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A Complete Guide to Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park

By Matt Kirouac

The name Dry Tortugas National Park is a bit of a misnomer, considering that less than one percent of this Florida national park’s 100 square miles is dry land. Located some 70 miles west of Key West , and consisting of wide-open water and a smattering of small islands, Dry Tortugas is actually the wettest national park in the country —one that necessitates swimming and snorkeling to really grasp its breadth. 

The islands (Garden, Loggerhead, Bush, Long, East, Hospital, and Middle Keys) are part of not only the most aquatic park in the U.S., but also one of the most remote and least visited, which should perhaps come as no surprise since Dry Tortugas is only accessible via a two-hour ferry ride or private seaplane. Said ferry docks at Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, white-sand beaches, and an underwater snorkeling trail, where visitors are free to explore for four to five hours before returning to Key West. With limited seating aboard the high-speed catamaran, and only one out-and-back sailing per day, this is one park that requires ample planning, but the added effort is more than worth the opportunity to dive into the maritime lore and coral beauty at a national park like no other. 

Below is our complete guide for planning a seamless Dry Tortugas National Park visit, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip—from the best places to stay to the underwater experiences you won’t want to miss. 

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When to visit Dry Tortugas National Park

To ensure your visit to Dry Tortugas National Park is as blue-skied as possible, be strategic about the time of year you visit. Garden Key, the main island where the  Yankee Freedom ferry docks, is technically open every day of the year, but trips are subject to extreme weather. Hurricane season (June through November) brings the highest threat of storms, which can cause ferry cancellations, or at the very least result in rain and wind that lead to choppy waves and muddy waters that are hardly ideal for snorkeling. The park is also at its hottest June through September, which explains why January through March is the peak season for this watery wonderland. Consider traveling in the shoulder season, like April to May, or prepare to book your peak season trip well in advance—the Yankee Freedom only has capacity for 175 passengers and demand is high. 

At $200 per adult for a ferry ticket ($145 for children 4 to 16; infants are free), this is also one of the most expensive national parks to visit. Luckily, the ferry includes entrance to the park on Garden Key (it’s $15 for those arriving via seaplane), complimentary snorkeling equipment, and buffets for both breakfast and lunch. The ferry also has a snack-filled galley, fresh-water rinse showers, an air conditioned cabin, an open-air sundeck, and bars serving beer, wine, and cocktails. The bar is only open during lunch and on the return trip (but it’s probably best to save those frozen margaritas for post-snorkeling anyway). 

Ferries embark at 8 a.m. out of the Key West Ferry Terminal, with boarding at 7 a.m. The trip is about two hours each way, docking at Garden Key for four to five hours. En route, an on-board naturalist talks about the park and its wildlife, with opportunities for potential sea turtle and dolphin sightings. It’s recommended that visitors come equipped with sunscreen , a beach towel , a bathing suit , and a change of clothes. 

When exploring underwater, remember that coral is extremely delicate, and it’s pivotal to practice “leave no trace” principles, as the mildest scrape against a reef can kill it. The same applies to any and all marine life, which might include sea turtles, urchins, jellyfish, and reef squid. 

In Dry Tortugas National Park lies a former U.S. military coastal fortress, Fort Jefferson.

What to do in Dry Tortugas

Seventy miles off Key West, at the westernmost fringe of the third largest coral reef on Earth, this is one park where you've got to get into the water. With azure-blue as far as the eye can see, and teeming marine life and kaleidoscopic coral, there’s much to marvel at beneath the surface. Swimming and snorkeling are permitted anywhere at Garden Key, aside from within the moat wall, with the greatest abundance of larger marine life dwelling in and around the pier pilings, which provide habitat for roving grouper, barracudas, and docile nurse sharks. 

There’s a unique underwater snorkel trail that circles Garden Key, lined with signs explaining the aquatic ecosystem. For more casual swimming and sunbathing, white-sand beaches are located on the north, south, and east sides of the key. Snorkeling is permitted in areas beyond designated sections at Garden Key, but swimmers must display approved dive flags. This can be done at places like Loggerhead Key, which like all other areas of the park beyond Garden Key, is only accessible via private boat. If you can make it, the largest island in the park has a lot to offer, including the Loggerhead Lighthouse, Little Africa reef, and the Windjammer shipwreck. 

On the dryer side of the Tortugas, Fort Jefferson is the iron-clad star of Garden Key. The giant brick fortress, built to defend the Southern coast after the War of 1812, was initially used by the Union to thwart Confederate trade during the Civil War, later serving as a prison. The fort’s most infamous resident was Dr. Samuel Mudd, imprisoned for mending John Wilkes Booth’s leg after the he shot President Lincoln. Today, park-goers are free to explore the entirety of the fort on their own, including Dr. Mudd’s cell, as part of a complimentary 45-minute tour. Be sure to head up to the roof for views of the turquoise-tinted Gulf. 

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During the drier season (late fall to early winter), Bush Key is a 16-acre island that becomes accessible from a land bridge linking Garden Key, creating a one-mile shoreline trail. The key is completely closed to visitors from February through September, however, to protect nesting sea birds—with upwards of 80,000 sooty terns and 4,500 brown noddies, Bush Key is home to the only breeding colonies of these rare species in the U.S. 

Margaritaville Beach House Key West is a tropical haven perched on the largest beach on the island.

Where to stay when you visit Dry Tortugas

As you might expect of a tiny chain of keys 70 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, lodging options at Dry Tortugas National Park are minimal. For the ultimate serenity, visitors unafraid to rough it can camp overnight for $220 (including transit on Yankee Freedom), but you’ll need to bring all your own equipment , including water. Campsites are limited, and most are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while group sites (for 10 to 20 people) can be  reserved in advance . All campsites are primitive and frills-free, but it’s a special opportunity to dwell in utter solitude under the stars, with the sound of waves lapping on the shore. 

All other lodging options are back on Key West, where there are hotels , inns, Airbnbs, and home rentals abound—just keep in mind that, much like the cost of admission to the Tortugas, they don’t come cheap. Properties run the gamut from  Margaritaville Beach House Key West , a tropical haven perched on the largest beach on the island, to the  Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel , a smaller boutique with a relaxed pool, gardens, and mojito-slinging Isabel’s Bar. 

Learn about Key West’s most famed resident at The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

What to do nearby

Away from the National Park, Key West is a wonderland of kitsch and character, swimming with bars, history, and entertainment. Duval Street is the Bourbon Street of Key West, thanks to its myriad open-air bars and open-container alcohol policy. A tipsy highlight is  801 Bourbon Bar , a queer hotspot for drag shows and dancing until the wee hour of 4 a.m.  Sloppy Joe’s , open since the ‘30s, is an iconic saloon once frequented by Ernest Hemingway and now revered for its  Hemingway Look-Alike Contests . And it doesn’t get any quirkier than  Blue Heaven , an al fresco fixture where guests can dine on jerk chicken and key lime pie on a funky patio next to a “rooster graveyard.” In the morning,  Cuban Coffee Queen serves excellent Cuban coffee and breakfast specialties, like guava-smeared toast and breakfast sandwiches pressed on Cuban bread (hot tip: there’s a location right near the ferry terminal that opens at 6:30 a.m., in case you’d prefer pan Cubano to the on-board breakfast buffet).

As Key West’s most famed resident, more Hemingway ephemera—and a  population of six-toed cats —is on full display at the  The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum , a decadent French Colonial-style manor accessible via cash-only tours. After you’ve queued up for a photo at the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A., soak in the maritime lore at  Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park , the southernmost state park in the continental U.S. These parts are hardly  short on superlatives.

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Dry Tortugas National Park: The Complete Guide

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Things to Do

Where to camp, getting there, accessibility, tips for your visit.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Dry Tortugas National Park

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.

At the heart of the Dry Tortugas sits Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal citadel that holds the distinction of being the largest masonry structure in the entire Western Hemisphere. Construction of the fort began in 1846 and required more than 16 million bricks before it was complete. In its early years, Fort Jefferson served as a base of operations to combat piracy in the Caribbean; later, it played a crucial part in the Civil War as a garrison for Union forces and a prison for Confederate soldiers. After the war ended, the fort was all but abandoned, with just a small caretaker team left behind to maintain the grounds.

In 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared Fort Jefferson a national monument, and in 1992, it was elevated to national park status. At that time, the size of the park was expanded to cover 64,700-plus acres, creating a marine preserve that encompassed several other small islands and a large coral reef.

Today, the Dry Tortugas remains a true hidden gem among America's national parks, in part because of its location. Because it requires a bit of extra effort just to get there, the park sees fewer than 80,000 visitors per year. That ranks well below the Great Smoky Mountains —the most visited national park in the U.S. system—which welcomes more than 12 million travelers on an annual basis.

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Unlike most national parks, the Dry Tortugas doesn't have hundreds of miles of trails to hike, nor does it offer access to a vast backcountry wilderness. Instead, most visitors will spend their time exploring Fort Jefferson itself, marveling at the feat of logistics and engineering that it took to build the place. Travelers can wander the grounds completely on their own or opt to join a guided tour. And while there is something to be said for exploring independently, the knowledgeable guides can provide fascinating insights into the history of the fort.

Situated in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , the park is home to one of the most well-preserved coral reefs in Florida, and visitors can catch a glimpse of them by diving and snorkeling in designated areas . As you make your way in, you'll find that the waters surrounding the fort are teeming with wildlife. Dozens of species can be found here, including sea turtles, octopus, squid, small sharks, coral lobsters, and a stunning array of fish.

Active travelers can also choose to explore the waters surrounding Fort Jefferson by kayak. This is an excellent way to spot wildlife and soak up the tropical sun, all while getting unique views of the brick fortress. Note that you will need a permit to take any boat, including a kayak, into the park waters. Paddlers are also required to have a personal flotation device (aka a lifejacket), a signaling device (usually a whistle), and a portable VHF radio. Be sure you know the regulations before you set out.

Because of its abundant marine life, the park is also a popular destination for saltwater fishing. Visitors can choose to bring their own boat or charter one in Key West, but either way, both a permit and a Florida fishing license are required. Popular game fish that are found there include grouper, snapper, tarpon, and mahi mahi. Anglers will find fishing off the Dry Tortugas to be a memorable experience, but be sure to review the National Park Services regulations before embarking.

While there are no hotels, cabins, or lodges at the park, camping is permitted on Garden Key, where eight designated campsites can be found. Each of these sites is designed to fit up to six people, with enough room for three two-person dome tents.

The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be identified by a picnic table with a number stenciled onto it. If the eight sites are already claimed, a camping overflow area is available in a grassy spot adjacent to the regular sites. This location also has tables and grills, although they must be shared among the campers occupying the overflow zone.

It is also possible to stay within the park's borders aboard your own watercraft. As already noted, a boating permit is necessary when entering park waters, but once obtained, visitors can drop anchor and spend the night there should they choose. Overnight anchorage is permitted in the Sandy Bottom area within 1 nautical mile of the Garden Key lighthouse. Staying in all other areas of the park is prohibited.

Whether camping or staying aboard a boat, you'll want to pack plenty of food and water for the duration of your stay. Camping stoves that use cook fuel are not permitted on the island, so be sure to bring charcoal for the grills.

pattischmidt / Getty Images

Due to its location off the coast of Florida, the Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or floatplane. Travelers will need to book passage on a ferry or seaplane in order to reach Garden Key. Both modes of transportation depart from Key West and usually fill up early. Visitors are encouraged to book well in advance of their trip.

Most visitors make their way to the Dry Tortugas aboard the Yankee Freedom , the only ferry authorized to visit the park. The state-of-the-art catamaran departs daily at 8 a.m. and spends 2.5 hours at sea making its way to its dock at Garden Key.

The cost of passage aboard the ship is $200 per adult and $145 per child between the ages of 4 and 16. Younger children are allowed to travel for free, while students ages 17 and up, active military personnel, and seniors over the age of 62 are eligible for discounts. The price includes the entrance fee to the park, a breakfast snack en route, a box lunch, and a 45-minute tour of the fort. Snorkeling gear is also provided.

bennymarty / Getty Images

The dock for the Yankee Freedom ferry in Key West is equipped with lifts that provide wheelchair access to the boat when starting and ending the tour. The dock located in the Dry Tortugas is also equipped with a ramp the provides access to Fort Jefferson. The first floor of the fort, as well as the trails surrounding it, are also fully accessible, although the second and third floors offer no wheelchair access at all.

demerzel21 / Getty Images

• The Dry Tortugas National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. The visitor center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. most days of the year.
• Visiting the Dry Tortugas aboard the official ferry is a full-day affair, with check-in starting at 7 a.m. and the boat returning to Key West at 5:30 p.m. Plan your schedule accordingly.
• Unless you're traveling to the park via the official ferry, the entrance fee is $15 a person and is good for seven days.
• There is no place to buy any kind of food or drinks while in the park itself. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead by bringing their own snacks. However, the ferries used to shuttle visitors from the mainland usually have a limited supply of snacks and beverages. They can typically be found at the dock at Garden Key, outside of Fort Jefferson.
• Visitors—including overnight campers—are required to carry out all of their trash when returning to Key West.
• Cell phone service is nonexistent in the park and there is no internet access at all.
• Keep a close eye on the weather before setting out for the park. Conditions can be very different from what is found in Key West and storms can brew up quickly. Come prepared with layers of clothing and rain gear for those "just in case" situations.
• On the flip side of the same coin, the intense tropical sun can be quite warm and it is easy to quickly become dehydrated while exploring the fort or even swimming and snorkeling. If you're planning on staying in the park for a full day, be sure to bring at least two liters of water. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, a flashlight, and sunglasses are also recommended.

The ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas spends roughly two and a half hours at sea.

Admission to Dry Tortugas National Park is $15 a person, unless you're taking the official ferry. In that case, plan to spend $200 per adult ticket and $145 per child (discounts may apply). Ferry tickets include the cost of entry to the park, although if you have a National Park Pass, you'll be refunded $15 a ticket (up to four).

May and November are the two best times to visit the Dry Tortugas, as the weather is warm, there's good visibility for snorkeling, and these months fall outside of the Atlantic hurricane season.

National Park Service. "Visitor Experience Stewardship." Retrieved on October 27, 2021.

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Yankee Freedom III Dry Tortugas Ferry

Take the official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, the Yankee Freedom, to visit Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National park. This high speed, state of the art catamaran is the perfect way to sail across the 70-mile run to the Dry Tortugas. The Yankee Freedom provides daily ferry service from Key West, Florida to the Dry Tortugas. Join our professional crew and tour guides on one of the top rated attractions in Key West

Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion

Experience the most unique way of traveling to the Dry Tortugas aboard the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson seaplanes! Undoubtedly the most exciting way to get out to The Dry Tortugas, traveling by seaplane is also the fastest way to get there and gives you the most time on the island. Enjoy the natural beauty of this top destination with your own personal seaplane charter.

Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter

Experience fishing around one of the most remote National Parks in the US, The Dry Tortugas. Heading some 68 miles west of Key West to areas surrounding the park for a variety of Snapper, Grouper, Jacks, and even Wahoo, Tuna, Amberjack, Pompano, and King Fish to name a few of the species regularly caught surrounding the many wrecks and structure found below the surface of these pristine Gulf Waters.

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas offers a variety of exciting activities and amazing scenery while providing a sense of history. Located on a remote island off the southernmost city in the United States, The Dry Tortugas is guaranteed to offer you a unique experience and plenty of stories to take back home. Let us plan your trip and make your new adventure as comfortable as possible.

Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of  Key West  lay a cluster of seven islands, composed of  coral reefs  and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up  Dry Tortugas National Park . The area is known for its famous bird and marine life and its legends of pirates and sunken gold.  Fort Jefferson , one of the largest coastal forts every built, is a central feature. 

There are two ways of arriving in style to this historic site, and numerous ways to enjoy the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Dry Tortugas Seaplanes

Since the Dry Tortugas National Park is so far off the coast of Key West, some visitors take a  seaplane  to save a little time for other activities on their Key West vacation. This flight takes less than 45 minutes, and visitors can choose between a half-day tour or a full day. This flight gives the most unique views by flying at a low altitude over the shallow flats of the Keys, and visitors get the chance to see marine wildlife such as sea turtles, dolphins and sharks from above. The tour guides will provide guests with  round-trip transportation , a 40-minute tour of Fort Jefferson, complimentary soft drinks, and snorkeling gear.

This amazing opportunity is extremely limited, so do not be surprised if you call to book, and there isn’t any camping available. These guided tours are limited to 3 tents and six campers per campsite. With this tour, you get an astonishingly secluded campsite, and see an amount of stars you never knew existed.  The Dry Tortugas Camping  will include snorkeling, swimming, (breakfast and lunch on arrival day only), and a 40-minute guided tour of Fort Jefferson.

Make reservations for a Dry Tortugas Tour by booking online or contact us at (866) 575-5068.

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This National Park in Florida Is 99% Underwater — and It's One of the Country's Most Beautiful

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the country’s most unique national parks.

As travel trends come and go, national parks never lose their appeal. But a national park that’s 99 percent underwater, located 70 miles from civilization, and accessible only by seaplane or boat? That’s a next-level national park.

Winand Deerenberg/Getty Images

Enter Dry Tortugas National Park , one of just three designated national parks in Florida — and one of the most remote in the entire U.S. National Park System. The park is known for its mind-blowingly blue waters, interesting 200-year history, untouched environment, and faraway tropical location. 

It’s not your average national park, as anyone who has visited can attest. Want to count yourself among them? Keep reading to learn how to get there, what to know before you make the trip, things to do on the island, and the best time to go.

Xuan Che/Getty Images

Planning a Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

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 dreams. It’s perfect for both swimming and sightseeing, two of the main draws of the Dry Tortugas.

Beyond the breathtaking water, the beauty of Dry Tortugas National Park can be found in its unique natural features (think: coral reefs, sandy shoals, sea life, and lots of birds).

In fact, these natural wonders are the main reason the park exists. It’s a rich source of inspiration and a prized resource for scientists conducting research, an ideal outdoor laboratory for observing “how and why natural systems change over time, and what amount of change is normal,” according to the National Park Service .

It’s a particularly valuable resource because of the encompassing Dry Tortugas Research Natural Area, established in 2007 to protect the marine ecology of the park. This 46-square-mile protected preserve is “a sanctuary for species affected by fishing and loss of habitat in this region of the Gulf of Mexico,” per the NPS. 

Even non-scientists get to benefit from this important research effort in the form of boating, diving, and snorkeling in some of the most pristine waters to be found.

Another main attraction here is historic Fort Jefferson , located on 14-acre Garden Key, the second-largest island in the Dry Tortugas.

Since its original construction in the 1800s as a masonry fort — one of the nation’s largest — Fort Jefferson has lived many lives. It has served as a coaling station for warships, a safe harbor for ships patrolling the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida to resupply and refit, and even a Civil War prison for Union deserters. Still, Fort Jefferson was never attacked, successfully fulfilling its role as an intimidating warning to enemy forces. 

Today, it’s a preserved piece of history with decorative brickwork and 2,000 stunning arches where visitors can explore and learn about a lesser-known piece of American history linking international trade routes, wartime living, and hundreds of shipwrecks.

Things to Know Before Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park

Sometimes, the most arduous journeys reap the greatest rewards, and that’s true of Dry Tortugas National Park. It’s far from just about everything, and while its remoteness is part of its appeal, it requires a bit more forethought than your average spur-of-the-moment national park adventure.

The park is not accessible by car, and there are no facilities for fuel, water, charcoal, or food, so it’s important to arrive prepared for the duration of your stay. (This is why a day trip is the most popular way to experience the Dry Tortugas.)

There are also no supplies available in the park, and the only restrooms are aboard the Yankee Freedom ferry (and thus only available during the hours when it’s docked). For overnight campers, composting toilets are available from 3 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. daily.

There’s also no cell coverage, internet access, or Wi-Fi in Dry Tortugas National Park. In today’s overconnected world, this is one aspect of what makes the park special, but you do need to be prepared for a totally off-the-grid adventure. 

Plus, since there are few ways in and out of the park, it’s an all-day commitment — meaning you can’t just change your mind and head home if you’re not feeling it. 

If being “stranded” (for a day) on a far-flung tropical island with limited access to food, water, bathrooms, and other modern conveniences doesn’t appeal to you, you might want to sit this one out. But if you’re up for an adventure, you’re in for a treat. 

Boogich/Getty Images

How to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park

Since it’s located 70 miles west of Key West — the southernmost point of the continental U.S. — the journey of getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the fun.

Options for getting to Dry Tortugas National Park include a ferry, private boat, charter boat, or seaplane. Fishing and dive charters heading to the Dry Tortugas are available in both the Florida Keys and Naples .

However, traveling by seaplane is probably the most scenic and memorable way to reach the Dry Tortugas.

“Getting there by seaplane was the highlight of our trip,” says Daniel Jenkins, a Florida resident who recently traveled to Dry Tortugas National Park with his husband. “The water is the most unreal blue color that almost glows as you fly overhead. I lost count of all the dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks we spotted from the air, and you even fly over two shipwrecks,” he shares. 

“It’s a fraction of the travel time, which means you can spend more time snorkeling and exploring the island, and the small cabin size allows for only 10 passengers at a time.”

Key West Seaplane Adventures is an NPS-sanctioned seaplane charter to Dry Tortugas and costs $361 per adult for a half-day excursion. The flight time is about 40 minutes each way.

To visit areas of the park beyond Garden Key and Fort Jefferson, you’ll need to explore via your own private boat , but note that you’ll have to acquire a permit.

Cheapest Way to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park

None of the options for getting to Dry Tortugas National Park are particularly low-cost, but some are less expensive than others.

While the seaplane route is certainly memorable, most visitors opt to take the two-hour round-trip ferry from Key West. A trip on the Yankee Freedom , which boards at 7:30 a.m. and returns to Key West by 5:30 p.m. each day, includes breakfast, lunch, a fully narrated 45-minute tour of Fort Jefferson, complimentary snorkeling equipment, and park entrance fees. There are also frozen drinks available for purchase, in case you want to kick back with a rum runner. 

Day trips on the Yankee Freedom start at $200 per ticket; if you want to spend the night and add primitive camping with a kayak, that will set you back about $240. It’s the cheapest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park (unless you have a friend with a boat who won’t charge you gas money).

Adventure_Photo/Getty Images

Things to Do at Dry Tortugas National Park: Snorkeling, Swimming, and More

Those who want more than just a few hours to explore Dry Tortugas National Park should plan to camp on the island.

However, most visitors choose to spend only a day, filling their visit with diving, swimming, snorkeling, ranger-guided tours, wildlife spotting, and touring historic Fort Jefferson. You can also go geocaching, fishing, and paddling, though you have to bring your own kayak or paddleboard.

Most visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park will also visit Garden Key, as that’s where ferry and seaplane passengers are dropped off, but exploring the other islands within the park is also an option if you have your own boat.

Loggerhead Key, the largest island in the park, is located three miles west of Garden Key and is great for snorkeling and visiting beaches. The 16-acre Bush Key is an undeveloped island where up to 80,000 sooty terns and 4,500 brown noddies take up residence during the breeding season (February to September). Note that Bush Key closes to visitors during this time, as these are the only significant breeding colonies of the bird species in the entire United States.

Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Thanks to its subtropical climate, Dry Tortugas National Park is open all year long. The weather stays generally warm and sunny in every season. Winter (December through March) tends to be windier, which creates the potential for rough seas, but the temperature is more mild and dry. Meanwhile, summers are hot and humid. June through November is Atlantic hurricane season, so that period carries a risk of storms. Still, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park any month of the year and enjoy a picture-perfect day.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

5 Big Mistakes to Avoid At Dry Tortugas National Park (+ Useful Tips!)

January 19, 2022 //  by  Florida Trippers

Are you thinking of visiting Dry Tortugas National Park? You have come to the right place! In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know when planning a visit to this stunning and history-filled national park in Florida. In my experience, this is one of the best places I have ever visited!

We will explain what to do in Dry Tortugas , the ins and outs of Fort Jefferson, and how to use the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry. We will also help to keep your trip seamless and more enjoyable by explaining the Dry Tortugas mistakes to avoid.

Planning your trip to Key West last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Key West!

Top Experiences And Tours In Key West:

• Dolphin Watching And Snorkeling Eco Tour (Top pick!)
• Schooner Sunset Sail (2 hours)
• Reef Snorkel From Key West (Includes breakfast and mimosas)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Great way to see the city)

Top Places To Stay In Key West:

• Margaritaville Beach House Key West (Modern mid-range)
• Blue Marlin Motel (Affordable in downtown)
• Hampton Inn Key West (Waterfront with pool)
• Wicker Guesthouse (Great location!)

Dry Tortugas in South Florida is a unique and beautiful park, and you will want to make sure you make the most of your visit. We hope this guide helps you plan accordingly and that you have a great day out.

Now, let’s go over all the Dry Tortugas FAQs!

What Are The Dry Tortugas?

The Dry Tortugas are a group is islands in Florida located in the Gulf of Mexico. Dry Tortugas National Park is a 100-square mile park with seven small islands. It’s a tropical paradise that is known as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson. This island is a place where nature, history, and relaxation meet to form something quite special.

The history of Dry Tortugas is checkered and somewhat brutal which is a stark contrast to the idyllic setting. The fort named after Thomas Jefferson was a place where soldiers served and died.

The waters surrounding it have many a tale to share about pirates and hidden treasure. It is believed that most of Key West’s fortunes were built on the regulated wrecking of Spanish treasure ships. In 1985 $450 million in silver and gold was salvaged from this area!

This stretch of islands was declared a national park in 1992 and most of the park is actually underwater. Dry Tortugas is the only tropical reef in the States and the third-largest in the world.

And as a bonus, due to its remoteness, the park only attracts approximately 60,000 people a year so it’s never really crowded. The best time to visit is November to April as the winds tend to be less strong and therefore the water is less turbulent.

Where Are The Dry Tortugas Located? 

Dry Tortugas National Park is 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The seven islands that make up the area are Loggerhead, Bush, Long, Hospital, Middle, East, and the largest, Garden Key.

The total area of the islands adds up to less than 1/5 of a square mile. Most of the 101 square miles that make up the park are underwater.  

To sum up, Dry Tortugas is a remote spot in the middle of nowhere, but well worth the journey! It is one of the best places to visit in the Florida Keys !

How To Get From Key West To Dry Tortugas National Park

Getting to Dry Tortugas is not the easiest or cheapest thing to do. There is no road to Dry Tortugas National Park! The area is remote and can only be reached by boat or seaplane.

Entry to the national park costs $15 and this is included in the price of the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry.

Ferry To Dry Tortugas

The ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas is the Yankee Freedom III. The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The ride can be very choppy so if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best way to travel.

The Dry Tortugas ferry is $190 per person with children going for $135. The ferry departs at 7:30 am and returns at 5:15 pm. The prices include park entrance, breakfast and lunch, complimentary snorkeling equipment, and a fort tour.

Again, book the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry in advance as there are a limited number of seats. It’s best to plan at least a couple of months in advance.

Dry Tortugas Seaplane

Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas. The Dry Tortugas seaplane takes about 40 minutes. This option isn’t cheap, coming in between $361 to $634 per person. There is a half-day or a full-day excursion.

You will need to book in advance to snag a spot. During peak season, visitor numbers are limited. There are two planes used with ten seats each.

Dry Tortugas Charter Boats

You can also, of course, charter a boat which may be a cheaper option if there are more of you. Or if you have your own boat you can use that. Perhaps make friends with someone with a boat. If you are looking for how to get to Dry Tortugas for cheap, that is one way!

Either way, you can go on a boat that isn’t the ferry.

How To Get Around The Dry Tortugas 

The ferry and seaplane will drop you off at Garden Key, the largest island, and do not offer transportation to the other islands. It’s a small island and easy to walk around.

To visit other areas you will need your own boat, and you must file a free boat permit with the park when you arrive.

If you are planning on camping, bringing a kayak or canoe will provide you with access to the other areas of the park. Just make sure you coordinate this with the ferry before you travel.

How Long To Spend In Dry Tortugas National Park 

How long you spend at Dry Tortugas obviously depends on what you want to achieve. If you just want to see the fort, wander around, and get a feel of the place, then a Dry Tortugas day trip will be sufficient. There isn’t a lot on the way of amenities on the island so bear that in mind. Most people who stay a day seem to end up wishing they have stayed longer or want to go back.

You can camp but it’s primitive and most snacks and drinking water you will have to get from the ferry when it arrives. Most campers feel one night isn’t enough due to putting tents up and down, and it seems the consensus is that two nights is a good length of stay.

5 Big Mistakes to Avoid At Dry Tortugas National Park

Mistake #1: eating breakfast before boarding the ferry.

Your ferry ticket includes both breakfast and lunch so there is no need to rush a breakfast before boarding the early morning ferry and risk missing your ride. Once the boat sets sail, passengers will receive their complimentary breakfast.

However, it is a light meal, only consisting of a bagel, yogurt, and drinks like coffee, tea, and juice. If you usually prefer a bigger breakfast or have diet restrictions, you might want to eat breakfast in Key West before boarding.

Lunch consists of a sandwich, chips, cookies, and a drink. Either meal can be supplemented by something purchased from the galley at an extra cost. You can buy freshly popped popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, and more. You can also bring your own food.

If you charter a boat, check if meals are included. The seaplane does not provide food.

Mistake #2: Not Spending the Right Amount of Time

Deciding how much time to spend on Dry Tortugas can be tricky. On one hand, you want to see and do it all. But on the other hand, there is only so much to do on Garden Key, and you do not want to be left with idle time.

If you take the ferry, you will be on the island for about four hours. A seaplane half-day excursion is around 2.5 hours while the full day is closer to 6.5 hours.

Whichever you choose, you want to get the most bang for your buck. Since it is so expensive to get to the island, you will want to do everything in one trip to avoid paying to come back.

If you think you want to spend even more time on the island, then you can camp overnight . If you have your own boat, you can leave whenever you want the next day. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the ferry departs back to the mainland.

Mistake #3: Not Preparing for the Sun

Dry Tortugas has a subtropical climate, and it is very important to prepare for the sun, especially since there is a lack of shade. Bring sunscreen and apply it multiple times as needed. If you plan on swimming, make sure it is waterproof and reef-safe.

Also, bring hats and water bottles to help you keep cool and hydrated. Listen to your body. You do not want to leave the park with a sunburn or with heatstroke. Temperatures range from the mid-70s Fahrenheit in winter to the 80s and 90s the rest of the year.

Mistake #4: Not Bringing Motion Sickness Medication for the Ferry

If you suffer from seasickness or are not sure how a long boat ride will affect you, then you need to remember to bring motion sickness medication on the ferry. The Yankee Freedom has a system to help reduce the impact of waves on the boat, but it is still smart to be prepared. The water is the roughest in the winter when it is windier.

Take Dramamine before boarding the boat or bring ginger chews to help with motion sickness.

Mistake #5: Forgetting the Islands are Primitive

Dry Tortugas is a very primitive national park and is definitely a step back in time. There is no cell service, wifi, or air conditioning. There are some lights in the fort, but otherwise no electricity in public areas.

When the Dry Tortugas ferry is docked, visitors can use the restrooms onboard. When the ferry leaves, campers will have compostable toliets to use. Campers must bring in all of their own food, fresh water, and supplies as well.

Most of the amenities are found aboard the ferry, but it not like you will be spending your time at the park on the boat! The ferry has a galley with food, drinks, and gift shop items. On the return trip, they open the bar where you can buy rum runners, pina coladas, daiquiris, and frozen margaritas.

Best Things To Do in Dry Tortugas National Park

Visit fort jefferson.

No visit to Dry Tortugas National Park would be complete without a trip to the fort. Named for Thomas Jefferson, it was built to protect the southern coast of the USA. Soldiers served here and lots lost their lives.

If you arrive on the Dry Tortugas ferry, you have the option of joining a 45-minute guided tour of the fort, and we highly recommend it. There is a self-guided tour, however, if you don’t fancy this.

Built between 1846 and 1875, the fort took 16 million bricks to build. It consists of walkways, brick buildings, storerooms, gunrooms, and barracks. Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the western hemisphere.

At its height, it housed nearly 2,000 people and was described as “a dark, mean place.” It is true the fort had a turbulent and sordid past. During the building, laborers were imprisoned in what become the country’s largest military prison. In 1867, the resident population was halved as yellow fever ravaged the area.

History lovers will enjoy learning about this fort in the middle of the sea. It is definitely one of the best Dry Tortugas activities.

Relax on the Beach

The beaches at Dry Tortugas National Park feature stretches of beautiful, white sand . You will find a perfect tropical paradise as the soft sand slopes into crystal clear waters .

There are four main beaches : South Swim Beach, Seaplane Beach, Dinghy Beach, and North Swim Beach. The names are pretty self-explanatory. Some areas are no swim zones and some are reserved for snorkelers.

Remember to pack your swimming suit, beach towels, sunscreen, and a wet bag to put everything in when you are done. Keep in mind that you cannot remove any shells, coral, or other objects from the beach .

Go Snorkeling

Snorkeling doesn’t get much better than this! Dry Tortugas National Park is home to the most vibrant coral reefs in the States. If you love exploring underwater, Dry Tortugas snorkeling will not disappoint!

The water is shallow (5-15 feet), making this a great experience for everyone, even a complete beginner. Access is easy too. Just walk in from the sand.

Expect to see tropical fish, vibrant coral, starfish, and queen conchs as you enjoy this Dry Tortugas activity. Also, keep your eyes open for sea turtles as the islands are named after them after all. Tortugas is Spanish for turtles.

If you arrive on the Dry Tortugas ferry, you will be provided with a snorkel, fin, and mask free of charge. There are many designated snorkel areas.

You can snorkel and see the historic Coaling Pier pilings, the moat wall, and the coral heads. If you have your own boat, you can also snorkel Little Africa Reef and the Windjammer Wreck.

Remember, look and don’t touch. This area is fragile and protected. Always swim with a buddy for safety.

Kayak / Paddleboard

A great way to get around Dry Tortugas National Park is by kayak or paddleboard. You will be able to see the clear water below and get to places that most people can’t get to.

You cannot use water paddles near Garden Key. For quick paddles, Bush and Long Keys are the closest. Loggerhead Key will take several hours to get to and involves crossing deep open waters.

You will need to get a boating permit to use these items. There are no kayak and paddleboard services in the park so you will need to bring everything with you, including safety equipment, which is required.

Recreational Fishing

Dry Tortugas is known as an angler’s paradise and there are many types of fish you can catch here either from shore or boats. Fishing is not allowed everywhere, so make sure you know the right places to cast your line.

Some places where you can fish include Seaplane Beach, Dinghy Beach, the dock when the ferry is gone, or one of the piers. Expect to find grouper, snapper, mackerel, tuna, sailfish, and more. Did we mention Ernest Hemingway used to fish around here? That proves it is one of the best things to do in Dry Tortugas!

You must bring all fishing equipment with you and have a Florida saltwater fishing license unless exempt.

Bird Watching

If you prefer dry land to the open waters then bird watching might be one of your favorite Dry Tortugas activities. You won’t be disappointed as Dry Tortugas National Park has over 300 species. The islands are an important point along the Great Florida Birding Trail.

From tiny hummingbirds to the mighty peregrine falcon, you will spot many cool species. The magnificent frigatebird and sooty terns nest nowhere else in the States apart from this area.

The best time to visit for birds is during spring and fall migration times, especially spring. Do not forget to pack your binoculars!

Visit Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse

Located at Fort Jefferson, this is a lighthouse that never really did its job properly. The light was built in 1826 and was originally named Garden Key Light.

However, shipwrecks and navigation issues increased until 1858 when the more adequate Loggerhead Lighthouse was built on nearby Loggerhead Key.

While it might not have done the best at protecting ships, this pretty, black lighthouse is still a great place to snap a photo during your trip to Dry Tortugas.

Camping At Dry Torguas National Park

Ever dreamed of pitching your tent on the beach and spending an evening looking at the stars and listening to the waves? Well if you have, you’re in luck! Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the best places for camping in Florida .

Be warned though, it’s primitive camping, and you must bring everything including water. There is nothing on the island apart from a bathroom with composting toilets.

You will need to plan ahead as the eight campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to six people can stay at each site. There is an overflow area but tables and grills are shared among overflow campers. There is also one group site for ten to twenty people that must be reserved far in advance.

You will pay the camping fee at a self-service stand. It is $15 a night for individual sites and $30 a night for the group site. Cash only.

Camping takes place on Garden Key and the only way to get there with your gear is by private boat or the Yankee Freedom Ferry. The ferry takes all your gear and only has space for ten campers each day. So book the ferry and your camping slot ahead. You will need to arrive at 6 a.m. at the ferry terminal.

Bring enough supplies to last longer than you need as sometimes ferries are canceled. The campsites are designated by tables with stenciled numbers and each area has a picnic table and a grill. Do not forget to bring charcoal because burning wood is not allowed.

We know your visit to Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida will be memorable. It really is an amazing experience that not many have the pleasure of enjoying. Getting there might be a little expensive but we feel it is well worth it. Dry Tortugas is unique and has a lot to offer. We hope you have an amazing time and can’t wait to hear about it!

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Seaplanes stand by on Garden Key in remote Dry Tortugas National Park.

This National Park is a Haven for Turtles

Location: florida established: october 26, 1992 size: 64,700 acres.

Known for its spectacular coral reefs teeming with aquatic life, Dry Tortugas National Park protects a seven-key (Garden, Loggerhead, Bush, Long, East, Hospital, and Middle) archipelago in the Gulf of Mexico. Nearly 99 percent of the park’s hundred square miles are submerged beneath crystalline waters. Stunning coral reefs ring Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson (an imposing 19th-century military installation), a ferry dock, and the park’s campground and visitors center. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León named these low-lying keys Las Tortugas (The Turtles) for the green, hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles he encountered here in 1513. During the summer, sea turtles return to the park’s sugar-white beaches to bury their eggs. And between roughly March and September, up to 100,000 sooty terns gather in Dry Tortugas to nest. Inside Tip: This is a primitive island park with no running water, food concessions, or restrooms. Use the bathroom facilities on board the ferries docked at Fort Jefferson. Pack in all food and drinks. Pack out all trash and garbage.

How to Get Around: Dry Tortugas is located about 70 nautical miles west of Key West. Take the high-speed Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry (about two hours and 15 minutes one-way) or a seaplane (about 40 minutes one-way) from Key West to Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. A charter or personal boat (with permit) is required to visit most areas beyond Garden Key.

When to Go : The park is open year-round. The daily ferry schedule (arriving on Garden Key at about 10:15 a.m. and departing at 3 p.m.) allows for about a four-and-a-half-hour visit. Plan an April or mid-May trip to witness the spring bird migration (more than 200 species may be sighted), or visit in May or June to see the greatest concentration of sea turtles. Winter is warm (temperatures in the 80s), yet it can be windy, with rough seas. Summer is a prime time to visit, but there is always the possibility of a tropical storm during hurricane season (June to November).

What to Do: Snorkel (rental gear is included with the ferry ticket) in the designated areas around Fort Jefferson to see massive coral heads and colorful reef life, including parrot fish, angelfish, and moray eels. Picnic and sunbathe on a beach. Take a self-guided walking tour or a 45-minute guided tour of Fort Jefferson. Walk along or swim around the fort’s moat wall (no swimming is allowed in the moat) to look for cultural artifacts such as cement barrels and anchor chains, plus marine life that includes reef squid and nurse sharks. Best Bet: A sandbar land bridge intermittently connects Garden Key to neighboring Bush Key. If the bridge isn’t submerged and it isn’t tern-nesting season (about February to mid-September), you can walk between the two keys.

Where to Stay: Tent camping is the only in-park option. There is a ten-site primitive campground on Garden Key (eight individual, one group, and one grassy overflow area). Individual sites and the overflow area are first-come, first-served. A tent is required. Reserve the group site (10 to 40 people). Campers must arrive by ferry (limit ten campers per day each way) or by private boat. Seaplanes cannot transport campers due to the added weight of camping supplies (including water, ice, food, and fuel).

• Nat Geo Expeditions

What to Watch Before You Go: The Plan Your Visit video created by the National Park Service includes practical information about what to pack and expect at the park, a brief historical overview of Dry Tortugas, and up-close views of Fort Jefferson, the ferry ride, and the park’s coral reefs, sea turtles, and other marine life.

Helpful Link: Dry Tortugas National Park

Did You Know? Fort Jefferson served as a federal prison following the Civil War. Prisoners included Union Army deserters and four men convicted of conspiring to kill President Abraham Lincoln. Among the conspirators was Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg after the assassination. Sentenced to life in prison in 1865, Mudd was pardoned four years later. He is credited with helping to save lives during an 1867 yellow fever epidemic at Fort Jefferson.

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Complete Guide on How to Visit Dry Tortugas NP | Florida

One of the most unique national parks we’ve been to is the Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida. It is also the most expensive park to visit due to its remote location. Dry Tortugas is located 70 miles west of Key West, in the middle of the ocean. This means the only way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park is to either take a boat (chartered or private), the public ferry, or a seaplane. Therefore, it takes a lot of prior planning and money to visit this gorgeous park. However, it is worth it! Dry Tortugas is home to the historic and photogenic Fort Jefferson, clear teal water, an abundance of coral reefs and marine life, and sea birds. It’s seriously on our top 10 to visit in Florida.

Table of Contents

History of dry tortugas and fort jefferson.

Dry Tortugas is rich in cultural heritage. The seven keys (Garden, Loggerhead, Bush, Long, East, Hospital, and Middle) are together known as the Dry Tortugas. They are positioned on the edge of the main shipping channel for the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the western Caribbean. Because of its strategic location, there were a large number of vessels going through its surrounding water. This shipping channel was also used among the Spanish explorers and merchants traveling along the Gulf Coast. 

In the mid-19th century, the largest all-masonry fort, Fort Jefferson was built to protect the extremely lucrative shipping channel. However, the fort was never completed because of the fear that additional cannons or bricks would place more stress on the structure. This fort was a place where soldiers served and died. There are many tales about pirates and treasures regarding the waters surrounding this place.

In 1992, this collection of islands was declared a national park. Although, most of the park is actually underwater. Dry Tortugas was established to preserve Fort Jefferson, protect the island the fragile marine ecosystem, and also be the only tropical reef in the United States. The tropical reef here is the third largest reef in the world.

How to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. It is literally in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the ocean with no connection road. Because of its remote location, you can only get here by boat or seaplane. There are 3 options for transportation to the park with at least 2 of them starting out from Key West.

Taking the Ferry Boat

This is the most affordable way to visit Dry Tortugas (unless you own a boat). There is only one ferry that is allowed to dock at Dry Tortugas, which is the Yankee Freedom III. The Yankee Freedom III departs from the Key West Ferry Terminal and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. The ferry boards at 7:30 am and returns to Key West at 5:30 pm. This means you’ll have about 4.5 hours at the park. If you’re planning on camping, you have to take either the ferry or your own boat.

At the time we went, it was $200 per adult for a day trip. This price includes a park entrance, breakfast and lunch, snorkel gear, and a 45-minute narrated tour of Fort Jefferson. If you have America the Beautiful pass, you can save $15/person (up to 4 people per pass), by choosing the option when booking. You will need to show your pass at the Ferry. Since the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park has limited seats, we recommend booking in advance. You can get your ticket here .

Flying on the Seaplane

Taking a seaplane to Dry Tortugas is an adventure all by itself. Imagine soaring above the clear teal water, the green islands, and the wildlife below. However, it is also very pricey. It will cost you about $644 for a full day, and $371 for half a day per adult. Seaplane Adventure is the only company that is allowed to go to the park. Therefore, if this is what you want, you’ll need to book very far in advance. There are only 2 planes, with 10 seats per plane that fly each day. So seats are very limited. 

So the advantage of taking a seaplane is that you’ll get to Dry Tortugas faster (40 minutes), which means you’ll have more time to spend there (6.5 hours). You also get beautiful aerial views and don’t have to deal with choppy waves. The cons, besides it being expensive, it doesn’t include breakfast, lunch, or the narrated fort tour. Also, if you’re planning on camping, you cannot take the seaplane. It is for day trips only.

Taking a Private Boat (Chartered or Owned)

You can get to Dry Tortugas by using your own boat or charter one. Don’t forget, you will need a boat permit, even if you aren’t planning on visiting Fort Jefferson. Boat permits are free and must be filled in person on Garden Key before any recreational activity. This includes kayaks. Learn more about Boat Permits here .

Tips on Visiting Dry Tortugas

When is the best time to visit.

You can visit Dry Tortugas National Park any time. However, November to April is the best time to visit. The wind tends to be less strong, so the water is a lot calmer. The weather is also cooler.

What Should I Bring?

• Comfortable footwear – since you’ll be walking a good amount
• Swimsuit – if you’re planning to go in the water, you definitely should!
• Sun protection such as hat, sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen
• Towels and change of clothes  
• Light jacket – the weather can change quickly out there
• Binoculars – if you’re into birdwatching
• Camera – it’s beautiful there!
• Snorkeling gear – there are complimentary ones but you can bring your own if you prefer. The complimentary ones are very basic.
• IDs – you will need to show your ID to board the ferry

Don’t forget, you will need to carry all of this with you, walking around the island. So, make sure to bring only what you can carry.

Other Things You Need to Know

• There are no lockers on the boat or on the island . However, there haven’t been any thefts here. Also, if you need help there are Law Enforcement Rangers at the park.
• If you’re taking the ferry, make sure to bring medicines for motion sickness if you are prone to it. Even though Yankee Freedom is equipped with a state-of-the-art ride control system that helps to smooth out the ride, you should still come prepared. Dramamine or ginger chews can help with motion sickness.
• Since it is a remote area , there is no cell reception here. Also, if you bring a cooler, there is no ice here. If you’re camping, you’ll need to bring EVERYTHING, including fresh water.
• There are composting toilets located near the campground. However, whenever the ferry is docked, these toilets are locked. The toilets on the ferry become the public restrooms for everyone .
• If you want to rinse off after a long day in the water, you can use Yankee Freedom’s free fresh water to do so .
• No pets are allowed except for service pets.
• DO NOT TOUCH OR STEP ON CORAL REEF! It will harm the reef.

What To Do in Dry Tortugas National Park

Taking a tour at fort jefferson.

Fort Jefferson was built between 1846 and 1875 to protect the Gulf from potential enemies as well as to safeguard U.S. trade routes between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River. Even though it took 30 years, the fort was never completed. The construction was mostly by slaves and prisoners. Fort Jefferson is the largest all-masonry fort in the United States.

The fort consists of a three-tiered structure with decorative brickwork and 2,000 arches. It was designed to support 450 guns and garrison 1,500 men. There is a protective moat surrounding the 3-foot thick walls with a drawbridge that could be raised to keep the enemies out. At one point, the fort housed about 2,000 people. It was described as “a dark, mean place.” Fort Jefferson wasn’t all sunshine and clear water like it is now. It has a dark past. Prisoners and slaves were forced to work in the blazing sun while surviving on minimal rations. Diseases such as yellow fever and scurvy were rampant. In addition, boredom and acute loneliness also play a big factor, not only for prisoners and slaves but soldiers as well.

As you can see, Fort Jefferson is also full of history and cultural heritage. It is a haven for history buffs. When you’re visiting Dry Tortugas, taking a tour of Fort Jefferson is a must-do! There is so much to see. You can either do the complimentary narrated tour if you come with the ferry or walk around by yourself. We opted to do a self-guided tour because we wanted to spend more time alone, but you’ll learn more on the tour. Besides the history, the fort is also super photogenic with interesting architecture.

Go Snorkeling

This is our favorite activity on Dry Tortugas! The water can’t get much better than here. Not only  is the water warm, but it is also very clear. You can swim and snorkel all around the island, except for the whole area where the dock is and the seaplane beach, for obvious reasons. 

The water here is shallow. It is perfect for beginners. You don’t need to go far to see an abundance of marine life. The North and Southern Swim Beach are the best places if you’re a beginner. If you’re an experienced snorkeler, you can go around the moat wall, head over to the coral head, or the historic Coaling Pier pilings. Please note that you cannot swim or snorkel inside the moat . Also, make sure to look but not touch and don’t stand on the coral. 

Even though we barely left North Swim Beach, we saw tons of colorful fish, interesting coral, sea urchins, and a live Queen Conch. Don’t forget, you cannot collect anything on the island to bring back with you , so don’t even think about taking those cool-looking conch shells. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for fire coral. They can cause burning skin reactions.

Walk Around the Moat Wall

The moat wall is circling all around the island and Fort Jefferson. It makes for a nice stroll and provide beautiful sceneries and different perspective of the fort. If you love photography, you’ll love this stroll. That being said, it is quite a bit of a walk so make sure to budget your time so you can do all the activities that you want to do. Since we prefer to snorkel, we only had a little bit of time to walk the moat wall

Bird Watching

Dry Tortugas National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Imagine seeing 100,000 sooty terns all in one place at one time. This is what you can see near Bush Key between March and September nesting season. There are also tons of other birds such as masked and brown boobies, roseate tern, double-crested cormorant, and magnificent frigatebirds.

If you want to spend more than a few hours on Dry Tortugas, you’ll need to camp there overnight. If you want to camp, you have to either use the ferry or use your own boat. You cannot take the seaplane. 

The ferry only has room for 10 campers each day. Since it is such a desirable camping area, you’ll need to reserve a camping spot far in advance, sometimes at least 9 months into the future. The only place you can camp here is at Garden Keys and there are only 8 campsites available first-come, first-served. If these spots are all taken, you can use the overflow area but you’ll need to share tables and grills with other overflow campers. If you arrive at the park with the ferry, you WILL have a spot to camp.

Don’t forget, this is primitive camping so you need to bring EVERYTHING, including fresh water. You also must have a tent to be allowed to camp. The camping fee is separate from the ferry and park fees. It is $15 a night for individual sites and $30 a night for group sites. It is self-service with cash only. Make sure to bring extra supplies since the ferries can be canceled if the weather is bad. For more info about camping at Dry Tortugas, check it out here.

Kayak / Paddleboard

Paddling is a great way to see clear water below and get to places that most visitors can’t get to. However, there isn’t any place for you to rent kayaks or paddleboards at Dry Tortugas National Park. You will need to bring them yourself whether by ferry or private boat . Also, you CAN NOT bring them on a day trip on the ferry. You’ll need to be camping there to bring your own kayaks and paddleboard. In addition, you will need to bring a PFD (Personal Floatation Device), a signaling device (typically a whistle and/or hand-held mirror), and a portable VHF radio prior to getting to the park.

Once arrived at Fort Jefferson, you’ll need to get a boat permit. Boat permits are free at the dock house information room. Then, the kayak can be launched at the dinghy beach. There are many routes that you can take depending on your experience, from quick paddles around Garden Key to longer open water. Bush and Long Key are the closest to Fort Jefferson. The trip around these islands usually takes a few hours. If you want to go to Loggerhead, it is 3 miles to the west of Garden Key.  You’ll need to be an experienced paddler for this. This trip will require crossing over the deep, open water with very strong currents. However, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful snorkeling and empty beaches.

Beside Dry Tortugas, don’t forget to check out some other interesting Florida’s parks such as Shark Valley at the Everglades National Park, or Biscayne National Park.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on  Instagram  and subscribe to our  Youtube channel ! We’ll love you forever!

Recommended Gear

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our  Recommended Gear section as well. 

adventure gear

Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots

Good hiking shoes with good traction are best. Dustin’s shoes are  Targhee III Waterproof

There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.

Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.

You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E .

For shorter hikes, the  Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials. 

Sedona can get very cold in the winters and springs. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here , and Dustin’s version here .

If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket

other things to bring

• Depending on where you’re staying, make sure to pack groceries and other essentials ahead of time.
• Lunch and snacks are recommended for longer hikes. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes .

camera gear

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The Best Time To Visit Dry Tortugas (Clear Waters & Seclusion!)

Plan your perfect Dry Tortugas trip! Ideal from April-June for mild weather & clear waters. Opt for fall for fewer crowds & lower costs. Avoid Oct-Jan due to cold, wet conditions.

The Dry Tortugas are a little cluster of islands at the end of the Florida Keys. They were named “Las Tortugas” after the abundance of giant sea turtles that Spanish conquistadors encountered when exploring in the early 1500s.

Today, Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful place to visit, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.

Between April and June is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas. This is due to the consistently mild weather and temperatures averaging 80 °F (27 °C). Fall boasts fewer crowds and up to 45% lower cost for accommodations. It’s the ideal time for outdoor activities like snorkeling or kayaking. For warmer weather, visit in July for 89-degree days.

The weather in the Dry Tortugas is very similar to much of the Caribbean. The climate in the region is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and occasional thunderstorms.

Winters are cooler, with drier days and nights. Let’s explore the best time to visit Dry Tortugas.

Worst Time to Visit Dry Tortugas

The worst time to visit Dry Tortuga National Park is October through January. The weather is cold and wet, and the seas to get there are unpredictable.

Late fall and early winter in Dry Tortugas see shorter days. As a result, there are also fewer activities and attractions open during this time of year.

If you're planning a trip to Dry Tortuga National Park, winter is not the best time to visit.

The weather is incredibly unpredictable and can range from hot and humid to cold and wet, making it difficult to enjoy all the park offers.

In addition, many of the park's amenities are closed during the winter months, so you'll miss out on many of what makes Dry Tortuga unique.

Cheapest Month To Visit Dry Tortugas

The cheapest months to visit Dry Tortugas is October through January.  The price to enter the national park stays the same year-round, but travel accommodations to the Florida Keys are much cheaper during the low season.

Lower crowds in the Keys tend to give a more affordable travel experience. Dry Tortugas itself does not have hotels or restaurants. Visitors generally camp or only stay for the day.

What Time of the Year is the Best Weather in Dry Tortugas?

January – best time to visit in winter.

Escape the cold and make your way to the Florida Keys in January.  Temperatures at Dry Tortugas in January range from 65 °F (18 °C) to 75 °F (24 °C).

The best time to visit for the winter is January because it's relatively mild weather and offers visitors a chance to see the winter migratory birds passing through. For example, in January, American kestrels and belted kingfishers make their way through the region.

• Midwinter Bird Migrations

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February – Best Time To Visit For Camping

February tends to bring warmer weather in Dry Tortugas.  Temperatures remain around 65 °F (18 °C) for the average low to 75 °F (24 °C) for the average high.  Therefore, February is the best time to visit for camping. There are many campgrounds in the area.

Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful place to visit. The weather is cooler, and the water is clearer, making it a great time to explore the reefs and shipwrecks. There are also fewer crowds so you can enjoy this remarkable place's peace and quiet.

• Outdoor Exploring

March – Best Time For Pleasant Weather And Fewer Crowds

March provides pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The weather is perfect for spending time outdoors, and the flowers are in bloom. The park is also less crowded during this time of year.

March weather is warm but not yet hot. Daily temperatures stay around 80 °F (27 °C) to 85 °F (29 °C).  Northbound migratory birds begin passing through and making stops in Dry Tortugas, with the largest number of birds arriving in March.

• Spring Bird Migrations

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April – Best Time To Visit In Spring

April temperatures are similar to those in March, continuing to warm but rarely exceeding 86 °F (30 °C).  Tourism begins picking up in April, and more travelers make their way to Dry Tortugas during this time.

It’s a great time to experience spring on Dry Tortugas. Winds make the seas unpredictable, but there is virtually no rain. When traveling to Dry Tortugas in April, you might want to check the wave conditions and swell sizes if you're prone to getting sea sick.

• Warm Spring Weather

May – Best Time To Go Fishing

May temperatures vary from 86°F (30°C) to 73.9°F (23.3°C), and the weather remains pleasant.  In addition, the waters tend to calm down in May, making this an excellent time for fishing.

Grouper begin moving into the waters around Dry Tortugas, so if you're into off-shore fishing, you have to make your way to Dry Tortugas.

June – Best Time For Families

If you're looking for the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park with your family, you'll want to plan your trip for June.  Temperatures in June stay in the high 80s so the weather is the least of your worries.

Summer is the busiest time of year at Dry Tortugas National Park. The weather is sunny, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the islands. Take the kids to see Fort Jefferson!

June is the beginning of hurricane season, but the island rarely sees a hurricane.

• Visit Fort Jefferson
• Explore with Family

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July – Best Time For Snorkeling

July temperatures at Dry Tortugas are about the same as in June and remain in the high 80s. It gets pretty hot, but temperatures rarely exceed 91 °F (33°C).

With calmer waters, July is a great time for snorkeling and other underwater activities. The water is clear, and visibility is good for viewing the beautiful reefs and sea turtles the island is named for. You can rent equipment or bring your own!

• Calm, clear waters
• Snorkeling and diving activities

August – Best Time For Water Activities

The hottest day of the year at Dry Tortugas happens in August, but average temperatures are similar to July.  Additionally, the chances of rainfall increase in August.

With fewer crowds, August is a great time for water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. The water is usually warm and calm. You can see straight through the clear water to all the sea life below. Sea turtles were very active in August.

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding
• See the Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles

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September – Best Time For Affordable Travel

September is warm and sees average highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 83°F (29°C).  As a result, travel to the Florida Keys is more affordable in September.

The water is always warm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling but not so hot that you'll be uncomfortable. The crowds have also thinned out by this time of year, so you'll be able to enjoy the park's solitude.

• Reasonably-priced Travel
• Affordable Accommodations

October – Best Time For Birding

October experiences moderate temperatures of around 84°F (29°C) and similar weather to September.  However, there is usually more tropical storm activity during this time.

Large flights of raptors, like peregrine falcons, broad-winged hawks, and American kestrel make their way through the Dry Tortugas in the fall, making October the best time to visit the park for birding. Birdwatchers from all over the world visit Dry Tortugas for a unique birding experience.

• Bird Migrations

November – Best Time To Experience Nature

The fall bird migrations are a more protracted process with fewer weather factors than spring, so November continues to be a good time for birding and nature-lovers.  In addition, November marks the end of hurricane season, and temperatures remain warm.

Bush Key is part of Dry Tortugas National Park, and it closes every year from February through September for nesting season. November offers perfect hiking weather to hike the trails at Bush Key.

December – Best Time To Visit By Boat

December weather is excellent, and the water is clear. This is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas by boat.  The seas are relatively calm, and there is little wind.

Manatees make their way south into the Florida Keys for winter, so this is a perfect time to get out to visit the manatee that calls Dry Tortugas home in the winter. Therefore, the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park would be during the winter, from December to February.

• Boating trip
• Calm waters

Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas With Family

Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful place to visit with kids, and there are plenty of activities to keep the family busy.  The best time to visit Dry Tortugas with family is May and June because the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, and bird watching are just a few of the many activities available at the park.

You can also charter a boat or take a ferry to one of the remote islands for a day trip and camp in Dry Tortugas for an extended stay. May sees very little rain, so it's an ideal time for camping with the family.

Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas For Birding

Over 300 species of birds visit Dry Tortugas or live there permanently. With falcons, hummingbirds, and all kinds of coastal birds, birdwatchers are sure to enjoy their time birding at Dry Tortugas.

Spring is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas for birding because migratory are passing through, and the weather is excellent!

Dry Tortugas is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, a 2000-mile-long collection of bird and wildlife trails with more than 500 locations in Florida.

Bush Key is the only natural Sooty Tern colony in the United States. It is closed most of the year to visitors for nesting season but is a beautiful stop for birding enthusiasts when open.

Visitors can learn all about Dry Tortugas' natural ecosystems by visiting the natural nest areas and birding platforms available on the island.

Best Time To Visit Dry Tortugas To Avoid Crowds

The best time to visit Dry Tortugas to avoid crowds is in the winter.  Unfortunately, choppy seas make getting to the island rough, and the weather is a bit unpredictable.

If you can avoid getting seasick and want to avoid crowds of tourists, December through February are good times to go camping or just take a day trip to Dry Tortugas.

Best Time To Visit Dry Tortugas For Snorkeling

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most beautiful places to snorkel. The park is located in the Florida Keys and is known for its clear blue waters and stunning coral reefs.

The best time to visit Dry Tortugas for snorkeling is in July.  The water is usually clear and warm, and the island's reefs are active with sea life.

The waters are the perfect temperature for snorkeling year-round. No wetsuit is needed. Summer is an excellent time for spotting the sea turtles for which the islands are named. Their nesting season occurs in the summertime.

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Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park aboard the Yankee Freedom , a high-speed ocean-going catamaran specifically designed for carrying passengers safely across the 70 miles of open water from Key West to the Park. The Yankee Freedom is 110’ long and 30.6’ wide, a broad and stable vessel certified to carry 250 passengers; however, to maximize the comfort of each guest, we limit each tour at 175 passengers. Our veteran captain and friendly crew will take you on a day trip to one of the most unique and spectacular national parks in the United States: The Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson . Almost 70 miles west of Key West, nestled among coral reefs , and white sandy beaches, lie seven remote islands called the Dry Tortugas. Unforgettable adventures await you on this most memorable Key West tour. En route to Dry Tortugas National Park our onboard naturalist will give you an orientation about the area and the national park’s surroundings. During your voyage, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande, have an opportunity to see turtles and dolphins, and listen to pirate legends. You can travel inside the upper or lower air-conditioned cabins or outside on one of our observation decks. The bow, or front, deck is tiered so you can get a full vista photo rather than the back of some stranger’s head! The Yankee Freedom features comfortable padded sling seats that allow room for movement and easy access to the tables. There are four heads (bathrooms) and three fresh water rinses (with warm water!) that allow you to desalinize and change into dry clothing for the return to Key West. Bars on both decks stock a full compliment of beverages and the galley is open all day for extra snacks, souvenirs and essentials. The bars and the galley are both limited to cash or credit card sales. Rest assured, our award-winning crew will be there to make your adventure fun, comfortable and safe.

The following are items we recommend you bring if you are planning on spending just the day at the Dry Tortugas.

• Bathing suit
• Sunglasses and hat
• Beach Towel
• Change of clothing (during your journey back to Key West, you are welcome to use Yankee Freedom ‘s three fresh water rinses before the return trip home).
• Cash – The Park operates a small gift shop selling books, postcards, T-shirts and other items. The Yankee Freedom serves a large assortment of sodas, snacks, candy, beer, wine, tropical drinks, T-shirts, cameras, Dramamine ™, etc. You may use cash or credit cards for purchases.
• Sturdy pair of walking shoes
• You may bring your own snorkeling gear if you wish.
• National Park Pass

• Breakfast Snack and Box Lunch. View Menu
• Complimentary snorkeling equipment
• No hidden fees – ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson
• Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort.
• Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun
• Enjoy a picnic in the afternoon

The galley on board the Yankee Freedom is a virtual oasis when visiting the Dry Tortugas. Not only do we stock regular and diet soft drinks, but a wide variety of refreshing fruit juices as well. For the adult guest, there is a fully stocked cash bar that is open on the return trip. Popular brands of beer, wine and liquors are highlighted with a tasty array of delicious frozen drinks including Rum Runners, Pina Coladas, Strawberry Daiquiris and frozen Margaritas.

For those interested in a snack, we have fresh popped popcorn, an assortment of chips and candy bars. If you need more than a snack, our galley serves pizza, burgers, hot dogs and soft pretzels. An ice cream bar makes the perfect dessert.

Terrific souvenirs are also available in the galley that include the official Yankee Freedom caps and t-shirts. We also stock suntan lotion, playing cards, and disposable cameras (regular and underwater.)

Upon boarding at 7:30 am from Key West, you will enjoy a breakfast snack.

En route to Dry Tortugas National Park our onboard guide will give you an orientation about the area and the national park’s surroundings. During your voyage to one of America’s most remote National Parks, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande, and frequent turtle and dolphin sightings.

You can travel inside one of our comfortable air-conditioned cabins or outside on one of the observation decks. The Yankee Freedom also features comfortable cushioned seats, four restrooms, three fresh water rinse showers (with warm water,) a full galley serving snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, mixed drinks (on return trip only), film, and souvenirs. You will reach the National Park boundaries within 2 hours 10 minutes after leaving Key West harbor.

Once at Dry Tortugas National Park, you will disembark at Fort Jefferson and have the option of joining a 45-minute guided tour. Based on the number of guests who sign up for the tour, it is often offered at two different times in order to accommodate other activities while at the fort. You will enjoy a complimentary box lunch aboard the Yankee Freedom in our air-conditioned salons.

Visitors can take advantage of the swimming, snorkeling , beach walking, exploring, birding , and the flora and fauna of this pristine island.

After reboarding in mid-afternoon we will depart, arriving back in Key West at approximately 5:15 p.m.

Click Here to Make a Day Trip Reservation!

DON’T go to the Dry Tortugas without these 3 helpful tips.

Dry Tortugas National Park is filled with natural beauty , amazing birdwatching , snorkeling plus seclusion and solitude . You won’t want to miss visiting Fort Jefferson to learn about the historical significance of the Dry Tortugas.

When you visit you will want to make your reservations early , be sure to check the weather conditions and pack the essentials you will need to be out on the water and at these remote islands for the day. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear and be sure to follow leave no trace principles .

We recommend visiting on a trip to Key West via a Florida Keys Road Trip or a National Park Road Trip but be prepared that it does take some effort to make the trip possible – but know it is 100% worth it!

The island is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. The color of the fresh water and marine life is surreal, the conch shells are amazing, the beach is beautiful, and visiting the historic Fort Jefferson, which is located on garden key, was really cool.

Table of Contents

Dry Tortugas National Park Review

This review will be simple: GO!!! Yes it takes a little work to get there, yes it is expensive, yes it is 100% worth it!! Read on to get our tips and to see what our trip was like.

Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the western hemisphere consisting of more than 16 million bricks. It was used as a prison during the Civil War.

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.

While you are visiting the Dry Tortugas you can walk within the Fort and around it. You can also go on a 45 minute narrated tour of the fort.

Getting To The Dry Tortugas

In order to get to the Dry Tortugas you can charter a high speed private boat, take a seaplane, or the Dry Tortugas ferry that runs from Key West to the Dry Tortugas.

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. They are located 70 miles west of Key West .

The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is called the  Yankee Freedom iii . We took the ferry over. It is expensive at $220 per adult. But you are on a 2 and a half hour boat ride there and back (it’s 70 miles off of Key West), plus they feed you breakfast and lunch.

Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas.

I will tell you hands down it was worth the money. Seriously this is one of those locations to add to your bucket list.

When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get to the island at about 10:30am. The boat leaves at about 2:45pm so you only have about 4 hours to explore. It gave us plenty of time to walk around the island and explore but when we had to leave we were not ready to go!!

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. They are not going to wait for you. We recommend you plan to get there early – like 6:30am ish just in case you run into any issues on your way there. Better early then late and missing the boat!

Tip 1: Plan to get to the boat terminal well before 7am just to be sure you aren’t late!!

Even if you have never taken or needed Dramamine before bring some with you just in case. If you normally do take it – you should really consider taking it before you get on. The boat ride for us was very rocky on the way there and not quite as bad on the way back but I wouldn’t call it smooth.

Tip 2: Bring Dramamine with you!

Camping On The Dry Tortugas

Ideally we would recommend you go and camp for a few nights. If you take the ferry over, you can camp on the island. You do have to pay for it and prices vary based on when you are going (but it isn’t much more then the tickets to get there). Totally worth it.

You can click here to learn more about the prices and availability for camping on the island. It is usually booked months ahead of time!!

The only thing is there is no running water on the island so you have to come prepared. The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp.

Our friends at Tiny Shiny Home had a chance to camp with their 4 kids. You can check out their blog post about it here.

Our Dry Tortugas Experience

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. We did not bring the kids with us this time since we didn’t think they would enjoy being a boat for 2 1/2 hours there and 2 1/2 back all in one day.

If we were going to camp, we would have brought the kids with and dealt with the 2 1/2 hour boat ride. Since we just did a day visit, we thought it made more sense for Craig and I to go. It was the right decision.

The weather had been really rainy and windy so the ocean was NOT calm. The minute we hit the open water it was rocky. Craig tends to get seasick so he didn’t take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning. I normally don’t so I didn’t…

We ate breakfast right away and then took seats outside of the deck of the ship so we could take in the views. It was rocky from the beginning but when we got into the channel it REALLY started to rock.

It was crazy! The Yankee Freedom 3 is a large catamaran so this was not smooth sailing. With about 30 minutes left I took a dramamine because I was not sure if I was going to make it! It was quite the experience and the ride. But eventually we could see the island.

For the majority of the trip it is just ocean everywhere you look. Then all of a sudden this island pops up out of nowhere.

As you pull in it is absolutely gorgeous. The water color starts to change, the fort has old-fashion charm, and all the sooty terns birds are amazing. 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.

That must not have happened on the Dry Tortugas because there were birds all around the mangrove island. It was so cool to see. The way nature intended it to be.

After pulling in we grabbed a quick lunch on the boat and then headed out to start exploring! We went in the fort first then quickly realized we didn’t want to be inside but instead wanted to be out by the beautiful beach and water so we headed to the beach.

We hiked out on the beach peninsula area at the Dry Tortugas National Park and couldn’t stop smiling. The soft sand in our toes, the teal water, and the ocean breeze. This is paradise!

When we got to the end of the peninsula we started to see conch shells. Like full on alive conch shells. We have been to a lot of beaches but this is the first time we had seen so many in once place.

We rounded the corner and their were hundreds of them all over the beach. They were so vibrant and beautiful. Plus they were huge! We also found some older shells that were seriously gigantic.

We walked back towards the fort and found a conch tree. Perfect picture opportunity! There was no question that this beach was #1 on our list of the Top 10 Beaches In The Florida Keys .

Tip 3: Be sure to walk around the tip of the peninsula.

We headed for the moat wall. We were blown away by the colors of the water with the contrast of the fort. Breath-taking.

Bonus Tip: Walk along the moat wall.

At the Dry Tortugas, they focus on preserving the original look of the fort so there are no railing’s anywhere so you can literally go to the edge which gives you amazing views. They warn you to be very careful since the closest hospital is over 2 1/2 hours away!

After walking the moat we headed into the fort. The first floor was gorgeous with all of the arches. Then the second floor had these amazing arched openings with these views that seemed to be a canvas that an artist had painted. Seriously how can the water be those colors?!

Next we headed to the top and walked around the edge of the fort and the views just kept getting better and better. We especially liked the view of the beach where we had found the conch shells.

We got amazing pictures when we were there and we kept telling ourselves to put the camera away. Every time we turned a corner or looked a different direction it was another amazing view. We had to capture it to share with you guys!

Before we left we walked over to check out the tent camping area and the other beach area where people were snorkeling. They have snorkel equipment that you can use while you are there. Unfortunately, when we were there it was a little cooler and the water was really cloudy from all the storms. We have friends who have done the snorkeling in the past and it looked amazing!

When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get there at about 10:30am. The boat leaves at 2:45pm so you only have about 4 hours to explore. It was enough time to walk around and explore the island. However, we were NOT ready to leave when it was time to go.

But we had to get on the boat to head back. Luckily the ride back wasn’t as rocky and Craig and I actually both took a nap. Since we didn’t have the kids with us we figured we would take advantage of the fact that we could close our eyes and get some sleep!

We will be back and when we do go back we will definitely plan on camping for 3 nights! Next time we go back we also want to check out Loggerhead Key. It is the largest island in the Dry Tortugas and is supposed to have a lot of loggerhead sea turtles and also a Lighthouse.

There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live in the fort at the Dry Tortugas. 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.

WOW! Now that would be amazing. With 4 young kids maybe not, since we are sure it gets really quiet on the island after the ferry leaves. Guess what, we are NOT a quiet family. One of the workers there did have dogs (if you camp or visit for the day, you cannot bring dogs). And I know our dogs would love to live there and swim in the ocean every night!

Yes, it is expensive but in reality it only costs a little more than going to Disney for a day. Plus, if you go camping then it is totally worth the boat ride.

Neither of these locations are close to Key West. If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas (part of the National Park Service), then you should stay in Key West. 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 .

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.

Also if you are looking for more activities to do in Key West check out the Aquarium , the Shipwreck Museum , the Conch Train and our favorite Key West water activities !

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

Disclosure: A HUGE thank you to Historic Tours of America for hosting us on our trip. All opinions expressed are my own. #truth

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15 thoughts on “DON’T go to the Dry Tortugas without these 3 helpful tips.”

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Great write up and pics. Thsnk you! I was iffy upon seeing the initial cost but it looks phenomenal and highly likely I’ll do it.

Yeah, there is definite sticker shock, but it was so worth it!

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How To Get to Dry Tortugas National Park [Seaplane, Ferry & Private Charter]

Jessica Merritt

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Table of Contents

What is dry tortugas national park, how to get to dry tortugas national park, final thoughts.

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Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island park just off Key West. It’s a picturesque tropical location with coral reefs, snorkeling, wildlife, a historic fort, and more . But you can’t drive there; only permitted boats and seaplanes can access the park.

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.

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 . Although I missed out, I’ll share my experience, some tips, and everything you need to know if you’re researching how to get to Dry Tortugas.

Dry Tortugas National Park is almost 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. It consists of open water and 7 small islands and is the home of the historic Fort Jefferson, coral reefs, wildlife (including sharks and sea turtles), and beautiful beaches with stunning blue water.

The park is remote and only accessible by boat or seaplane . That makes it one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S. with about 80,000 visitors annually. There are no hotels or restaurants, though there’s limited camping if you arrive by boat, including the ferry.

You can take the Yankee Freedom ferry, Key West Seaplane Adventures, or book a private charter to get to Dry Tortugas. Permits for boats, charters, and tours are required by the National Park Service. The ferry and seaplane are the most popular options.

Yankee Freedom Ferry

The Yankee Freedom ferry is how most people get to Dry Tortugas. It has a capacity of 250 passengers and makes daily trips to the park. Most people will pay $190 per ticket for the ferry , which is cheaper than a seaplane or private charter.

Taking the ferry is an all-day affair with check-in at 7 a.m. and a return to Key West by 5:30 p.m.

Dry Tortugas campers typically take the ferry, as you can’t bring camping gear on the seaplane.

All rates include your national park entrance fee , which can be refunded if you present a park pass at check-in. There are separate rates for day trips and camping trips:

• Adults: $190
• Children 4 to 16: $135
• Students 17+, Active Military, Seniors 62+ (with ID): $180

Camping Trips

• Adults: $210
• Children 4 to 16: $155

Travel Time

The ferry takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way . That gives you about 4.5 hours at the park.

Ferry spots sell out months in advance . For the best availability, book your ferry reservation at least 2 months ahead of your travel dates . If you don’t get a reservation, you can stand by on the day you’d like to take the ferry. Standby spots are only available if there’s a cancellation or no-show passenger and there may not be any availability.

What’s Included

You’ll get breakfast and a snack on the ferry . Day trips come with a box lunch. Breakfast is grab-and-go bagels and cream cheese as you walk on the ferry, or you can get yogurt, fruit, coffee, and juice in the galley.

Water is available all day for free. The galley offers soft drinks and snacks for sale.

Cancellation Policy

Trips are not canceled due to rain but may be canceled if conditions are too rough for a safe trip.

If you need to cancel your booking, you will not get a refund unless the ferry can accommodate another passenger with your spot.

Standing By for the Yankee Freedom Ferry

My seaplane reservation for Dry Tortugas was canceled, so we decided to try our luck standing by for the ferry. The ferry’s website indicates that you can put your name on a standby sign-up sheet as early as 6:30 a.m. and should know by 7:50 a.m. if there are any seats available from cancellations or no-shows.

We arrived at 6:25 a.m. and added our names to the list, which was already on its second page. We were among other seaplane cancellations, so our odds of making it on weren’t great. Then, we waited on the terminal’s benches to find out if we’d make it on.

As we waited, we watched the ships in the marina go out, listened to the ferry boarding instructions, and grabbed some coffee from a nearby stand.

We found out at 7:40 a.m. that there was no standby availability. But the check-in staff were kind and explained that the cancellation policy makes it so most people show up for their reservation, meaning standby isn’t a reliable option.

Bottom Line: Standing by for Yankee Freedom wasn’t a bad way to spend a morning in Key West and we’d do it again. But Plan A is to book a ferry reservation well in advance.

Key West Seaplane Adventures

Key West Seaplane Adventures is another popular Dry Tortugas transportation option. The flight is far more expensive than the ferry , but you spend less time traveling to the park and get incredible views of the surrounding area from the air.

The seaplane is limited to 10 passengers each on the charter’s 2 seaplanes. There are weight limits for the plane, so you’re limited in the gear you can bring . Large or styrofoam coolers, chairs or beach umbrellas, dive tanks, weights, and knives are some of the prohibited items. And you can’t take the seaplane if you’re camping .

The seaplane has rates for half-day and full-day excursions. All prices exclude the $15 per person national park entrance fee :

Half-Day Excursions

• Adults: $361
• Children 2 to 12: $288.80
• Children under 2 (lap riders): Free

Full-Day Excursions

• Adults: $634
• Children 2 to 12: $507.2

It takes about 40 minutes to arrive by seaplane at Dry Tortugas.

If you book an 8-hour full-day excursion, you’ll have at least 6.5 hours at the park, which is 2 more hours than you’d get with the ferry with far less travel time.

Alternatively, if you book a half-day excursion, your whole trip is 4 hours with 2.5 hours of park time. You’ll have time before or after for other activities, whereas the ferry or a full-day seaplane excursion is likely to eat up most of your day.

Although you may find more availability on the seaplane than on the ferry, expect seats to be booked at least a month out . As with the ferry, you’ll get the best chance at a reservation if you book at least 2 months ahead of when you want to take your trip to Dry Tortugas.

There is no standby process for Key West Seaplane Adventures. However, you can email the company to join the waitlist. I did this for my booking and got a prompt response with half-day availability for 2.

Key West Seaplane Adventures supplies coolers, ice, bottled water, and soft drinks. They also offer snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation vests, though you’re welcome to bring your own gear.

Unlike the ferry, you’ll need to bring your own food on the seaplane . The half-day trip is short, so you may just want a snack and plan to eat before and after your tour.

If you’re doing the full-day excursion, however, you’ll need to pack a lunch, which you can store in the provided cooler. No food or drink is available for purchase at Dry Tortugas , though you could try to purchase food from the ferry’s galley when it’s docked.

Trips may be canceled due to mechanical failure, which I experienced. Also, pilots may cancel on a given day due to bad weather. If Key West Seaplane Adventures cancels your booking, you can reschedule or get a full refund .

If you need to cancel or change your booking, you must do so at least 24 hours before your flight time, or 48 hours for groups of 10 or more . After this time, you will not get a refund for your reservation, which is paid in full at the time of booking.

My Experience With Key West Seaplane Adventures

I booked my trip to Key West about 6 weeks ahead of time. The ferry was completely booked for our travel dates, but the seaplane had half-day availability on the waitlist, so I booked it. I was excited to get a quick flight to the park and enjoy the view along the way. And was also thrilled about my first seaplane experience.

The day we arrived in Key West, 2 days before our seaplane booking, Key West Seaplane Adventures called to cancel our reservation. They were apologetic and told me the plane had major mechanical issues that meant they couldn’t safely operate our flight.

I was offered a refund or rebooking for the following week. Our visit to Key West would be long over by then, so I opted for a refund, which was prompt — disappointing, but I certainly don’t want to get on a tiny plane to a remote island if the aircraft isn’t completely safe to fly.

A fellow canceled seaplane passenger I met at the ferry terminal on standby was pretty upset about the cancellation. She mentioned they offered her a discount for next time to make up for the inconvenience, which I was not offered but will mention if I decide to rebook.

I later found out that the necessary part to repair the plane had been on order for at least a month before our scheduled trip. Was the plane working when we made our booking? If I rebook in the future, I’ll be sure to ask whether the plane is currently working or not.

Bottom Line: It would have been helpful to know long before our arrival that the seaplane was not a strong possibility. With other bookings we’d made in between our seaplane booking and arrival in Key West, we only had 1 morning available to stand by for the ferry. We could have adjusted those bookings and had 2 chances to stand by for the ferry if we’d known earlier. Or we could have looked at private options if we’d had more time to figure it out.

Private Charters to Dry Tortugas

There’s not a lot of information about private charters to Dry Tortugas, but they do exist. Just be prepared to pay a hefty fee for this exclusive experience.

If you’re looking for a private charter to Dry Tortugas, you can get quotes online, but your best bet may be to ask a local . You could also get in touch with your hotel’s concierge service.

Private Charter Options

As Dry Tortugas permits private boats, you have a variety of options for arriving by private charter, including catamaran yachts and high-speed powerboats.

Hot Tip: Some charters offer multi-day excursions with overnight accommodations on a private boat.

Private charters to Dry Tortugas aren’t cheap. You should expect to pay somewhere around $1,000 per person and may face minimum-booking requirements.

Taking a private charter to Dry Tortugas is likely to be exponentially more expensive than what you’d pay for the seaplane or ferry, but the math may work out if you have a large enough group. That’s especially true if your group is too large to book for your planned date on the seaplane or ferry.

Most private charters don’t post rates publicly or allow online booking, as rates may change depending on your needs and other variable costs including fuel and crew. You’ll generally need to ask for a quote, so be prepared to start the booking process far out enough to confirm availability and pricing.

Benefits of a Private Charter

Although the cost is likely to be much higher, you’ll get more comfort and flexibility from a private charter than the public ferry or seaplane. You have the ability to choose how you want to spend your time at Dry Tortugas. A charter is less rushed, and you’re likely to get more time at Dry Tortugas and can enjoy the park before or after the crowds arrive.

You may have more flexibility in how much gear you can bring, which is helpful if you’re planning to snorkel, scuba dive, or camp. Some charters offer equipment, including stand-up paddleboards and snorkel gear.

And if you’re planning to fish, swim, snorkel, or scuba dive, the charter can take you directly to where you want to do these activities. For example, just off Loggerhead Key is the Windjammer Shipwreck , a great spot to snorkel or scuba.

We were disappointed to miss out on Dry Tortugas, but it means we have a great reason to head back to Key West and try again! I plan to book the ferry next time, even though it means we have to make our booking much earlier.

The seaplane looks like an incredible experience. And although it’s more expensive, I found a lot of value in shorter travel time than the ferry since you get more time in the park. I also liked that the seaplane has under a dozen passengers, while the ferry has more than 200.

However, the ferry seems like a safer bet, at least in my experience. We might try the seaplane again after a successful ferry trip, but I’d be especially disappointed to try flying a second time only to be canceled again.

Either way, I’ll book an excursion to Dry Tortugas as early as possible during our next trip. That way, if our transportation option falls through, we have more time to explore other options such as a last-minute private charter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does anyone live at dry tortugas.

Yes, park rangers and maintenance workers live in Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas.

Are the Dry Tortugas worth it?

Dry Tortugas National Park is worth a visit for its history, marine landscape, wildlife, and recreational activities, including swimming and snorkeling.

Are there bathrooms on Dry Tortugas?

There are composting toilets at Dry Tortugas near the campground. But when the ferry arrives, these toilets are locked and the ferry toilets become the island’s public restrooms.

Can you kayak to the Dry Tortugas?

You can only arrive at Dry Tortugas by seaplane or boat, but you can bring a kayak on the ferry to use while you’re visiting.

Can you stay overnight in the Dry Tortugas?

Yes, there are primitive campsites on Garden Key at Dry Tortugas. You’ll need to make an advance booking and arrangements with the ferry or a private charter, as campers can’t arrive by seaplane.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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The History of Dry Tortugas

D iscovered by  Juan Ponce de León in 1513 , the archipelago earned its name due to the abundance of  sea turtles  found there. These islands, devoid of fresh surface water, hold the distinction of being the second oldest European placename in the United States. The  Dry Tortugas  are a collection of  7 small coral islands  in the Gulf of Mexico, located roughly 70 miles west of  Key West Florida .

Maritime History and the Tale of HMS Tyger

The Dry Tortugas are a treasure trove of maritime history, boasting a high concentration of shipwrecks dating from the 17th century to the present. One notable wreck is that of HMS Tyger in 1742, where the stranded crew lived on Garden Key for 56 days and even engaged in a battle with a Spanish sloop before eventually sailing to Jamaica.

Strategic Importance and Lighthouse Construction

Recognizing the strategic importance of the islands, the United States acquired Florida from  Spain in 1819  and began construction of a  lighthouse  on  Garden Key in 1825 . Later, a more powerful lighthouse was built on Loggerhead Key in 1856. The Dry Tortugas also attracted the attention of renowned naturalists and explorers, such as J ohn James Audubon in 1832 and Louis Agassiz in 1858 . In more recent times, the area has become a site of significant archaeological discoveries.  In 1989 , a shipwreck believed to be part of the  1622 Spanish treasure fleet  was explored, yielding a vast array of cultural artifacts.

Mel Fisher’s Historic Discovery and Archaeological Riches

The most famous discovery in the area was made by Mel Fisher and his company, who located the wreck of the  Nuestra Señora de Atocha in 1985 . The estimated $450 million cache recovered from the wreck, known as “ The Atocha Motherlode ,” included gold and silver coins, emeralds, and other precious artifacts. Additionally, remains of other nearby shipwrecks, such as the  Santa Margarita and the Henrietta Marie , were also found.

A Monument of Bricks and History

Fort Jefferson , a colossal yet unfinished coastal fortress, stands as the largest masonry structure in the  Western Hemisphere,  boasting an astounding construction of over 1 6 million bricks . Its planning commenced shortly after American acquisition, with construction commencing  in 1847 . By 1860, the fort was half complete and remained under  Union  control throughout the  Civil War .

From Prison to Research Hub

Subsequently, it served as a prison until its abandonment  in 1874 . Notable prisoners held within its walls included  Dr. Samuel Mudd , renowned for treating John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of  President Lincoln, and Englishman George St. Leger Grenfell , a leader of the “ Chicago Conspirac y.” The fort’s history also included a naval base, coaling and wireless stations, and a seaplane base during  World War I . Additionally, from  1903 to 1939 , the Carnegie Institution of  Washington  operated the  Marine Biology Laboratory  on  Loggerhead Key , which became a prestigious hub for tropical marine research.

Activities at Dry Tortugas National Park

Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park offers a range of activities that cater to different interests:

• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving : The waters surrounding the Dry Tortugas are home to vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the underwater beauty of the park. The coral reefs and shipwrecks offer an unparalleled experience for divers.
• Historic Tours : Guided tours of Fort Jefferson provide visitors with a deep dive into the history of the fort and the islands. Rangers offer insightful information about the construction, the prisoners, and the significance of the fort during its operational period.
• Bird Watching : The Dry Tortugas are a haven for bird watchers. The islands are a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling between North and South America. Species such as the sooty tern and brown noddy nest here, making it an ideal spot for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts.
• Camping : For those looking to extend their stay, camping on Garden Key offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and solitude of the islands after the day-trippers have left. The park provides basic amenities, but campers need to bring all necessary supplies, as there are no services on the island.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding : The calm, clear waters around the islands are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Exploring the islands by water offers a unique perspective and the chance to see marine life up close.
• Fishing : Fishing is allowed in designated areas of the park. The rich waters of the Dry Tortugas are home to various species, making it a popular spot for anglers.

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