We especially liked the view of the beach where we had found the conch shells. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! ; 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. 3.3 Fishing in the Dry Tortugas. Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. tour of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun No Hidden Fees. There are 3 of us who would need tickets. However, we were NOT ready to leave when it was time to go. Then when you land in Key West check the wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth daily as well. 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. Yes, it is expensive but in reality it only costs a little more than going to Disney for a day. Try and find a way to take the seaplane -it is a once in a lifetime trip IMO, Agree with Louise M .. the seaplane is much more than just transportation it is imperative to take the first (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Unfortunately, I struck out with both the seaplane and ferry when I tried to make it to Dry Tortugas on a recent Key West trip. We were on the first flight at 8 am. Breakfast Lunch. Book Now and Explore Uncharted Territory at the Dry Tortugas National Park! capacity 175 passangers That is why I am considering this year to do the three night camping option. I would not bother. . ), underwater sand dunes, reefs, shipwrecks, and the keys. 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. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. The ferry arrived at 10:20, and it got a lot more crowded. 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. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. We do not keep a waiting list and will not call you in case of cancellations. A: Camping reservations must be made over the phone by calling 305-294-7009. Really wanted to go to Dry Tortugas but it is sold out during the month of April. 2. Take the Ferry to Dry Tortugas The best way for most park visitors to get to Dry Tortugas is by charter boat on the Yankee Freedom iii. They were so vibrant and beautiful. The trip was about 2.5 hours each way. Powered by BigCommerce, Dry Tortugas/Fort Jefferson, Key West, FL - Travel Thru History Show. Take your comfortable seat and enjoy the relaxing ride to the Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson, just 70 miles west of Key West. Must reschedule by 6:00pm Eastern TWO (2) DAYS prior to trip date by calling (305) 294-7009. Grateful for anyone's advice. What To Bring Valid Photo ID Required Sunscreen and Bathing suit Camera Flickr Matthew Dillon. You can only get to Dry Tortugas National Park by boat or by seaplane and these all leave from Key West, Florida. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. 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. *The Park Service will collect a campsite fee of $15 to $30 per night based on the size of your party. There are two ways to get here: by boat or by seaplane. Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson aboard the Official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry - the Yankee Freedom. Best price guaranteed, verified reviews, and secure online booking. About Port Jefferson Ferry: Port Jefferson Ferry. 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. 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. Perfect picture opportunity! Yankee Freedom: Wow! We did the half day tour by seaplane and loved it, even though it went by extremely fast. Plus, if you go camping then it is totally worth the boat ride. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. 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. The most popular way of getting to Dry Tortugas is the National Parks Service's ferry, the Yankee Freedom III. In other words, you must bring everything (water included) with you. 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. No other way to see that beautiful water! Thankfully the National Park limits visitors to 175 people, so there is only one ferry. 4. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. They work 10 days on the island and then they are off for 6, so they can head into Key West to restock and catch a movie or something. This secluded park is located about 70 miles from Key West, and it definitely deserves a spot as one of the best places to . In my personal humble opinion Dry Tortugas by seaplane (or charter - whatever gets you there without the ferry crowd) is a bucket list item . If you love civil war and military history this is a must. If you show your National Parks America the Beautiful Pass upon arrival, you will receive a refund for the entrance fee ($15 per person). With about 30 minutes left I took a dramamine because I was not sure if I was going to make it! UNESCO Listed: Park Of The 1976 UNESCO Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve Today it is a stunning paradise to explore. Great write up and pics. The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. 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. 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. The best flights are the first and last flights of the day, when you will visit the park with fewer people. Yankee Freedom Ferry (includes the National Park Fee): More Information for Your Trip to Florida, Read all of our articles about Florida in our. Since we didnt have the kids with us we figured we would take advantage of the fact that we could close our eyes and get some sleep! This includes the National Park entrance fee. Q: I am trying to book a date for later in the year and the reservation engine says that its not available. Ideally we would recommend you go and camp for a few nights. http://www.travelthruhistory.tv/explore-dry-tortugas-fort-jefferson-key-west-fl/ - Things to do in Key West, FL. Florida, USA. It was worth every dollar! You have to add the sales tax, the $10.00 pp entrance fee to the park, and will very likely need a cab both to and from the airport. just wait until you experience the open-air restaurants and charming little shops of . 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. Manage booking Connect Search MENU TICKETS Yankee Freedom - Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry 2068 reviews slideshow video Book this tour Overview Details Schedule Return Time 5:30. When we got to the end of the peninsula we started to see conch shells. Your email address will not be published. Key West Seaplane Adventures provides snorkel gear and coolers with ice and water or soft drinks. The way nature intended it to be. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. The ferry serves a continental breakfast that consists of coffee, cereal, and doughnuts. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori 3.2 Hiking around Fort Jefferson. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The boat leaves at about 2:45pm so you only have about 4 hours to explore. For day trips, adults should pay $190 while children will be charged $135 Lea AFTER BOOKING PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM RESERVATION (305) 222-1199. Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the western hemisphere consisting of more than 16 million bricks. My wife and I are from Northwest FL and are finally making it down to the keys for our anniversary. Provided by Touchpoints Photos from the Flight to Dry Tortugas National Park. We ate breakfast right away and then took seats outside of the deck of the ship so we could take in the views. The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is called theYankee Freedomiii. The Yankee Freedom III. 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. But eventually we could see the island. 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. Fully Narrated 45-min. It's just not the same experience at all . You can check out their blog post about it here. 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 will have Dry Tortugas to yourself once the ferry leaves Garden Key. It is the largest island in the Dry Tortugas and is supposed to have a lot of loggerhead sea turtles and also a Lighthouse. Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most unique destinations in the entire U.S., as it combines history and a pristine marine ecosystem into one unforgettable experience. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. 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. Q: Do you have spaces for xx/xx/xxxx? Book the first flight of the day. When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get there at about 10:30am. 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). The first floor was gorgeous with all of the arches. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. We have been to a lot of beaches but this is the first time we had seen so many in once place. Listen to the sounds of the waves as you enjoy a meal from our Snack Bar, or if you choose have a cocktail in the Steamboat Lounge, as the . 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. Then when you land in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Get on the ferry wait list, you might get lucky. After you factor in lunch time and fully exploring Ft. Jefferson I found even that was too little time with the ferry option. They are located 70 miles west of Key West. At that point, we only had 30 minutes left on Dry Tortugas before flying back to Key West. | There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live inthe fort at the Dry Tortugas. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. Below are four snorkeling sites at Garden Key. Tip 1: Plan to get to the boat terminal well before 7am just to be sure you arent late!! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. A maximum of 68 campers can stay here and space is on a first-come, first-served basis. Save. Also note check in time is currently 7am (always validate this when you book in case it changes) and the boat departs at 7:30am. Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! [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. Come to the Florida Keys and visit Fort Jefferson today! Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori Hopefully next year my dream will come true! Now that would be amazing. A: If you are planning to take the day trip you can book immediately online at https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/. 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. A: We do not have a waiting list. Since we just did a day visit, we thought it made more sense for Craig and I to go. 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. There are two options for most people getting to Dry Tortugas which is located 70 miles from the coast of Key West, Florida. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. capacity 175 passangers . Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the USA. 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. Totally worth it. Those days will not be available for reservations. So disappointed! View our ADA Accessibility Policy. Departure 8:00 am. And remember about the cost of the seaplane. There was no question that this beach was #1 on our list of the Top 10 Beaches In The Florida Keys. The Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry departs daily from Key West, promptly at 8am. Phone +1 305-242-7700. Explore and learn of its history with one of our Private Charter: Which One is Better? 1. r/nationalparks. 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. ; The Seaplane charges park entrance fee upon check-in. Click the button below to add the Dry Tortugas Ferry to your wish list. This is paradise! They are not going to wait for you. While you are visiting the Dry Tortugas you can walk within the Fort and around it. Return Departure 3:00pm. Dry Tortugas Charter Trips - Book Today! Please read my disclosure for more info. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The only ferry authorized to enter the water in Dry Tortugas National Park is the Yankee Freedom. Then all of a sudden this island pops up out of nowhere. Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees. During your voyage, youll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande. Unfortunately, when we were there it was a little cooler and the water was really cloudy from all the storms. Drive, walk or ride your bicycle aboard one of our three ferries. It is expensive at $200 per adult. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. Neither of these locations are close to Key West. Before departure each day we spray all mouthpieces and vest with the same solution and let them sit overnight. use of snorkeling gear. Are you ready to book your ticket to the Dry Tortugas? Unfortunately, I was an idiot and didn't book reservations for the ferry to Dry Tortugas early enough. Read all of our articles about Florida in our Florida Travel Guide and the United States in our United States Travel Guide. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. 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. 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. 800-634-0939. info@yankeefreedom.com. 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 . To reserve, call Yankee Freedom's phone at 1-800-634-0939. 1 / 9. 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. It was enough time to walk around and explore the island. The ferry departs at 8:00 am and it takes 2.5 hours to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Like full on alive conch shells. As you pull in it is absolutely gorgeous. If we were going to camp, we would have brought the kids with and dealt with the 2 1/2 hour boat ride. The Dry Tortugas National Park is a series of islands around 70 miles from Florida's Key West. Ferry To Dry Tortugas. I agree with everyone about the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Camping is $200 per adult. One of the workers there did have dogs (if you camp or visit for the day, you cannot bring dogs). Next we headed to the top and walked around the edge of the fort and the views just kept getting better and better. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. How Much Is A Ferry Ride To Dry Tortugas? Due to the no refunds cancellation policy of the ferry, it's pretty unusual for people to not show up for reservations. 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. Re: Options for Dry Tortugas National Park if ferry sold out 4 years ago Save Get on the Yankee Freedom III ferry waiting list now. - Key West Charter Boat Visit the Dry Tortugas on one of our amazing Key West to Dry Tortugas charters. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. The Yankee Freedom has resumed normal capacity daily scheduled service to the Dry Tortugas. We use cookies to give you the best experience. Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees and the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves playing in the background. 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. It was so cool to see. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry, Breakfast and Lunch (campers, arrival day only), Beach walk, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun, Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort, Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Experience today the simplicity and comfort of travel. guides and enjoy an array of activities. When you arrive, you can tour, explore the fort, swim at one of the beaches, or climb the lighthouse! We also have a detailed guide to the best things to do in the Dry Tortugas. 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. Seaplane vs. the Ferry vs. Per CDC guidelines all our snorkels, masks, fins, and vests are dipped into a solution of water and Buckeye International SaniQ, washed with fresh water, and then hung on the rail to dry. For more information, please see our I was iffy upon seeing the initial cost but it looks phenomenal and highly likely Ill do it. The ferry is your only "cheap" option. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Here is an overview of the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park for specific conditions: You'll experience the mildest weather in Dry Tortugas National Park in January, February, March, November, and December. Take a peek at Dry Tortugas National Park's Fort Jefferson on Google Maps, then click on the satellite feature and . //