dry tortugas tour from miami

🚌 Take a bus to Dry Tortugas boat dock, just with your group!

🚌 chartering a bus to the dry tortugas pier ⛴ just got easy — call us now for a free quote (305) 260-6855, miami tour company's vision is to take you to places in florida most people do not get to see., here's how it works, private charters for all occasions.

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Bus features

• Low doorway for easy entry
• 3-point harness seat-belts
• Secure luggage compartment
• Power outlets
• Sound system with microphone
• Blue mood lighting
• Air-conditioning vents
• Big windows for sightseeing
• Audio tour with music
• Cool and quiet cabin
• Super-clean and odor-free
• Child car seat on request
• Protection from rain and sun
• Eco-friendly, clean air bus

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• Your bus is equipped with seat-belts, power outlets, blue mood lighting, and Wi-Fi.
• You can bring your own music and be the DJ.
• The on-board microphone makes it easy to communicate with your group while you're traveling.
• We provide families with car seats for children 5 to 80 pounds. There is no extra charge, but you must notify us in advance.
• Bring your own food and picnic inside the park. Food and beverages in small, soft-sided coolers are permitted.
• Have fun socializing, while one of our state-certified coach operators handles the driving.
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• You call 305-260-6855, letting us know what you need.
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• If you are traveling with a small group , you can save money and take a day tour with us (not private) . Go here and view the options.

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Greg Miller Big Year Series

Florida: southern specialties & dry tortugas, tour focus birds & wildlife.

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Scheduled tours, trip leaders, alex lamoreaux.

From: $4,500  (See details) Cost is per person, double occupancy from Miami, FL (MIA)

5-7  Participants

AVAILABILITY

2024: FULL 2025: taking registrations, dates to be confirmed

PRIVATE TOUR OPTION

This tour is available as a private trip for any size group. The tour cost will vary with the number of people and any custom requests.

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TESTIMONIALS

Dear Adrian, Your vast knowledge of birds, habitats were especially appreciated, and your thoughtful attention to all of your birders!

You have the best coverage for getting all the Florida specialties, and you allow extra time to ‘get the birds.’

Your birding expertise and spotting ability are amazing. Thanks so much for your patience, kindness, stories and great attitude, it was a memorable and fun trip.

Thanks for making this a wonderful trip! Your skill, knowledge, patience and good humor are stellar 🙂 – Florida April 2017

Highlights of Florida: Southern Specialties & Dry Tortugas

• South Florida sub-tropical specialties & Miami “exotics”
• Mangrove Cuckoo, Black-whiskered Vireo, & Snail Kite
• Red-cockaded Woodpecker & Bachman’s Sparrow
• 3-day boat trip to the Dry Tortugas for seabirds & peak spring migrants

Description of Florida: Southern Specialties & Dry Tortugas

South Florida, a sub-tropical paradise, is home to a number of species found nowhere else in North America including Mangrove Cuckoo, Black-whiskered Vireo, Short-tailed Hawk, Shiny Cowbird, Smooth-billed Ani, Snail Kite, and Florida Scrub-Jay . During six days of land-birding we’ll search for all of the regional specialties as well as many introduced “exotics” living wild around Miami including Spot-breasted Oriole, Red-whiskered Bulbul, both Common Hill Myna and Common Myna, Yellow-chevroned Parakeet, White-winged Parakeet, and many other introduced parrots.

We’ll explore a variety of habitats – dry and wet prairies; everglades wetlands; the pine flatwoods and scrub-oak habitat of south-central Florida; and mangroves and West Indian Hardwood hammocks. We’ll delight in Burrowing Owls, Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Purple Gallinule, Red-cockaded Woodpecker , Bachman’s Sparrow , and other Florida specialties. With luck, we may track down a Caribbean stray such as Western Spindalis, Cuban Pewee, LaSagra’s Flycatcher, Zenaida Dove, Bahama Mockingbird, or Key West Quail-Dove!

This tour includes a 3-day boat trip to Dry Tortugas National Park and historic Fort Jefferson at the height of spring migration. These small islands are located 70 miles west of Key West. We’ll journey by boat to 7 tropical islands where nesting seabird colonies are home to thousands of Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies, Masked Boobies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds – quite the spectacle to see and hear! Brown Booby and Roseate Tern are occasionally spotted in the vicinity, and we’ll look for a rare Black Noddy amid the hundreds of Brown Noddies. Highlights of the trip include the potential for a large fall-out of nmigrant songbirds using these islands as a stopover point on their long, cross-Gulf journey to the mainland. Plus there’s always the chance for a Caribbean vagrant such as the Yellow-faced Grassquit seen in 2002, Red-legged Honeycreeper in 2003, and Bahama Mockingbird in 2019. Close-up views of warblers, tanagers, vireos, nightjars, shorebirds and other passerines make for an exciting three days of birding. Snorkeling and sightseeing of historic Fort Jefferson add to the many activities that make up a Dry Tortugas experience.

As with all our boat-based tours, we require that you purchase trip insurance. Wildside Nature Tours is an authorized permittee of the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Watch our Florida Birding Webinars!

Wetland Wonders of Wakodahatchee ,

Dry Tortugas: Seabirds & Spring Migration

Length of Tour

Brief itinerary.

Day 1 : Arrival in Miami Day 2 : East Coast Wetlands Day 3 : South-central Pinelands Day 4 : South-eastern hotspots Day 5 : Everglades & vicinity Day 6 : The Keys Day 7 : The Dry Tortugas Day 8 : The Dry Tortugas Day 9 : The Dry Tortugas Day 10 : Miami & vicinity. Early afternoon departures from Miami

Note: The order of the itinerary may be switched depending upon when our trip to the Dry Tortugas is scheduled.

Day 1 ~ Arrive in Miami

Upon your arrival at Miami International Airport, you take the airport shuttle to the hotel, checking in any time after 2pm .

Day 2 ~ West Palm Wetlands

We begin in the south eastern part of the state looking for any Caribbean stray that may have turned up along with a species that has declined dramatically this decade, the Smooth-billed Ani. We’ll get close up views of Burrowing Owl as they keep watch besides their burrows and visit a wetland where a rapidly expanding population of Grey-headed Swamphens exists.

We’ll finish the day at a couple of wonderful man made water treatment facilities, Wakodahatchee Wetland and Green Cay. While walking the 1/2mile and 1 mile boardwalks respectively, we will encounter Mottled Ducks, Coots, Green Herons and an astonishing number of Least Bitterns, all feeding young. Least Terns are pairing up, Purple Martins are nesting, Limpkins walk the dikes and Purple Gallinules can be seen balancing precariously on the stems of fireflag.

Day 3 & 4 ~ Pinelands & Coastal Hardwood Hammocks

We head north into the dry prairie, oak-scrub and pinelands of south central Florida, where we’ll look for Sandhill Crane and Crested Caracara. In the Slash and Long-leaf Pines our target species are Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Bachman’s Sparrow but we will also see the southern race of Eastern Towhee, Pine Warbler, Eastern Bluebird, Great-crested Flycatcher as well as the stunning Zebra Swallowtail butterfly. At Jonathan Dickinson SP we look for Florida Scrub-Jay, which are found in small family groups amongst the scrub oak and likely encounter the graceful Swallow-tailed Kite.

There are numerous patches of hardwood hammocks that yield migrants and often a Caribbean stray that can be visited as we work our way back south.

Day 5 ~ Everglades and vicinity

Should any rare species be reported within the area, we’ll make an effort to locate it, otherwise we visit the Everglades National Park where we’ll explore a variety of habitats, including the ‘River of Grass’ where the endangered ‘Cape Sable’ Seaside Sparrow breeds. We’ll scan the sawgrass for Snail Kite’s as they hunt for apple snail; Bald Eagles are likely; a lingering Greater Flamingo would be a bonus and a plethora of shorebirds, waders, terns and pelicans can be seen, including American White Pelican, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Caspian and Gull-billed Tern. The endangered American Crocodile can often be found by the marina; Alligators are common inland and butterflies are plentiful, including Zebra Longwing, Gulf Fritillary, White Peacock and Ruddy Daggerwings.

Day 6 ~ The Keys

As we work our way down the Keys we’ll come across Gray Kingbirds and search the West Indian hardwoods and mangroves for Black-whiskered Vireo, Mangrove Cuckoo, Mangrove Yellow Warbler and White-crowned Pigeon amongst the numerous White-eyed Vireos. Various mudflats and beaches will hold Black-bellied Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Willet, Wilson’s Plover, Reddish Egret, ’Great White’ Heron, while Osprey, Double-crested Cormorant, Laughing Gulls will be common over the turquoise shallow waters as we cross the many channels between Keys. On our way to Key West we keep an eye out for a late lingering Short-tailed Hawk, look for Shiny Cowbird, and any reported rarity. We board our boat by 7pm for the journey to the Dry Tortugas.

Day 7 ~ The Gulf Stream; The Dry Tortugas

Daybreak will find us out in the Gulf Stream (weather permitting), where pelagic birding should reward us with Bridled Tern, Audubon Shearwater, northbound Pomarine Jaegers and there is always the chance of a White-tailed Tropicbird (don’t count on it!) Roseate Terns often are seen on the buoys, as are Brown Boobies. Nearing the Dry Tortugas, Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies and Magnificent Frigatebirds will become a common sight. This is the only place in North America where these 3 species nest along with Masked Boobies. Once we reach the 15-acre Garden Key, the second largest of the 7 islands that make up the Dry Tortugas, most of our birding will be done within the remains of the impressive 19-century brick Fort Jefferson. Here amongst the sea grapes, cottonwoods and Geiger trees we should encounter a wide variety of migrants, including Eastern Kingbirds, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Red-eyed Vireo, and numerous warblers including Blackpoll, Cape May, Black-throated Green, Palm and Magnolia. For those who are patient enough to sit by the water fountain, the only source of freshwater on the island, the rewards should be great, as all passerines will eventually make their way down for a drink or to bathe.

Day 8 ~ The Dry Tortugas

Garden Key will be explored for additional passerines that may have dropped in. The campground often holds Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Common Nighthawk and Black-and-White Warbler. The Caribbean race of Short-eared Owl known as the “Arawak Owl” can sometimes be found hidden amongst the buttonwoods.   Common Yellowthroats, Bobolinks, Painted and Indigo Buntings can often be found in sections of taller grasses. Merlins and Peregrine often patrol the parade grounds looking for any unsuspecting migrants. During our stay we will visit Hospital Key to see the Masked Boobies as they return to this small sand key from fishing forays; take a skiff ride to see Magnificent Frigatebirds nesting up close; view nesting Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies from the spit adjoining Garden and Bush Key; check the coaling docks for Black Noddy and go for a moat walk at Fort Jefferson, after dark, to view some of the marine life that can been seen in these tropical waters.

Day 9 ~ The Dry Tortugas; Return to Key West; The Keys

After breakfast, we’ll make a short visit to Garden Key to check for any overnight migrants before heading back to Key West. Along the way we should encounter Brown Boobies perched on buoys along the park perimeter boundary; Bottle-nosed Dolphins; Loggerhead Turtles and Gannets, Royal, Sandwich and Roseate Terns, as we get closer to our destination. We expect to return to Key West approximately 3-4pm and then head back up the Keys, stopping at dusk for Antillean Nighthawk if we don’t see it on the Tortugas.

Day 10 ~ Miami

We begin our final morning by visiting a nesting colony of the Caribbean race of Cave Swallows, before spending the remainder of our time in the Miami area looking for all the exotics that make this part of North America unique. Red-whiskered Bulbul, Spot-breasted Oriole, Yellow-chevroned & White-winged Parakeet, Hill & Common Myna will all be encountered. The tour concludes at Miami airport at 12 noon. You may depart anytime after 1:30pm on the final day.

Cost Details

Cost is $4,500 per person, based upon double occupancy, from Miami, FL (Airport code MIA). This trip ends in same as arrival city (Airport code ).

Cost Includes

Cost includes airport transfers, all ground transportation and accommodations (6 nights on land/ 3 nights on the boat, “Makai”), entrance fees, permits and professional services of your leader. All meals aboard the “Makai” while in the Dry Tortugas.

Cost Does Not Include

You are responsible for: purchasing all meals on the land portion of trip (a continental breakfast is included with our hotel stay); making your flight arrangements to/from destination city; trip insurance; gratuities to the “Makai” crew; and anything that is not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

Minimum Number

If fewer than the minimum number of participants are registered the trip can still run with a small-group supplement fee per person determined by the number of participants.

Single Supplement

If a single room is preferred, or we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you, a single supplement fee of $450 will be assessed.

Deposit Requirements

A $500 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.

If fewer than the minimum number of required participants are registered, we may still be able to run the trip by adding a small-group supplement fee, per person, determined by the number of participants registered.

How to Book

In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.

Final Payment

For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.

NOTE : If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.

Accommodations

Land accommodations.

6 nights. Good standard motels on the mainland portion of the trip with en-suite facilities.

Boat Accommodations

3 nights aboard the “Makai” for the Dry Tortugas portion of the trip, the accommodations are bunk beds in four shared compartments between 11 people.

Note: No single rooms are available on the boat.

Our Boat “Makai”

– Our U.S. Coast Guard Inspected motor vessel, m/v  Makai , is 80 feet long with a twenty foot beam. – Experienced and well-seasoned crew of 3 to 4, (2 licensed Captains) – She sleeps 11 guests in four separate air conditioned staterooms, all with bunk beds. Shared accommodations; no single rooms. – There are two heads (toilet, washbasin, shower). – Cuisine is prepared from the finest quality produce, meats and of course the freshest seafood you can get! – Sundecks Fore and Aft – Shaded back deck – Ice maker – Fresh water maker storing 250 gallons – Dual Engines and generators – Satellite phone for emergencies – TV DVD/VCR and Stereo – 1100 Gallon fuel capacity – Emergency oxygen and first aid equipment – USCG Certified each year (stability rating is “excellent”)

Activity Level

Activity level rating:  3  (note: 1 is easy and 5 is difficult).

For the land portion walking is mostly on level ground, with occasions where we walk on sandy beach, rough paths or through tall grasses / vegetated areas. For the most part this is relatively easy.

You will need a certain degree of mobility and flexibility for the Dry Tortugas portion, for the boat. Participants will need to climb ladders to the second level, walk (while holding on) and keep your balance on a rocking boat, and get in and out of a zodiac boat (tender/skiff).

Additional Information

Recommended field guides.

National Geographic Birds of North America (7th Edition, 2017) by Jon Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer

– Covers the most likely of possible Caribbean strays

Sibley Guide available as an eBook

Non-smoking Tour

This trip is for non-smokers only. Smoking is not permitted at any time during our tour.

Purchasing Flights

Do not purchase your flights until the trip has been confirmed to go.

Detailed Trip Information

Upon notification that final payment is due (120 days prior to departure for land based tours / 180 days for boat based tours), you will receive a trip package of detailed information for your tour.

Any additional information about the trip, including lodgings, contacts, participants, meeting locations, etc., will sent about 2 weeks prior to the trip departure, or after final payment is received for late registrants.

Travel Insurance

As with all tours, we recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to help cover your investment, for covered reasons. Please see our section on Travel Insurance .

Passport & Visa

US Citizens may require a visa to enter certain foreign countries. See above for any required visa information.

Participants arriving to the USA from a foreign country may need to get a travel visa to enter the United States. Be sure to check the requirements for your country of origin.

Itinerary Changes

The trip itinerary is developed many months ahead of time. Occasionally, despite our best planning, changes may occur during the trip, or we may be forced to alter our plans. Changes may occur because of weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. In these situations, it is the leader(s) responsibility to carefully consider and implement appropriate alternatives. Any additional costs incurred because of changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. Refunds will not be issued as a result of itinerary changes.

Trip Reports

Trip reports/species lists:.

2023 South Florida & DT’s eBird Trip Report

2022 South Florida & DT’s eBird Trip Report

2019 South Florida & DT’s eBird Trip Report

2018 South Florida & DT’s Trip Report

2018 South Florida & DT’s eBird Trip Report

2017 South Florida & DT’s Trip Report

2017 South Florida & DT’s Species Recorded

2017 South Florida & DT’s eBird Trip Report

2016 South Florida & DT’s Trip Report

2015 South Florida & DT’s Trip Report

2015 South Florida & DT’s Species Recorded

2010 South Florida & DT’s Trip Report

2009 South Florida & DT’s Trip Report

SPECIES RECORDED~ South Florida & DT’s Birds 1998 – 2018

SPECIES RECORDED~ South Florida Mammals etc 1998 – 2018

Additional content:

iNaturalist Guide to Wildlife, Insects, & Plants seen on this tour!

Species Spotlight: Magnificent Frigatebird

Location Profile: The Dry Tortugas

Webinar: Seabirds & Spring Migration

Dry Tortugas: Seabird Specialties

Image Gallery

Location Map

Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion

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The Dry Tortugas National Park is not the kind of national park you can simply drive up to. This national park is actually mostly made up of water and is located some 68 miles off the coast of Key West Florida , basically in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. Even with its seeming inaccessibility, thousands of visitors make the journey out to the Dry Tortugas each year. While most people get there aboard the Dry Tortugas ferries , a select few choose to take the comfortable and speedy Dry Tortugas seaplanes.

In fact, there is no faster way to get to the Dry Tortugas than aboard the seaplanes! On a flight that takes less than 45 minutes (compared to the over 2 hours it takes on the ferries), you will be able to spend more time on the islands of the Dry Tortugas , not to mention the fact that you get to spend part of that time with only a handful of visitors (as opposed to the nearly 200 that arrive on the islands once the ferries dock).

On top of these perks, taking the seaplanes also gives you one of the most unique airplane tours from Key West . On the way out to the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson, the plane flies at a low altitude of 500 feet and you pass over picturesque marine environments including the coral atoll known as the Marquesas and the 20-mile stretch of clear shallow water known as Key West's "flats" area where you will spot all kinds of Key West marine life ranging from sharks to sea turtles . Each passenger on the seaplane has a window seat and a headset from which the pilot talks about the amazing sights you will see during your flight.

Have your cameras ready during this journey! The ride out there is itself filled with excellent photo opportunities, but the real shining moment comes as you arrive at the Dry Tortugas . Before landing, your pilot will circle around Fort Jefferson to allow you to get some of the most one-of-a-kind birds-eye views of the 150-year old fort in the middle of the ocean. You are definitely going to want to have pictures to show your friends back home.

After landing, you will be able to spend either a half-day or a full-day on the Dry Tortugas . Most people agree that the best Key West snorkeling is actually done on the Dry Tortugas. And all snorkel gear is provided at no charge. Beverages are also provided, but if you are doing the full-day excursion make sure to pack a lunch. In addition to snorkeling, you will also be able to explore the massive historic Fort Jefferson , lay out on the gorgeous white-sand beach, and look at the dozens of unique bird species that can be seen on the islands on any given day.

Half Day Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion

This trip is just under 4 hours long, providing at least 2 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Departs morning & afternoon.

Full Day Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion

This trip is just under 8 hours long, providing at least 6 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Departs morning only. (The Full Day is more expensive then the Half Day because we hold a morning & an afternoon seat).

Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion Highlights

• Spot Sharks, Rays, Porpoise and Huge Sea Turtles
• See Submerged Spanish Galleons in Clear Waters
• View Some of the World's Rarest Birds and Wildlife
• Snorkel the Reefs to See Colorful Tropical Fish and Living Coral
• Listen to In-Flight and Land Tour Narrations of Your Adventure

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

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Seventy miles west of Key West lies Dry Tortugas National Park: the uninhabited Dry Tortugas islands and Fort Jefferson, a natural wonderland and important historical and cultural site. This group of small keys and semi-submerged sandbars currently includes seven islands and shoals: Garden, Loggerhead, Bush, Long, East, Hospital, and Middle Keys. In centuries past, the form and number of the Tortugas has varied, but the area has always attracted the attention of explorers and mariners. The Dry Tortugas received their European name when Spanish explorer Ponce de León first visited the area in 1513. He named the islands Las Tortugas after his men took 170 sea turtles from the beaches and waters to use for food and ship’s provisions. Later, “Dry” was added to the name to indicate the complete lack of water on the islands.

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Key West Seaplane Adventures to Dry Tortugas National Park

We are the only Seaplane Service permitted in Dry Tortugas National Park. You will not find a cheaper price anywhere. This is the only direct booking website.

*Children under the age of 2 years are not assigned a seat and travel on an adults lap. Per the FAA once a child has had their 2nd birthday they must purchase a seat.

Additional National Park Service Entrance Fee $15.00 per person over the age of 16. National Park Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Age & Golden Access Passport are honored.

Reservations are required. The National Park Service strictly limits the number of daily passengers and in season demand by far exceeds our capacity. We recommend you book well in advance to guarantee availability. You do not need to make a separate reservation with the Park Service.

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation and Change Fees

No refund if cancelling a confirmed seat(s) less than 48 hours prior to flight time.

$50.00 cancellation fee per passenger to cancel confirmed seat(s), if cancelling more than 48 hours prior to flight time.

$50.00 change fee per reservation to change the date or time of a confirmed reservation. No changes allowed within 48 hours of flight time.

Check in is required at least 30 minutes prior to flight time. Late arrivals are subject to cancellation without refund.

If Key West Seaplanes Adventures cancel any tour due to bad weather or aircraft maintenance, you will receive a full refund.

Key West Seaplane Adventures is NOT responsible for any other travel costs you may incur.

All reservations are paid in full at the time of booking.

• 3471 South Roosevelt Blvd.,     Key West, FL 33040
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• Excellent and often easy wildlife viewing, especially large waders
• Specialties of the pine woods of the southeast USA
• Exciting birding on the Keys and the Dry Tortugas

Tour Overview

Winter is a great time to visit south Florida, the subtropics of the United States. On our Florida birding tour, we experience a range of fascinating habitats from upland pine forests, prairies and cypress swamps to mangrove swamps, hardwood hammocks, and the sheltered waters of the Florida Keys. We take in the famous Ding Darling NWR for its waterbirds, Babcock-Webb WMA for the pine trio of Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bachman’s Sparrow and Brown-headed Nuthatch, Everglades National Park for Mottled Duck, Limpkin, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Snail Kite, Swallow-tailed Kite, Short-tailed Hawk, Purple Gallinule and others, and the Keys for southern Florida specialties such as Mangrove Cuckoo and White-crowned Pigeon.

We also take a day trip to the fabulous Dry Tortugas, to witness the onset of breeding by thousands of Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. We end our tour in the Miami area, where several exotic species have become naturalized – various parakeets and parrots, mynas, exotic waterbirds, Red-whiskered Bulbuls and Spot-breasted Orioles are resident here. We will also keep track of local sightings, in case a vagrant occurs close by.

Dates & Prices

Dates & prices.

We strongly encourage bookings before Dec. 15th to ensure a spot on the Dry Tortugas boat tour.

What's Included

Tour price includes.

• All accommodation (Good, comfortable)
• All breakfasts and lunches
• Ground transportation (15-passenger vans)
• One EET guide with 4 - 8 participants, 2 guides with 9 - 12 participants in 2 vehicles
• Full-day boat ride to Dry Tortugas
• All park, conservation and entrance fees

Tour Price Does Not Include

• Flights to and from start/ end location
• Evening meals
• Travel Insurance
• Items of a personal nature

Day 1: Arrival - Fort Myers

Our Florida birding tour begins with a meeting for dinner in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. Night in Fort Myers.

Day 2: Ding Darling NWR and San Carlos Bay

Our first birding day is a big one, as we visit the world-renowned Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Among the spectacular array of waders and shorebirds we will search for some local specialities, including Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. With some luck we may catch a glimpse of a resident Short-tailed Hawk or Bald Eagle flying overhead. We will also stop at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve to look for saltwater-loving species such as Black Skimmer and Reddish Egret. In the early evening we will look for resident Burrowing Owls and Monk Parakeets in Cape Coral. Night in Fort Myers.

Day 3: Babcock-Webb WMA

On day 3 we will drive north to Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management area, a large tract of slash pine and marsh, for three pinewoods specialties - Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch and a chance for Bachman’s Sparrow. Other species here include Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Bluebird and Eastern Meadowlark. Sandhill Cranes nest in the area, and roadside wetlands support American Coot and Common Gallinule.

In the afternoon, we search for species we may have missed and look nearby for Florida Scrub-Jay, a threatened species found only in Florida. Nearby wetlands support Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and Glossy Ibis. Night in Fort Myers.

Day 4: Corkscrew Swamp and Miccosukee

In the morning we visit the famous Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. After checking the visitors center birdfeeders for Common Ground-Dove and Painted Bunting we will head out on the beautiful boardwalks in search of the swamp’s residents, including Limpkin. Many northern warblers spend their winter months here, and Tufted Titmice forage in the cypress.

In the afternoon we carry on across southern Florida towards Homestead, stopping in the Miccosukee area to search for the endangered Snail Kite foraging along the irrigation canals. Night in Homestead.

Day 5: Everglades

We spend the day in the Everglades, Marjory Stoneman Douglas’s “River of Grass”. We travel from Royal Palms to Flamingo, the terminus of Everglades National Park’s main road. We stop at well-known sites such as Anhinga Trail, where conspicuous residents include Purple Gallinule, and, appropriately, Anhinga, Mahogany Hammock with its diverse tropical hardwood trees and marvelous land snails, and Paurotis and Nine-mile Ponds for Mottled Duck, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill and soaring Short-tailed Hawk.

The mudflats at Flamingo host shorebirds and terns, including Marbled Godwit, and Eco Pond occasionally has Glossy and White Ibis, and possibly Black-necked Stilt. We will also be on the watch for American Crocodile and West Indian Manatee. Our tally of birds could include many specialties of southern Florida - White-crowned Pigeon, Short-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks, Barred Owl, White-tailed Kite and even Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Night in Homestead.

Day 6: Florida Keys

We begin the morning birding the Homestead area, this region of south florida is well known as being an excellent site for over-wintering birds, often with a decidedly western flair! After, we leave Homestead and head down to the keys. We stop first in Key Largo in search of specialties such as White-crowned Pigeon and Yellow-throated Warbler, and with luck scarcer species such as Mangrove Cuckoo or Shiny Cuckoo. Night in Key West.

Day 7: Dry Tortugas

We will take a day trip via boat to Dry Tortugas National Park to explore the birds & wildlife of the island. At this time of year we have a chance to see Sooty Tern, Masked Booby, Brown Noddy, and Magnificent Frigatebird nesting on these islands. There is also excellent snorkelling to be enjoyed here (equipment provided). Night in Key West.

Day 8: Florida Keys

This morning we will explore the lower Keys. We’ll visit Zachary Taylor State Park and the Key West Botanical Garden, as well as look for the diminutive Key Deer on Big Pine Key. The keys are a hotspot for rarities, so we will watch for reports of any unusual visitors. Recent rarities on the Keys in the last few winters have included Western Spindalis, Black-faced Grassquit, Cuban Pewee and Red-legged Thrush.

We bird our way up the Keys visiting several excellent spots along our way to Miami. Night in Miami.

Day 9: Miami Area

Our final birding day will be spent in the unlikely birding destination of urban Miami. Numerous exotic species have become naturalized here - various parakeets and parrots, mynas, Gray-headed Swamphen, Egyptian Goose, Red-whiskered Bulbul and Spot-breasted Oriole are possible. We will also keep track of local sightings, in case a vagrant occurs close by. There are usually one or two goodies to be found like the Bahama Mockingbird. Night in Miami.

Day 10: Departure - Miami

Our Florida birding tour concludes today in Miami. You can depart anytime for your flights home.

What to Expect

Overview The Florida tour is a relatively fast paced birding tour. You can expect early mornings and long days in the field, followed by a restful evening and early nights.

Food We often go birding right after (or sometimes before) breakfast and take a picnic lunch in the field, but will occasionally stop at a restaurant for lunch. We will spend the whole day birding. Most days we return in the late afternoon to our accommodations, and in the evening we arrange to go to a local restaurant. After dinner will be personal time at the hotel. Each evening after dinner we compile the day’s checklist, review the day’s activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day’s activities.

Accommodation Generally we stay in comfortable hotel rooms in locations close to where we want to go birding.

Walking The walking on this tour is easy to moderate. Most birding locations involve just short forays away from the van, but there will be some longer days including going to Oscar Scherer and Corkscrew Swamp, which are just under 5km (3 miles) in length. Participants must be able to walk slowly for up to three hours in warm weather. The topography of southern Florida is quite flat, and most trails are well groomed, paved or boardwalks.

Driving Driving distances vary from short on some days to moderate on others, and we make frequent stops during each day’s travel.

Climate The climate of this region is generally mild to seasonably warm with average February temperatures ranging from 25°C (76° F) during the day to 16° C (60°F) at night. Temperatures will be higher from Miami southwards.

There is generally little rain at this time of year but humidity is high. The sun can be intense, so sunscreen and a brimmed hat are advised. Mosquitoes and small biting flies can be a nuisance, but are usually not severe in this region; insect repellent is recommended as a precaution. Chiggers and ticks are present; we will avoid walking in tall grass where possible.

Boat Trips Our Florida birding tour includes a boat trip out to the Dry Tortugas; motion sickness on boat trips can be an issue, although the size of the boat minimizes the problem. It may be quite cool on the water, so layered clothing underneath a waterproof windbreaker would be desirable. Boat trips are rarely cancelled due to weather, however, if this occurs, we will bird alternative locations.

You will have the option to go snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas. Standard snorkeling equipment is included, but you will want to bring your prescription mask if you require one.

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.

• Roseate Spoonbill
• Brown Noddy
• Purple Gallinule
• Black Skimmer
• Swallow-tailed Kite
• Short-tailed Hawk
• Burrowing Owl
• White-crowned Pigeon
• Red-cockaded Woodpecker
• Florida Scrub-Jay
• Painted Bunting

Past Tour Checklists

View the list of birds and other wildlife we encountered on our past tours.

• Florida species list 2024 (eBird)
• Florida species list 2023 (ebird)
• Florida species list 2019
• Florida species list 2016
• Florida species list 2015

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Key West Ferry To The Dry Tortugas Section

Key west ferry to the dry tortugas.

The Yankee Freedom is a high speed, state-of-the-art, all aluminum catamaran recognized world wide for safety, performance and passenger comfort. Built in New England in 2012, she entered service in Key West in the fall of 2012. It is equipped with the latest and most sophisticated safety, navigation, and communication equipment. The Yankee Freedom has undergone a thorough U.S. Coast Guard inspection and will do so each year. We Make Vacations Better®

Performance Section

The Yankee Freedom catamaran is powered by twin Caterpillar engines that give her a speed of over 30 miles per hour, making Yankee Freedom catamaran the fastest vessel of her size out of Key West. Also, below decks are two generators plus a multitude of machinery and equipment to operate the vessel in the safest, quietest, and most dependable manner possible.

The upper deck of the Yankee Freedom is open to the sea air and sights and sounds of marine life. There is spacious sundeck seating with areas to stretch out in and enjoy the sunshine and the view. Also topside there is a convenient cocktail bar with protective covering.

The large, completely air-conditioned cabin has comfortable cushioned seating and large windows all around. DVD monitors are available for your pleasure. Here, you’ll find a complete modern galley serving a complimentary breakfast snack and box lunch served at Fort Jefferson . A snack and cocktail bar are open at other times during your voyage on our Key West ferry. Also on the main deck are fresh water rinse showers and three separate restrooms.

Features Section

• Large, fully air-conditioned main cabin
• Comfortable cushioned seats
• Three large restrooms
• Fresh water rinse showers
• A full galley where you can purchase snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, frozen and mixed drinks (on return trip only), film, and souvenirs
• The upper deck is open to the sea-air and sights and sounds of marine life
• DVD monitors
• There is spacious shaded and un-shaded sundeck seating with areas to stretch out and enjoy the sunshine and the view
• Convenient cocktail bar (open on return trip only)
• The Yankee Freedom is the official Key West ferry of the Dry Tortugas National Park

Boat Specs Section

History Section

In 1944, on a shore 35 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, a young boy named Jerry Hill began taking visitors on an afternoon sail aboard his small sailboat. It is from this childhood business the Yankee Fleet was born. Today Jerry, his wife Carol and family operate the Yankee Fleet with vessels located in Key West, Florida and Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Located in Key West, Florida, one of the jewels of the Yankee Fleet is the catamaran Yankee Freedom . The Yankee Freedom is the fastest, largest and newest state-of-the-art ferry transporting passengers to Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park.

The Yankee Fleet in Gloucester, Massachusetts has over 7 vessels and has grown to become New England’s leader in whale watching excursions, deep sea fishing trips, education, whale conservation and marine stewardship.

The Yankee Freedom is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). We have also been honored with the ISO Environmental Award. Therefore, our services conform to International Standards of quality, service, environmental awareness and reliability. No other fleet in Florida has this distinguished honor.

We are also ADA (American Disability Act) compliant.

Learn more about taking a voyage to the Dry Tortugas aboard the Yankee Freedom .

General Info Section

General Info

FACILITIES This Key West ferry has 3 restrooms.

STORAGE Store your belongings under the tables and benches.

BEVERAGES You may purchase non-alcoholic drinks and snacks from the galley on the way to and from the fort.

QUESTIONS Please feel free to ask the crew to answer any questions or for assistance.

SUPPLIES We provide complimentary snorkeling gear.

BELONGINGS Please take everything you will need on the island off the boat with you upon arrival.

TOUR The 40-minute narrated tour begins at the Fort Entrance.

BREAKFAST & LUNCH Breakfast Snack and Box Lunch are included with your trip. Yankee Freedom from 11:30 am to 1 pm.-->

WATER Fresh water is available on the Yankee Freedom all day.

Cocktail Bar Beer, wine, frozen and mixed drinks available for purchase (on return trip only).

• CAMPER DEPARTURE Day of your departure: Load cleaned gear on the ferry upon arrival, after passengers have disembarked.
• FERRY DEPARTURE You must be aboard by 2:45 pm. The boat will leave Fort Jefferson at 3pm.

Environmental Awards Section

The Yankee Freedom is concerned with the environment. Our high standards and stringent ecological guidelines have earned us an environmental ISO certification. The Yankee Freedom is one of the first ferries to be ISO certified in the United States. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards bodies. Founded on February 23 1947, the organization produces world-wide industrial and commercial standards. ISO sets standards that often become law; through treaties or national standards.

We at the Yankee Freedom take great pride in the tremendous strides we’ve taken to comply with the standards set forth by ISO. The products purchased by the Yankee Freedom are either recycled or environmentally friendly. We keep a watchful eye on how much non-recyclable waste is produced each year and consistently reduce the number as years goes by. We promote the recycling of bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. We collect unconsumed food for compost.  All of the lighting on the Yankee Freedom is low-energy LED.

We participate with the National Park Service in the protection and non-invasive behavior around indigenous wildlife at Ft. Jefferson. The Yankee Freedom keeps its eye on the ecology of the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas islands so that future generations may enjoy them as much as we have.

The History of Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas is a group of seven small islands located about 70 miles west of Key West , Florida. This remote and stunningly beautiful location is steeped in history and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

Early Exploration

The Dry Tortugas were discovered in 1513 by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León . He named the islands "Las Tortugas" (The Turtles) due to the abundance of sea turtles in the area. The name was later changed to Dry Tortugas to indicate the lack of fresh water on the islands, making them "dry."

Strategic Importance

The location of the Dry Tortugas made it a critical strategic point for shipping and naval operations. During the 19th century, the United States recognized the importance of controlling the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea . This led to the construction of Fort Jefferson in 1846, one of the largest masonry forts in the United States.

Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson is a massive coastal fortress built to protect the strategic shipping channels in the Gulf of Mexico. Constructed with over 16 million bricks, the fort covers 16 acres and is an impressive example of 19th-century military engineering. Although it was never fully completed, Fort Jefferson played a crucial role during the Civil War as a Union military prison.

Dr. Samuel Mudd

One of the most famous prisoners held at Fort Jefferson was Dr. Samuel Mudd , who was convicted of conspiracy in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln . Dr. Mudd was imprisoned at Fort Jefferson from 1865 until he was pardoned by President Andrew Johnson in 1869 for his efforts in combating a yellow fever epidemic that broke out among the prisoners and soldiers at the fort.

Dry Tortugas National Park

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the area as Fort Jefferson National Monument , and in 1992, it was re-designated as Dry Tortugas National Park . This national park preserves not only the historic fort but also the unique marine and bird life that inhabit the islands.

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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