and our Explore and learn of its history with one of our When you arrive, you can tour, explore the fort, swim at one of the beaches, or climb the lighthouse! [CDATA[ (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/97/1032023597.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-9fl4orvz7")); // ]]> 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. Not totally correct. A:Reservations are non-refundable except in cases of trip cancellation by Yankee Freedom. Dry Tortugas Charter Trips - Book Today! Q: Do you have a waiting list I can put my name on? Plus, if you go camping then it is totally worth the boat ride. We rounded the corner and their were hundreds of them all over the beach. Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Are there any other options? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. UNESCO Listed: Park Of The 1976 UNESCO Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve Today it is a stunning paradise to explore. All rights reserved. READ NEXT: Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park. Ferry To Dry Tortugas. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. General availability can be checked by going to https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ and clicking on the Book Now button. Take your comfortable seat and enjoy the relaxing ride to the Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson, just 70 miles west of Key West. The soft sand in our toes, the teal water, and the ocean breeze. We hiked out on the beach peninsula area at the Dry Tortugas National Park and couldnt stop smiling. Reply just wait until you experience the open-air restaurants and charming little shops of . We recommend you plan to get there early like 6:30am ish just in case you run into any issues on your way there. from my point of view don't hesitate to send me a pm. Unfortunately, I was an idiot and didn't book reservations for the ferry to Dry Tortugas early enough. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. All rights reserved. We took the ferry over. The ferry takes 175 people. Q: How do I make a camping reservation? Manage booking Connect Search MENU TICKETS Yankee Freedom - Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry 2068 reviews slideshow video Book this tour Overview Details Schedule You cannot bring camping equipment on the seaplane. Fully Narrated 45-min. Seats are very limited, so if this sounds like something you would like to do, book your tickets as soon as you know your dates of travel. Really wanted to go to Dry Tortugas but it is sold out during the month of April. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Campers at Dry Tortugas National Park are allowed to bring kayaks, subject to certain restrictions and availability of transport space on board the Yankee Freedom ferry. 1 / 9. *The Park Service will collect a campsite fee of $15 to $30 per night based on the size of your party. 2. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. Cost: $644 per adult, $515.20 for children 12 and under National Park Fee: $15 (this is in addition to the seaplane ticket price) Grand Total: $659 Length of Time: 8 hours total; 40-minute flight each way and 6.5 hours on the island. No Hidden Fees. We arrived just past 8:30 and for almost two hours, it was just us, the other 18 people from the two seaplane flights, a few campers, and some park rangers. We also have a guide to the best things to do along the Florida Keys. Neither of these locations are close to Key West. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96964966', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane is way out of our budget. Key West. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas campground is one of the most beautiful settings you can imagine. Midday, the ferry deposits a lot of people on the island, so it is more crowded during this time. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. There will be a signup sheet on a clipboard at the electric car rental desk under the Ferry Terminal. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96966450', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight is AMAZING itself. 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. We did the half day tour by seaplane and loved it, even though it went by extremely fast. It's a very small airport with just one waiting area and very few services. If you take the seaplane, not only do you get to Dry Tortugas National Park quickly, and have the chance to arrive before the ferry, but the flight is incredibly scenic. A high-speed catamaran, our vessel transports guests 70 miles from Key West to the Park. Seaplane vs. the Ferry vs. The seven tiny islands of Dry Tortugas are a vital layover for migrating birds traveling between South America and the United States making a staple in the Great Florida Birding Trail. They are part of one of the longest coral reefs in the world. A breakfast snack, boxed lunch, and snorkeling equipment are included with the fee. The seaplane to Dry Tortugas will charge entrance fees to park upon arrival. 7 - 10 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Miami, Key West & the National Parks, 12 Best National Parks to Visit in January 2023 (USA), 18 Great Things to do in Key West, Florida. The Yankee Freedom has resumed normal capacity daily scheduled service to the Dry Tortugas. To see the National Park Services requirements for using kayaks in the park, click here. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96965502', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight in the morning or last in the afternoon though. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the 100-square mile Dry Tortugas National Park is sited 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. Cookie Notice With 4 young kids maybe not, since we are sure it gets really quiet on the island after the ferry leaves. Showing up at 7:30 is not likely to work. We visit Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas on the show. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. A: You can check day trip and camping availability online. Please note that the National Park Service does not keep a . The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp. The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is called theYankee Freedomiii. 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. At the heart of the Dry Tortugas sits Fort Jefferson, a . The huge majority of the 65,000 people who visit each year come on the 150-passenger Yankee Freedom Ferry, and despite the $190/person cost, this is the most affordable method of travel. Below are four snorkeling sites at Garden Key. 17 Exciting Things To Do In St. Augustine With Kids, 24 Amazing Tips for Universal Volcano Bay [Must Read! After pulling in we grabbed a quick lunch on the boat and then headed out to start exploring! Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida. At least with the Yankee Freedom it's likely you will be able to walk there and back, and the entrance fee is included in the price. Now that would be amazing. You will have Dry Tortugas to yourself once the ferry leaves Garden Key. This will be collected by Park Rangers during your stay. If you want more info. Q: I am trying to book a date for later in the year and the reservation engine says that its not available. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the USA. To reserve, call Yankee Freedom's phone at 1-800-634-0939. best things to do along the Florida Keys. Check out my recent review of the ferry ride titled "A must do for local history & day trip seekers". Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the western hemisphere consisting of more than 16 million bricks. Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. The flight is awesome, getting into the park early is nice perk, and having a full afternoon in Key West after this excursion is also a big advantage. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96972143', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane - once in a lifetime experience! The weather had been really rainy and windy so the ocean was NOT calm. Personally, I would save your money and spend it on a couple other water excursions like a snorkel trip to the reef or a sunset sail. This is paradise! Dry Tortugas is made up of seven islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key The word tortugas is Spanish for turtles, due to the large amount that inhabit the surrounding waters. The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. A: If you are planning to take the day trip you can book immediately online at https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. You can rent a bareboat, or a captained boat, for a few hours or a few days. Phone +1 305-242-7700. The only ferry authorized to enter the water in Dry Tortugas National Park is the Yankee Freedom. The trip was about 2.5 hours each way. Breath-taking. If you love Key West snorkeling, then Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and skin diving in North America, just 70 miles from Key West and the Florida Keys. [CDATA[ (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); // ]]> Disclosure: A HUGE thank you to Historic Tours of America for hosting us on our trip. Q: Can I cancel my reservations and get a refund? There are only two ways to get to Dry Tortugas: boat or seaplane. Required fields are marked *. Return Time 5:30. Come to the Florida Keys and visit Fort Jefferson today! Re: Dry Tortugas 1 year ago Save 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. For more information, please see our For more information on Dry Tortugas camping, visit the park's website. Plan a full day for your visit, and be prepared to spend the day in awe of the natural beauty of the park. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. ), underwater sand dunes, reefs, shipwrecks, and the keys. Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park. During the cruise from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, you will get to see the Marquesas Islands and lots of sea turtles during the voyage. If you're early risers be there at boarding time by 7:30am & you'll know by 8am when they leave if there's any open spots. You can click here to learn more about the prices and availability for camping on the island. On the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park both my son and I got really sick, but on the jet boat it was a breeze. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. tour of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun No Hidden Fees. One of the workers there did have dogs (if you camp or visit for the day, you cannot bring dogs). There are two options for most people getting to Dry Tortugas which is located 70 miles from the coast of Key West, Florida. RESERVE EARLY! However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. Great write up and pics. Campers should confirm their return dates at the time of ticket purchase and with the captain on the outbound trip. Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees. Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. If you show your National Parks America the Beautiful Pass upon arrival, you will receive a refund for the entrance fee ($15 per person). Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. Unless you camp, the ferry or seaplane give you only a few hours on the island to tour the historic fort and snorkel in its dazzling clear Caribbean waters. Cost: $371 per adult, $296.80 for children 12 and under National Park Fee: $15 (this is in addition to the seaplane ticket price) Grand Total: $386 Length of Time: 4 hours total; 40-minute flight each way and 2.5 hours at Dry Tortugas National Park. Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori 28 days ago. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. Please read my disclosure for more info. No Key West beach trip is complete without visiting the best beach in the Florida Keys: Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, located just 70 miles west of Key West. There are two ways to get here: by boat or by seaplane. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 3.3 Fishing in the Dry Tortugas. Does anyone know if it's worth it to show up REALLY early and wait in case you can get a spot from a no-show or cancellation? Catch a ride on the Dry Tortugas ferry or book a ticket on a seaplane to Dry Tortugas to truly explore what this Florida . LEARN MORE. For a list of approved private charters, visit the National Park Service website. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. The days are delightfully warm in Key West and the Florida Keys. 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. For the last 6+ years they have explored all over North America and share their top tips on things to do in locations with kids, along with road trip ideas and tips on RVing. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. The ferry departs at 8:00 am and it takes 2.5 hours to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Book the first flight of the day. 2023 KeyWestTour.com | Sitemap It was worth every dollar! Check-in time is at 7 am (6:30 am for campers). Privacy Policy. Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the requested dates. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. We've done it twice, I loved it so much the first time I couldn't wait to do it again. You do have to pay for it and prices vary based on when you are going (but it isnt much more then the tickets to get there). Take a peek at Dry Tortugas National Park's Fort Jefferson on Google Maps, then click on the satellite feature and . ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. This includes the National Park entrance fee. If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas, then you should stay in Key West. Enjoy the natural beauty of this top destination with your own personal seaplane charter. We especially liked the view of the beach where we had found the conch shells. more. On average, the warmest months are May, June, July, August, and September. Then when you land in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We got amazing pictures when we were there and we kept telling ourselves to put the camera away. The only thing is there is no running water on the island so you have to come prepared. The seaplane disadvantage is you only get about 2-1/2 hours on the island for the basic fare vs. about 4-1/2 hours with the ferry option. 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. PJK is correct of course unless if any in your party is a annual park pass holder or a lifetime pass holder in that case, the seaplane will accept that . If you want a day trip you can book a ferry to Bimini or Grand Bahamas from Ft Lauderdale and come back the same day. Unfortunately, when we were there it was a little cooler and the water was really cloudy from all the storms. The boat ride for us was very rocky on the way there and not quite as bad on the way back but I wouldnt call it smooth. They are located 70 miles west of Key West. Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Luckily the ride back wasnt as rocky and Craig and I actually both took a nap. Dry Tortugas Ferry $169.00 Departure Date: AFTER BOOKING PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM RESERVATION (305) 222-1199: Quantity: Product Description Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park Departure 8:00 am Return Departure 3:00pm Return Time 5:30 Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96967216', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Key West check the wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth daily as well. 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. Both come with their advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose depends on cost, how much time you have, if you plan to camp on Garden Key, and other factors such as seasickness. Get on the Yankee Freedom III ferry waiting list now. If you want to try to standby for the day trip in case of no-shows please go to the Ferry Terminal on the morning you want to go. capacity 175 passangers . The ride can be very choppy so if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best way to . "One of the 10 great places to explore nooks and crevasses" USA Today, "One of the top 10 things to do in the Florida Keys" Islands Magazine, "One of the coolest things to do in Key West" Rachael Ray Magazine, {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. You have to go to the ferry in the morning when they open at 7AM and there is a wait list. We have been to a lot of beaches but this is the first time we had seen so many in once place. Then you may have to arrive very early the morning of to grab any possible seats that are canceled at the last minute. We use cookies to give you the best experience. Top 10 list to #PlanLikeaParkRanger for a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. All opinions expressed are my own. People do sometimes miss (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I will tell you hands down it was worth the money. There are 3 of us who would need tickets. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live inthe fort at the Dry Tortugas. Perfect picture opportunity! Those days will not be available for reservations. Thanks for the helpful guide on Dry Tortugas National Park. The Yankee Freedom provides daily ferry service from Key West, Florida to the Dry Tortugas. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Here are some of the highlights of my countless trips to the three National Parks (Banff, Jasper and Yoho) in the Canadian Rockies. We headed for the moat wall. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry, Comfortable seats, three large restrooms and fresh water rinse showers, A full galley where you can purchase snacks, drinks and souvenirs, Upper deck open to the sea-air and sights and sounds of marine life, Spacious shaded and un-shaded sundeck seating, Entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, Fully narrated 45-minute tour of the fort, Beach walking, snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun. Then all of a sudden this island pops up out of nowhere. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? http://www.travelthruhistory.tv/explore-dry-tortugas-fort-jefferson-key-west-fl/ - Things to do in Key West, FL. A sign-up sheet will be available at 6:30am. In my personal humble opinion Dry Tortugas by seaplane (or charter - whatever gets you there without the ferry crowd) is a bucket list item . What To Bring Valid Photo ID Required Sunscreen and Bathing suit Camera . This is a very popular trip that will sell out weeks in advance. Whether swimming, sun bathing or just plain strolling, you will enjoy the crystal blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft, powdery sand of this island paradise. Bryanna has been full time RVing with her husband and 4 kids since May 2014. How To Get Around Dry Tortugas National Park. On the day we were here, Yankee Freedom must have been using a different boat, since this is not their typical boat they use to go to the Dry Tortugas. Private Charter: Which One is Better? USA: (866) 575-5068. Your email address will not be published. However, space is very limited. But you are on a 2 and a half hour boat ride there and back (its 70 miles off of Key West), plus they feed you breakfast and lunch. The seaplane is a great experience, but if its out of your budget, there are many other ways to enjoy the water here. At 3 pm, the ferry departs Dry Tortugas National Park, and you will arrive in Key West at 5:30 pm. //
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