I do not hear ENOUGH about Dry Tortugas National Park, and I am not sure why! But it is a phenomenal National Park that goes undermentioned. Possibly because access is limited by the ocean, but it’s STILL worth the visit.
However, if you’re in Key West and have the time, a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most unique adventures worth taking.
This park comprises of 7 smaller island, one which houses a massive brick fort surrounded by turquoise water. Otherwise known as Fort Jefferson, this fort was built in the 19th century, and is only accessible by boat or seaplane.
Getting There: Booking the Ferry or Seaplane
The most popular way to visit is by booking the Yankee Freedom Ferry. Tickets include breakfast, lunch, your park entrance fee, and snorkel gear. The boat also has drinks, snacks, and various toiletries/meds (think dramamine) to purchase.
The ride takes about 2 hours from Key West, so plan for a full-day trip. We left at about 7am and returned to dock about 530pm. So, the actual time spent on the island was about four hours total. Personally, I found it too short a time, but still worth the trip.
Reviews were mixed about the boat ride. Some individuals mentioned it was the worst experience ever due to weather, while others had no issues. Personally, the weather was perfect on the day I went. I only experienced sea sickness en route to the island, but none on the return trip. However, I am not prone to sea sickness usually (I was not well that day), and sitting outside in the fresh air did the trick for me.
Please note that there is fee to park your car on arrival to the dock. For me, it was about $45 for the day, but I’m sure it has since gone up.
If you desire to arrive sooner, or are short on time, you can also take a seaplane (faster but more expensive).
👉 Pro tip: Book in advance — ferry tickets sell out weeks if not months ahead, especially in peak season. I went in November, and booked almost six months prior. Additionally, check the website for added discounts that can apply to you (senior citizen, military, etc.).
Things to Do at Dry Tortugas
Explore Fort Jefferson
When you arrive, you’ll dock at Fort Jefferson, and you can pick one of the following:
• Join a staff-led guided tour for packed with historical information.
• Self-explore at your own pace, climbing walls and taking in views.
I opted to explore the fortress on my own, although I did listen to the initial presentation of the group tour. It was very informative—the staff very knowledgeable—but the tour ended up taking a significant amount of the free time we had on the island. Therefore, I explored on my own.
Lunch was prepped into boxes and served assembly style as you unboarded the boat. I ate under the shade of the fortress, went to the visitor center, and then climbed up the various levels.
The entire fortress acted like an open museum. With some of the original buildings in ruins, and some fully intact, various signs educate the public regarding the historical significance of the fort.
Snorkeling & Beaches
The beaches here are incredible — calm, clear water perfect for snorkeling, especially by the moat. You’ll spot coral, tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles.
I was truly living my Pirates of The Caribbean dream with the tropical waters and the 19th century fortress with moat as my background. It was A DREAM!
Please note that it is not recommended to go snorkeling on your own, but should be done in pairs for safety reasons.
And if you’re not in the mood for snorkeling activities? Bring a towel and just enjoy the Caribbean-like setting and the warm weather.
What to Pack for Dry Tortugas
- Reef-safe sunscreen!
- Dry bag for your camera/phone, and other backpack for snacks/clothes.
- Personal snorkel gear if you prefer your own
- A hat, sunglasses, & extra water
- Comfortable shoes that are also waterproof—I wore my crocs.
- A windbreaker jacket for the boat ride, even better if it’s waterproof.
FAQs About Visiting Dry Tortugas
How long is the ferry ride to Dry Tortugas?
About 2 hours each way from Key West.
Can you stay overnight at Dry Tortugas?
Yes, but campsites are extremely limited and require advanced reservations. Additionally, these campgrounds are considered DRY—which means no water. You must pack in everything you will need. Otherwise, there are no overnight stays.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, the Yankee Freedom Ferry includes snorkel gear, though some travelers prefer bringing their own.
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