The park is located roughly 70 miles west of Key West. Transportation to and from the park can be made through our concessionaire-operated ferry and seaplane based in Key West; visitors can also bring their private boat.
How much does it cost to charter a boat to Dry Tortugas?
How much to go to the Dry Tortugas National Park? Prices range from $125 for public charter to $2,000 for private charter.
Can you rent a boat and take it to Dry Tortugas?
If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. Learn more on the National Park Service website. There are also private charters that can take you to the Dry Tortugas.
Is there a cheap way to get to Dry Tortugas?
The cheapest way to get to the Dry Tortugas is by The Yankee Freedom Ferry, an authorized concessionaire of the park. The daily catamaran ferry to Dry Tortugas departs from Key West.
Can I take a private boat to Dry Tortugas? – Related Questions
How long is boat ride from Key West to Dry Tortugas?
How long is the trip from Key West to Fort Jefferson? The ride on the Yankee Freedom usually takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Are trips available year round? The Yankee Freedom travels to Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park year round.
Can you kayak to Dry Tortugas?
Secondly, you need a way to get your kayak to the park. If you are like the majority of visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park, you will be taking the Yankee Freedom Ferry. The ferry only has room for three kayaks per trip, and they must be under 17 feet long.
How much does it cost to go to the Dry Tortugas from Key West?
The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person under 16 years of age is exempt from paying an entrance fee (this includes international visitors).
Is there another way to get to Dry Tortugas?
Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park
The only methods of transportation are by boat or seaplane. Careful planning is essential to ensure a safe and fun visit to the park.
Are the Dry Tortugas worth it?
Dry Tortugas National Park is fascinating both in its unique marine landscape and its history, and it’s definitely worth the visit. Located at the tip of the Flordia Keys is the stunning Dry Tortugas National Park. It preserves seven breathtaking Dry Tortugas Islands.
How far in advance should I book Dry Tortugas?
I would recommend booking your trip at least one month in advance, especially for a weekend trip or during peak season. I booked our trip prior to visiting Key West and was glad I did because they were sold out the day we went. The Yankee Freedom III takes approximately 175 people out to the Dry Tortugas daily.
What is the best month to visit Dry Tortugas?
Most people agree that the best time to visit the Dry Tortugas is from the months of November through April. The Key West seas (both out on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean) tend to be rougher and the winds stronger from October through January.
Are there bathrooms on Dry Tortugas?
Are there toilets at Dry Tortugas? Yes, there are always toilets available to our passengers. There are composting toilets located near the campground. Whenever the Fort Jefferson ferry is on the dock, these toilets are locked, and the ferry toilets become the public restrooms for everyone on the island.
Is the ferry ride to Dry Tortugas rough?
Ferry To Dry Tortugas
The ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas is the Yankee Freedom III. The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The ride can be very choppy so if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best way to travel.
Are there sharks in Dry Tortugas?
Dry Tortugas National Park
People can swim with nurse sharks without incident, although the sharks will sometimes attack humans if they are antagonized, so it is best to leave them alone if you see them.
Are there snakes in the Dry Tortugas?
Are there snakes in the Dry Tortugas? There are NO snakes in Dry Tortugas National Park. As of January 2022, NPS doesn’t report any species of snake as possible in the park.
Is there food on Dry Tortugas?
There are no restaurants, shops, or any other services that offer food, water or fuel available on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park.
What should I bring to Dry Tortugas?
What to Pack for a Dry Tortugas Day Trip
- Cash for optional ferry crew gratuities.
- Food: The ferry only provides one breakfast and one lunch.
- Water: There is no potable water available on the island.
- Camera.
- Snorkeling gear: You can bring your own or rent in Key West.
- Swimsuit.
- Extra dry clothes to change into.
- Towel.
What is so great about Dry Tortugas?
This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Can you stay overnight at Dry Tortugas?
Camping at the Dry Tortugas is very popular. Reservations on the ferry are limited and sell out 9-12 months in advance so please plan ahead! Camping at Fort Jefferson is PRIMITIVE CAMPING! In other words, you must bring everything (water included) with you.
Are there any lodges or cabins in Dry Tortugas?
There is no Dry Tortugas lodging inside the national park. Instead you find the closest accommodation when visiting Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West. As the nearest populated island Key West functions as the gateway to Dry Tortugas. From Key West boats and seaplanes take visitors to the Florida park.