Yes, all private boats and vessels entering Dry Tortugas National Park must file a boat permit at Garden Key before recreating within the park. Even if you do not plan on exploring Fort Jefferson, you must stop by Garden Key to pay the entrance fee and file the required permits.
How long does it take to get to Dry Tortugas from Key West by boat?
Getting to the Dry Tortugas by Ferry
Going by ferry turns your visit into a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. Check-in time is at 7 am (6:30 am for campers). The ferry departs at 8:00 am and it takes 2.5 hours to get to Dry Tortugas National Park.
How much does it cost to take a boat to Dry Tortugas?
Dry Tortugas Ferry Cost (updated for 2021)
How much is the ferry for a day trip from Key West to the Dry Tortugas? The cost for an adult is $190. There is a $10 discount for active duty members of the military, seniors ages 62 or higher, and full-time students (age 17+). Children ages 4 to 16 are $135 each.
What is the best way to get to Dry Tortugas?
The only methods of transportation are by boat or seaplane. Careful planning is essential to ensure a safe and fun visit to the park. For a Dry Tortugas National Park map, click here. Ferry and seaplane services will bring you to Garden Key.
Can you take your boat to Dry Tortugas? – Related Questions
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.
What is the cheapest 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.
Is there only one ferry to Dry Tortugas?
The 110-foot, high-speed catamaran is the only ferry authorized by the National Park Service to get there. At more than 30 mph, the ferry took about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way.
Is it worth going to Dry Tortugas?
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 long is the seaplane ride to 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). *Children under the age of 2 years are not assigned a seat and travel on an adults lap.
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.
Why is Dry Tortugas the least visited?
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, with only 60,000 visitors per year. This is primarily due to its remote location 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. It is also the most aquatic of all the U.S. national parks with 98% of the park consisting of water.
Are there rats in Dry Tortugas?
Like other islands vulnerable to exotic species, the Dry Tortugas support a population of black rats (Rattus rattus). Rats have inhabited the Tortugas probably since the arrival of humans.
Are there sharks at 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 crocodiles in Dry Tortugas?
For nearly 14 years, one individual American Crocodile was a resident at Dry Tortugas. No other crocodiles have been recorded in this location for at least the past century. Until recently, this male crocodile spent most of its time in areas of Garden Key and Bush Key that were not heavily used by visitors.
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.
Can you take shells from Dry Tortugas?
Collecting is prohibited. Help protect the Dry Tortugas! Please do not remove seashells, coral, sand, brick, glass, stone, metal or any other natural or historic objects from the premises. If you find an artifact, please do not move or disturb it, and promptly call park staff.
What is the best time of year to visit the Dry Tortugas?
October through January is one of the best times to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, when Bush Key is open. Walking around this key was one of our favorite experiences in the park. We visited Dry Tortugas National Park in early December. The high temperature for the day was 80°F and the water also felt very warm.
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.
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.
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.