, offering amenities such as restrooms and meals onboard.
Dry Tortugas Ferry; What to Expect and What’s Included
If you decide to take the ferry to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, it comes with a lot of perks! We actually really enjoyed the boat ride to the island.
The ferry itself is pretty big and spacious. Even though tickets sell out and it’s always fully booked, there were way more chairs than people.
You can choose to sit on the main level, which is inside. So you get protection from the heat, cold, rain, or even wind. The main level consists mostly of tables with padded chairs to sit at. The majority of the tables are chairs to a table and our family of four was able to sit at a table with the other 2 seats remaining empty.
You can also sit on the upper deck, or walk around outside to get some fresh air.
The ferry ride also comes with meals! And I was pleasantly surprised by how good it all was. Breakfast was available as soon as we boarded. They had coffee, fresh juices, and milk. you could get bagels with cream cheese, fruit, yogurt, and a few pastries.
For lunch, they bring in Jersey Mike Subs… which I LOVE! They had different sandwiches to choose from along with chips, cookies, and fruit.
Shortly before it’s time to board and head back to Key West, they open the bar for an additional cost. You can get hotdogs, corn dogs, and ice cream sandwiches. They even serve adult beverages like Pina Coladas and Daquiris.
Fort Jefferson
Fort Jefferson is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Dry Tortugas National Park and a must-visit for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the Civil War. This massive 19th-century fort, located on Garden Key, is one of the largest brick masonry structures in the Western Hemisphere.
Start your visit with a guided tour to delve into the rich history and significance of Fort Jefferson. The tour will take you through the fort’s impressive architecture and provide insights into its role during the Civil War. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, you can wander through the fort’s various levels and discover its unique features.
Don’t miss the fort’s museum, which houses exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history. It’s a great way to learn more about the area and its past.
As you explore, take in the stunning views of the surrounding waters from the fort’s walls and bastions. The 45-foot-high walls and the 70-foot-wide moat are particularly striking and offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, Fort Jefferson is a highlight of any visit to Dry Tortugas National Park.
What To Do On the Island
Once you arrive, you are free to do anything you like, including exploring the historic Fort Jefferson! There are two beaches, although both are very small. So I recommend finding a place to spread out your towels before doing anything else.
On a clear day, the beach area is crystal clear and great for snorkeling and can be described as one of the best beaches in Key West.
You can lay in the sun or go snorkeling. The water is a beautiful turquoise blue but if there is any wind or recent rain, it can be kind of cloudy and hard to see anything. You can also go snorkeling around the fort walls, where they have some really pretty coral and colorful fish.
Dry Tortugas National Park is composed of seven small islands, each offering unique ecological attractions and activities for visitors.
Snorkel Gear Provided for You
The fort itself is open to walk freely around. When you first get off the boat, you have the option to join a tour group or go explore on your own.
The tour group has two choices. You can do an express tour which gives you the basic information about the fort and takes about 20 minutes. Or there is a longer tour that takes around an hour and a half the goes more into depth about the fort and history of the island.
But the fort itself is open to walk around, has several different floors to it and makes for some really pretty pictures!
Both lunch and the bathrooms are located on the ferry itself. The actual island has no services.
We took our time laying in the sun and snorkeling and then walked around the fort for a few minutes before heading back to the ferry when it was time to leave.
Safety and Regulations
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip to Dry Tortugas National Park involves being mindful of the park’s safety regulations and guidelines. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Always wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the intense Florida sun. Staying hydrated is equally important, so bring plenty of water and drink regularly throughout the day.
Be aware of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards such as sharp rocks, strong currents, and wildlife. When snorkeling or diving, follow all safety guidelines and never venture too far from the designated areas.
Respect the park’s natural and cultural resources. This means not touching or disturbing any artifacts or wildlife you encounter. The park is home to delicate marine life and historical structures that need to be preserved for future generations.
Follow all park regulations and guidelines, including those related to snorkeling, diving, and fishing. These rules are in place to protect both visitors and the park’s ecosystem.
Lastly, stay within designated areas and heed all signs and warnings. This will help you avoid accidents or injuries and ensure a safe and memorable visit to Dry Tortugas National Park.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy all that Dry Tortugas National Park has to offer while ensuring your safety and the preservation of this unique destination.
The Cons of Visiting Dry Tortugas
The biggest con to me was the price of the trip. I have a national parks pass so I don’t typically pay a lot of money to visit an NP! But since this was a rare opportunity, I decided it was worth it.
The park’s seven islands are a critical nesting site for various species of sea turtles, showcasing the importance of the area for wildlife conservation.
The other con is that it does take up your entire day. So if you want to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, you have to set aside an entire day to do so. The ferry also leaves very early in the morning, at 7 am promptly. So hopefully you are traveling with morning people!
The ferry goes fast over the water and has been nicknamed the “vomit comet” because so many people get seasick. We didn’t have a problem and I didn’t really see anyone else getting sick either.
Is Dry Tortugas National Park Worth It?
To be honest, Dry Tortugas may or may not be worth it depending on what you are looking for.
If you love National Parks or enjoy visiting unique places, then yes, Dry Tortugas is worth it! My goal is to visit all the National Parks so this island was a must for me and I’m super happy that I was able to experience it. Dry Tortugas is the only location in the continental United States where endangered sooty terns nest, highlighting its unique ecological importance.
But if National Parks aren’t your jam, then you might want to skip this one. If you have young kids, they might get bored because there really isn’t much to do once you get there. The price is also a major factor.
So weigh the pros and cons and let me know in the comments below if you think Dry Tortugas National Park was worth the trip!
Do you have any questions about visiting DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK? Drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them!
If you plan on visiting Key West soon, dont forget to check out the Top Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Key West to make sure you and your family have the best vacation ever.
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