Your email address will not be published. 3.1 Snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas. Address. You spend 4.5 hours in the park. I was iffy upon seeing the initial cost but it looks phenomenal and highly likely Ill do it. Required fields are marked *. Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. 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. Reservations on the ferry are limited and sell out 9-12 months in advance so please plan ahead! 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 . Cost: $200 per adult, $145 for children 4 to 16, $190 for students, seniors, and active military National Park Fee: Included in the ferry ticket price Camping trips: If you plan to camp, the fee is $220 Length of Time: 10.5 hours (4.5 hours at the Dry Tortugas, 5 hours cruising time, 1 hour for check-in and boarding in Key West). Although Dry Tortugas Beach is located some 70 miles away within Fort Jefferson National Park, its beach is considered part of Key West's seaside offerings thanks to the Dry Tortugas Ferry. There are two options for most people getting to Dry Tortugas which is located 70 miles from the coast of Key West, Florida. The Yankee Freedom 3 is a large catamaran so this was not smooth sailing. It was so cool to see. Yankee Freedom Ferry Details Phone Number: 800-634-0939 Cost: Day trips to Dry Tortugas are $180 per adult. Join. 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. We visit Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas on the show. The Dry Tortugas has kind of been loved to death these days. What was your favorite view from the pictures we shared? A: We have maintenance days scheduled throughout the year and a two week period for annual maintenance the last week of October and the first week of November. If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas, then you should stay in Key West. For most visitors, particularly those on a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, the sites at Garden Key are the most accessible. The water color starts to change, the fort has old-fashion charm, and all the sooty terns birds are amazing. Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas Below we shared tips on visiting the Dry Tortugas, Florida and what to expect when you visit. Then when you land in Key West check the wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth daily as well. The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is called theYankee Freedomiii. The second half of the Dry Tortugas Ferry takes you 70 miles through the Gulf to Fort Jefferson National Park, a Civil War-era fort used as a prison. There are also private charters that can take you to the Dry Tortugas. In other words, you must bring everything (water included) with you. With about 30 minutes left I took a dramamine because I was not sure if I was going to make it! A: Camping reservations must be made over the phone by calling 305-294-7009. The 2.5-hour ferry ride is a magical trip over turquoise waters, and leaves you about . However, if you would like to standby for the trip to the Dry Tortugas in case there are no-shows, you must go to the Ferry Terminal (100 Grinnell St.) as EARLY as you can get there on the morning you would like to travel. http://www.travelthruhistory.tv/explore-dry-tortugas-fort-jefferson-key-west-fl/ - Things to do in Key West, FL. Because of these special requirements, you will need to speak with a reservation agent to determine availability of kayak transport for your dates of interest. Please see our website for full policy. NATIONAL PARKS IN FLORIDA: Learn more about the national parks in Florida in our guides to the Evergladesand Biscayne National Park. The only ferry authorized to enter the water in Dry Tortugas National Park is the Yankee Freedom. 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. Due to space constraints, the Yankee Freedom is happy to accommodate campers wishing to stay up to 4 days (3 nights). tour of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun No Hidden Fees. 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. You can rent a bareboat, or a captained boat, for a few hours or a few days. Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! We are still following CDC recommended safety guidelines, including: Yankee Freedom passengers have the option of joining a 40-minute guided tour of the fort led by one of our expert naturalists. We recommend you plan to get there early like 6:30am ish just in case you run into any issues on your way there. It's the fastest security I've ever . Click the button below to add the Dry Tortugas Ferry to your wish list. Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori The most popular ways to get to Dry Tortugas National Park are the Yankee Freedom ferry and Key West Seaplane Adventures, but you can also get there using a permitted personal boat or a private charter. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. Campers should confirm their return dates at the time of ticket purchase and with the captain on the outbound trip. Key West. Catch a ride on the Dry Tortugas ferry or book a ticket on a seaplane to Dry Tortugas to truly explore what this Florida . We did not bring the kids with us this time since we didnt think they would enjoy being a boat for 2 1/2 hours there and 2 1/2 back all in one day. There will be cancelations but how many it is not clear this far out. Are there any other options? Below I list more advantages and disadvantages for each mode of transportation. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. 16 Tips For A Magical Visit To Universal Orlando Resort! The dates below are scheduled maintenance days when the ferry will not be running: Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. The ferry costs $200 for adults and $145 for kids through the age of 16. Theodore, The wait list opens at 6:30AM and people are sometimes there as early as 6AM forming a line to get on the list. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. However, that will be more $ than buying every seat on the seaplane. At that point, we only had 30 minutes left on Dry Tortugas before flying back to Key West. Plus they were huge! You can only get to Dry Tortugas National Park by boat or by seaplane and these all leave from Key West, Florida. 365 Days a Year. It was crazy! At the heart of the Dry Tortugas sits Fort Jefferson, a . They are located 70 miles west of Key West. But I'll agree with the others that the seaplane is totally worth it. We considered doing this, since we also wanted to visit Loggerhead Key, but the price tag for this is extremely high (the one we looked at was about $3000 for the day). Dry Tortugas campground is one of the most beautiful settings you can imagine. Take a peek at Dry Tortugas National Park's Fort Jefferson on Google Maps, then click on the satellite feature and . ! 21 Fun Things To Do In Port St Joe Florida, 17+ Fun Things To Do In Philadelphia With Kids [Plus 1 day Itinerary], Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park [Maps Included], Get off the Beaten Path: Best National Parks for Families - No Back Home, Crazy Family Adventure Fiesta Key RV Resort in the Florida Keys - Crazy Family Adventure, RV Living With Kids - What We've Learned After 2 Years - Crazy Family Adventure, 29 Things To Do In Key West For A Certifiably Awesome Adventure, 29 Things To Do In Florida On The Ultimate Sunshine State Road Trip, florida beaches: 25 best family vacation destinations, Florida Keys: 3 State Parks & 1 Dreamy National Park You Can't Miss, Florida Keys with Kids: Things to do on a Florida Keys Family Vacation - Family Travel Blog - Travel with Kids, Visit Dry Tortugas National Park The Most Beautiful Place In The US, 15 Lesser Known U.S. National Parks - Family Vacation Ideas, The Ultimate Guide to Yosemite Resorts - Tenaya Lodge, National Parks: Your Guide To The Best Outdoor Adventure. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Check-in time is at 7 am (6:30 am for campers). There are two ways to get here: by boat or by seaplane. However, we were NOT ready to leave when it was time to go. We got amazing pictures when we were there and we kept telling ourselves to put the camera away. ; If you hold a National Parks Pass, show it at either check-in, and the entrance fee will be deducted or not charged with transportation costs.The pass must be shown in person with a valid ID. We went in the fort first then quickly realized we didnt want to be inside but instead wanted to be out by the beautiful beach and water so we headed to the beach. Powered by BigCommerce, Dry Tortugas/Fort Jefferson, Key West, FL - Travel Thru History Show. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! I was not disappointed. If my only option was a daytrip by ferry .. And remember about the cost of the seaplane. Tip 3: Be sure to walk around the tip of the peninsula. Yankee Freedom Ferry (includes the National Park Fee): More Information for Your Trip to Florida, Read all of our articles about Florida in our. Q: How do I make a new day trip reservation? We are already on the waitlist for the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96966450', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight is AMAZING itself. However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. #truth, 11 East Coast National Parks You Want To Visit This Year, 29 Best Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama. Return Departure 3:00pm. I would not bother. So, if you want to visit the highlights of Dry Tortugas National Park and still have plenty of time in Key West, the half day tour, particularly the first time slot of the day, is a great option. Showing up at 7:30 is not likely to work. Lea AFTER BOOKING PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM RESERVATION (305) 222-1199. Ferry ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. The weather had been really rainy and windy so the ocean was NOT calm. guides and enjoy an array of activities. There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live inthe fort at the Dry Tortugas. We use cookies to give you the best experience. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. Departure 8:00 am. A high-speed catamaran, our vessel transports guests 70 miles from Key West to the Park. 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. 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. Unfortunately, when we were there it was a little cooler and the water was really cloudy from all the storms. 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 were so vibrant and beautiful. Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or by seaplane. We promise to never spam you, and just use your email address to identify you as a valid customer. . The Yankee Freedom ferry (The Yankee Freedom III) leaves Key West at 8 am. 3 Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get to the island at about 10:30am. For even more information, check out our Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Guide. The Yankee Freedom Ferry operates daily from Key West to Dry Tortugas-departing Key West at 8:00 AM and returning at 3:00 PM. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. To see the National Park Services requirements for using kayaks in the park, click here. We did the half day trip by seaplane. The ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas is the Yankee Freedom III. For day trips, adults should pay $190 while children will be charged $135 The ride can be very choppy so if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best way to . guided tour of the fort. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. It was the right decision. See here for other Florida beaches you have never heard of. Top 10 list to #PlanLikeaParkRanger for a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. So disappointed! - See 5,527 traveler reviews, 4,181 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. A:Reservations are non-refundable except in cases of trip cancellation by Yankee Freedom. We hiked out on the beach peninsula area at the Dry Tortugas National Park and couldnt stop smiling. Trip Details SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AND HAVE A KAYAK ADVENTURE From $240 CALL TO BOOK 305-294-7009 Camping Trips with Kayak 2057 reviews DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. The Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West, can only be reached by ferry or seaplane, making it perhaps the hardest to reach of all national parks. Those days will not be available for reservations. 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. About Port Jefferson Ferry: Port Jefferson Ferry. News Release Date: October 9, 2022 Contact: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023 Contact: Mike Litterst, 202-306-4166 Key West, Fla. - Concession-operated ferry service to Dry Tortugas National Park will resume on Monday, October 10 after engineers inspected the storm-damaged dock on Garden Key and determined it is safe to partially reopen. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Why? They warn you to be very careful since the closest hospital is over 2 1/2 hours away! We also have a guide to the best things to do along the Florida Keys. This is paradise! Private Charter: Which One is Better? We especially liked the view of the beach where we had found the conch shells. 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. 2. The island is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. Dry Tortugas National Park: Fun trip - See 5,527 traveler reviews, 4,181 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. Have you ever wanted to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park in the Keys? Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas. Private boat owners in Key West rent their boats to people who want a boat to explore the Keys through Boatsetter. - Key West Charter Boat Visit the Dry Tortugas on one of our amazing Key West to Dry Tortugas charters. Key West Tourism Key West Hotels Key West Bed and Breakfast Key West Vacation Packages Flights to Key West Key West Restaurants Things to Do in Key West Cannot wait to do it again!!! 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. Breakfast Lunch. Seriously this is one of those locations to add to your bucket list. Tip 1: Plan to get to the boat terminal well before 7am just to be sure you arent late!! The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp. Next time we go back we also want to check out Loggerhead Key. Our friends at Tiny Shiny Home had a chance to camp with their 4 kids. Here are some of the highlights of my countless trips to the three National Parks (Banff, Jasper and Yoho) in the Canadian Rockies. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! When you arrive, you can tour, explore the fort, swim at one of the beaches, or climb the lighthouse! A: If you are planning to take the day trip you can book immediately online at https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the USA. We really enjoyed our time in the Dry Tortugas and wished we had more than two and a half hours. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. No Hidden Fees. Yes, it is expensive but in reality it only costs a little more than going to Disney for a day. 1 / 9. For more rates, click here. While you are visiting the Dry Tortugas you can walk within the Fort and around it. If you show your National Parks America the Beautiful Pass upon arrival, you will receive a refund for the entrance fee ($15 per person). Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. Florida, USA. 4-12 hour fishing trips for family and friends. The ferry arrived at 10:20, and it got a lot more crowded. If you have limited time and want a sample then the Ft. Zachary one our tour is a good way to make up your mind if the full day trip is worth it. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. 3.3 Fishing in the Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. If you just look at cost, the private charter is the most expensive option. Guess what, we are NOT a quiet family. Wonderful Transportation To Dry Tortugas NP Jul 2021 Solo I took the Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park for the day from Key West. If you return you'll know to book early. Magic Kingdom In One Day 11 Tips On How To Do It! View our ADA Accessibility Policy. If you have any questions about how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park, let us know in the comment section below. We did the half day tour by seaplane and loved it, even though it went by extremely fast. Made up of seven small islands, it is one of the worlds most unique eco-attractions. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. All rights reserved. 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. The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. Parking is free and plentiful at the seaplane terminal. //