If youre lucky, youll have clear skies which are perfect for stargazing. This makes snorkeling and kayaking difficult and there is an increased chance of seasickness on the ferry. Once here, tour Fort Jefferson and walk the old fort walls, go snorkeling or swimming, and take a stroll on an empty beach. Book your Dry Tortugas Ferry reservations here! How to get to Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas is actually quite the process though, and once there services are limited. Garden Key, which is the arrival point for the boats and the seaplanes, is also home to Fort Jefferson. The big question about getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is always How much does it cost to ride the ferry? It isnt cheap, thats for sure, but its very much worth the cost. These two beaches offer plenty of space to spread out (you wont have much gear) and enjoy the view. Dry Tortugas is accessible only by water, making it one of Americas most remote national parks. Several species of sea turtles nest on the beaches of Dry Tortugas between May and October, and these majestic creatures are commonly seen throughout this range. Departing from the Historic Seaport area of Key West each morning, its quite the boat trip.
With warm sea and air temperatures, Dry Tortugas National Park is a great place to visit all year. There are three main snorkeling areas to explore: the north and south swim beaches, and the moat wall. The only services available at Dry Tortugas National Park are the Visitor Center, changing rooms, and camping facilities. In general, the winds are calm and sea visibility is excellent. Dry Tortugas offers excellent bird-watching as well, especially in spring, as many species stop over on their annual migration. Like with most campgrounds, you have to carry out all your trash with you once you leave. And kids who complete their Junior Ranger program earn a special dessert for the ride back (see the Yankee Freedom ferry crew for the treat). If you have an annual National Park Pass or a Golden Age Pass, the national park entrance fee can be refunded if you present your pass at check-in on the morning of your trip. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. And if you decide to snorkel outside the designated area, you must display an approved dive flag. Coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles can all be seen here. Budget is the determining factor if you can plan to take the seaplane to Dry Tortugas, as its not cheap. The Yankee Freedom III ferry is the only boat that operates day trips down to Garden Key. Concessions and services on the islands are extremely limited, and visitors are expected to bring everything they need, including food and water, for the duration of their visit. Wildlife activity is determined by the weather, among many other factors, which makes timing all the more crucial if wildlife viewing or photography is your main reason for visiting. However, hurricanes can disrupt travel during this time. While you could just show up at the Dry Tortugas ferry in Key West and hope for a great day, its best to be prepared, both for the long boat ride and for your time at Fort Jefferson and Garden Key. Make reservations for a Dry Tortugas Tour by booking online or contact us at (866) 575-5068.
Historically the cooler months are January and February with lows in the lower 60s and highs in the up mid-70s. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have a National Parks pass, you can present that upon check-in in Key West to have the cost of admission refunded to you. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. It is also possible that the ferry may not run if the sea is very rough. Were going in November via ferry and Im so excited! Hats and sunglasses are also a good idea. Our website uses cookies. Ah man! The last thing you want to do is get a citation; youll be able to get the latest information on restrictions on the parks official site. The views from the plane are of the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, ending with a birds eye view of Fort Jefferson.. Camp on Garden Key. So it boils down to budget and time. You do need to book your trip in advance, providing names of the passengers, so planning a trip out to the islands is required.
October through January is one of the best times to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, when Bush Key is open. one of the best things to do on a visit to the Dry Tortugas. While the snorkeling from the beaches on Garden Key is very good, there are other parts of Dry Tortugas National Park where you can explore deeper underwater. The calm waters of summer make this season perfect for checking out the underwater portions of the park, with ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. As you swim or snorkel, youll see lots of shells and wildlife underwater. The winter season, roughly December through April, brings rough seas, high winds and frequent storms. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Did you do the guided tour of the Fort or a self tour? Im curious whats best if you want to have time to snorkel and explore. Theres something for everyone looking to enjoy this remote chain of islands. That is much more complex and technical, including food/water requirements. *Current prices are 30% cheaper than cruise lines. Keep in mind that there arent any souvenir or convenience stores at the Park, so make sure you bring a few essentials with you. There is a beautiful beach for swimming with views of the Loggerhead Key lighthouse, but most of the island is protected. Youll first have to check in at Fort Jefferson to get a free permit and be provided with information on where you may drop anchor and fish. We parked ourselves watching barracuda dart in and out of a large hole in the wall while butterfly fish swam all around us. The white sandy beach is your walking trail and the views of Fort Jefferson and Garden Key are spectacular. During the winter months (November through April), brief periods of windy conditions can create large swells of water. You can tour the fort on your own or take a ranger guided tour. The full day gives you about 6 and a half hours snorkeling and exploring the National Park. There are two ways to get to the Dry Tortugas: Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series. Here are the two options (2021 prices in USD, not inclusive of taxes): There is only one seaplane company thats an authorized National Park concessionaire, so if youre booking a flight to Dry Tortugas, be sure youre actually booking the authorized carrier that will provide access to the park. There are two ways to get to the Dry Tortugas: by seaplane and by boat. Need help booking travel? Explore Fort Jefferson first and then go for a stroll around Bush Key and visit one or two snorkeling spots. Heres the 2021 rates for reservations on the Dry Tortugas ferry (prices in USD not inclusive of taxes): The price of your ferry tickets for Dry Tortugas includes National Park admission. The fact that the park is so isolated means that coral reef conditions are significantly better than anything you might see closer to the Florida coast.
Visiting Dry Tortugas, check the weather the day before to see what it should be like, and plan appropriately. Dry Tortugas National Park is also a special conservation area for a variety of wildlife, including nurse sharks and the Magnificent Frigate bird. The last place for snorkeling at Dry Tortugas is along the moat wall. They do offer dramamine for purchase on board, but if you have had success with the small anti-nausea patches, come prepared with them. We were told that flights are seldom cancelled during this time due to weather. The Junior Ranger packet is not a crazy one (you should see the Yellowstone NP packet!) If you decide you want to go fishing, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the rules and restricted areas. Visit Fort Jefferson first, then go snorkeling and swimming. Inside Fort Jefferson, youll find long corridors or archways, spiral staircases in the dark, and overgrown ramparts. There are two options for doing the Dry Tortugas seaplane: half day or full day trip. While Fort Jefferson was never fully completed, it still served a purpose, much like Fort Clinch in North Florida. Copyright 2022 2TravelDads, St Augustine FL, Dry Tortugas Ferry: the Yankee Freedom III, Cost and Schedule for the Dry Tortugas Ferry, Things to Know about the Dry Tortugas Ferry, Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park, Dive and Snorkeling Trips at Dry Tortugas National Park, Exploring Fort Jefferson, a Civil War Era Fortress, Things to do at Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas NP, Things to Know Before Visiting Dry Tortugas NP, Weather and Preparedness for Visiting DTNP. If you are on your own exploring, you're okay without your mask. The fort is fascinating and beautiful, and is a wonderful place to explore with kids. For this reason, our charters that head out to the Dry Tortugas tend to be completely filled up during these months, making it more difficult to be able to get out to the Dry Tortugas during your visit. The summer months bring it to above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Wildlife Viewing. Here are several sample itineraries, depending on the amount of time you have and which mode of transportation you choose. If you dont have all day to spend at Dry Tortugas and dont mind spending a little money, Key West Seaplane Adventure Chartercan get you down to the national park in about 40 minutes, each way.
Beyond the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, the iconic Fort Jefferson is the other attraction at Dry Tortugas National Park. These are both protected wildlife areas. For the ultimate adventure in Dry Tortugas National Park, visit Loggerhead Key. Vegetation has taken over much of the interior of Fort Jefferson, and with that comes wildlife, particularly birds. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. Dry Tortugas National Park is an underrated gem in the national park system. If youre visiting in the summer months, make sure to pack a rain poncho or rain jacket, as afternoon showers operate like clockwork in Florida during the summer. Once you're off the boat, because it's technically Key West, you do need to keep wearing your mask if you're around people or inside at Fort Jefferson. Your trip out to the Dry Tortugas will be unforgettable no matter when you come. Dont forget to turn it in and get your badge! Whether youre fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, or kayaking, the crystal blue waters surrounding the islands are pristine and thriving with underwater wildlife. Read More: How To Camp In The Rain And Not Be Miserable. We'll Price Match It. We are traveling with a 3 and 5 year old. If you are camping, then definitely do it. Pristine, thats the only word for it. Learn more on theNational Park Service website. Since it is so remote, there is a good chance that you will have it all to yourself. Regardless of the season, be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting. Unfortunately, these are also the busiest months down in Key West. I think that exploring the fort on you own is fine, especially since there are exhibits everywhere. I'll tell you, I had high expectations of DTNP. and it fully surpassed them. Bush Key is open from October through January (the remainder of the year it is closed because it is a bird nesting site) but it is the most beautiful walk in the Dry Tortugas. The only fire allowed is grilling with charcoal or propane. We visited Dry Tortugas National Park in early December. Walking the trail along the top of the fort was the highlight for us. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 west of Key West, Florida out in the middle of the ocean. The islands were later renamed the Dry Tortugas to let sailors know that there was no fresh water to be found here. Categories Florida, Florida Keys, National Parks, Southeastern US, United States, Unique North Florida Vacation Plan: Jax, Daytona and the Springs, Favorite Things to Do in Savannah in Any Season. The islands were discovered in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, who named them Las Tortugas after the giant sea turtles that abound in the surrounding waters. The ferry pulls up right in front of Fort Jefferson (started construction in 1846) and then its a short walk across the drawbridge until youre inside. That said, dont expect to see turtle nests or hatchling turtles. People throw around the phrase pristine beaches like its a volleyball, but the beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park are actually pristine. The ferry has space to roam around and as long as people don't get seasick and/or the seas are calm, it's not a bad journey at all. Note: given the distance to Loggerhead Key, if you want to paddle out to it, you must do that during a camping trip to Dry Tortugas, as it will eat more than half the day and its not possible on a standard trip to the islands. Learn about the national parks in the United States in our. For history buffs, the real attraction is Fort Jefferson, which was originally built as a military fortification and was later also used as a prison for Union deserters. If you are lucky enough to have a boat or have a friend with a boat, and want to head down on your own, keep in mind that you cant just drop anchor anywhere you want. Should there be no storms on the horizon, plan for sunny weather with a consistent breeze. When the weather is nice, its typically 70s and 80s, so not too bad at all. The seaplane is a huge expense for a family, and while it gives amazing views and is lots of fun, the ferry gets my vote. The weather is always pleasant to guests, though of course it is unbeatable during the early spring months, thanks to the lack of hot weather, rains, or heavy winds. Thats why the coal docks are there. Popular with bird watchers (look for the brown noddy and the sooty tern) and history buffs, this national park is also a watersports fans paradise. Its close to the camping area at Dry Tortugas. While ideal conditions will make for a smooth trip out to For Jefferson, medium to large swells can occur making for a very nauseating trip. The South Swim Beach is the best, in my opinion. Tips for the United States Virgin Islands, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Basic Information, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Frequently Asked Questions, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Weather, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Wildlife Viewing, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Sea Turtles, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Things To Do, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Goods & Services, Dry Tortugas Info: The Turtles of The Dry Tortugas, Yankee Freedom II: Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, Key West Seaplane Adventures: Seaplane Tours of Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson, Information on Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West, Florida, Outdoor Activities in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. If youre visiting during the winter months, it can be somewhat cold, especially once the sun starts to go down. Read More: Review: Faver-Dykes State Park in St. Augustine. We always advocate for wearing masks around people anywhere, so recommend having them on if you're around other visitors. The ferry boat is called the Yankee Freedom III, and its official website includes current pricing information and schedules. We were just there in December and are planning another trip down in May. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. Entrance Fee: $15 per person, valid for 7 days. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Known for being home to Fort Jefferson, a former military fortification with a moat wall, it was used as a prison during the Civil War, the islands also serve as a nature preserve for various wildlife. The only upside is cooler weather and fewer crowds. that water! This was so interesting and helpful! While you can sail out to the islands (Las Tortugas) on your own vessel, most people visit via the Dry Tortugas ferry. Besides that, this simple Dry Tortugas packing list should ensure a wonderful visit: Note: this is NOT a packing list for camping at Dry Tortugas National Park. Boating permits to be within the National Park boundaries are free, but you must register with the National Park Service once you arrive at the Fort. We were staying at the Laureate Key West hotel when we first did the Dry Tortugas ferry, so we had to park in the public lot. You can learn more about the islands and different areas of the park from one of the park rangers at the visitor center. These are the best things to do at Fort Jefferson: Its easy to get sucked into the wonder of Fort Jefferson and its history, so if you plan on snorkeling and relaxing, be sure to keep an eye on the time. You can also camp at Garden Key, but come very well prepared. 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There are a few ways visitors can get to Dry Tortugas on privately owned boats, the Yankee Freedom ferry, or a seaplane. The primary swimming beaches are South and North Beaches, as noted as great snorkeling spots. The Dry Tortugas are the last group of islands of the Florida Keys, sitting 70 miles west of Key West. The winter times are milder in temperature and drier in general. Snorkeling at South Beach is the most common, as it has the smoothest water. It is a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. After the Civil War, the fort continued to be a port and then it was used for refueling ships that used coal. For more information on how to do this, take a look at our Florida Keys Itinerary. This unstable weather can make it difficult to get to Dry Tortugas, but winter is a good time to visit if your main goal is to beat the crowds. At the top of your Florida bucket list should be visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. Advanced reservations are highly recommended regardless of whether youre traveling via ferry or seaplane, as spots fill up months in advance. The National Park Service website offers a wealth of additional information to help plan a visit, including maps of the islands and up-to-date weather reports. If you dont own your own boat or know someone who does, the least expensive way to get to Dry Tortugas is via ferry. It is to the left of the ferry dock. We are booked to go via ferry in June, and while much may change between now and then, I was wondering how strict they were about mask wearing once you're off the boat? They also offer special rates for students (ages 17 or older) with ID, active military, and senior citizens (ages 62 or older). Others tell stories of rough waves and countess people vomiting off the back of the boat. Most people visit this national park as a day trip, getting here either by ferry or seaplane. Also attached to South Beach is an outcropping of the old coal docks, which are now teeming with undersea life. While this area is closed to swimming for the protection of the wildlife and habitat, you can still enjoy laying on the beach and exploring the sands. The high temperature for the day was 80F and the water also felt very warm. It's a trek, but so worth it. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere. Explore Historic Fort Jefferson. Like in Florida, there are really only two weather seasons: winter and summer. I seem to be in Florida at least once or twice a year but never get down to the Keyes. Located about 70 miles west of the Florida Keys, in the crystal turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, are the seven isles of Dry Tortugas National Park. The summer season, from June to November, is considerably warmer and more stable, with clear skies and minimal wind, though occasional severe storms, including hurricanes, are a possibility. Half-day excursions are about four hours long, and promise at least two and half hours on the island. Its a struggle to leave the many conch shells on the sand, but its the rule. First Timers Guide to Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, How To Camp In The Rain And Not Be Miserable, Review: Faver-Dykes State Park in St. Augustine, 9 Best Short Hikes in Yellowstone National Park, Camping & Hiking Tips, Outdoors & Road Trips. ineed to get down there. Youll want to make sure you pack a change of clothes if youll be getting in the water, sunscreen, a towel, snorkel equipment, sunglasses, a camera, and any special snacks. During the winter months, which run from November through April, visitors can experience large swells and windy conditions, which means rough seas and poor water visibility for those interested in snorkeling or scuba diving. Operated by the National Park Service (NPS), the area is made up of seven islands: Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key. HALF DAY BY SEAPLANE: If you choose the seaplane day trip option, you will only have 2.5 hours in the Dry Tortugas. I think of hiking in Zion National Park or exploring the many geysers at Yellowstone, which present visitors with clear activities and a plan for what to do. The ranger-led tour lasts more than an hour, so if you're doing just the day trip you may not want to do it. Admittedly I would rather spend the day fishing though.
The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III. Spend the night on Garden Key. Some people have perfect conditions and the sea is as smooth as glass. Those failing to check-in and getting a permit run the risk of being given a citation. The Islands are located about 70 miles from Key West, and they are accessible by private boat, charter boat, seaplane or by the daily concession ferry from Key West. Richard Corrigan has been a full-time freelance writer since 2009, and has always considered himself lucky to be able to combine his passion for travel with his love of writing. If you do use the ferry, you will have to make a reservation with the company ahead of time as they have limited spots for campers and their gear on board. There are several dive companies in the Florida Keys that can work with you to create a Dry Tortugas diving plan. Take a Stroll on Bush Key. Starting at the north end of South Beach and curving around towards North Beach, the moat wall is fascinating to get up close to. Its remote location has kept it a secret from most visitors to the Florida Keys, and even among National Park fiends its not a commonly visited park. The most famous prisoner at the fort was Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who set John Wilkes Booths broken leg after he shot Abraham Lincoln.