Departing from the Historic Seaport area of Key West each morning, it's quite the boat trip. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. After walking the moat we headed into the fort. I normally dont so I didnt. Next we headed to the top and walked around the edge of the fort and the views just kept getting better and better. At that point, we only had 30 minutes left on Dry Tortugas before flying back to Key West. Theres something for everyone! more. When you travel by seaplane, you land in the waters just offshore from Garden Key. Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! The 2.5 hours in Dry Tortugas National Park goes by extremely fast, and the entire time Tim and I felt like we were in a race. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Below are four snorkeling sites at Garden Key. Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the requested dates. 5 What to pack when taking the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112876149', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights or plan poorly, but the odd are very poor. It's the stuff that bucket lists are made of. beer and wine available . Nothing like fishing the crystal clear waters 5.0 / 5 . Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If not do the walking tour at Fort Zach to get a sample of that type of history. They were so vibrant and beautiful. Line up in the order you arrive on the benches along the wall next to the front door of the Terminal. Manage booking Connect Search MENU TICKETS Yankee Freedom - Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry 2068 reviews slideshow video Book this tour Overview Details Schedule There is no other way to do it. While the Dry Tortugas is a special trip and the Fort is unique, I think you would find a small charter out to the backcountry or snorkeling at the reef on a boat like Floridays just as enjoyable in its own way. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. The ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea plane is way out of our budget. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. After you factor in lunch time and fully exploring Ft. Jefferson I found even that was too little time with the ferry option. We ate breakfast right away and then took seats outside of the deck of the ship so we could take in the views. 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Not totally correct. The ferry is the more economical way to the island, but it still has its pros and cons! While the Dry Tortugas is a special trip and the Fort is unique, I think you would find a small charter out to the backcountry or snorkeling at the reef on a boat like Floridays just as enjoyable in its own way. Required fields are marked *. Snorkeling and Diving The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. Julie Last updated: January 31, 2023 United States 2 Comments. 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. 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). WOW! All rights reserved. If you are looking for activities to do in the Florida Keys that are north of Key West check out: Turtle Hospital and Dolphins Plus. Q: How do I make a new day trip reservation? ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry, Comfortable seats, three large restrooms and fresh water rinse showers, A full galley where you can purchase snacks, drinks and souvenirs, Upper deck open to the sea-air and sights and sounds of marine life, Spacious shaded and un-shaded sundeck seating, Entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, Fully narrated 45-minute tour of the fort, Beach walking, snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun. USA: (866) 575-5068. Due to the no refunds cancellation policy of the ferry, it's pretty unusual for people to not show up for reservations. Must reschedule by 6:00pm Eastern TWO (2) DAYS prior to trip date by calling (305) 294-7009. Best price guaranteed, verified reviews, and secure online booking. #truth, 11 East Coast National Parks You Want To Visit This Year, 29 Best Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was enough time to walk around and explore the island. Address. We got amazing pictures when we were there and we kept telling ourselves to put the camera away. 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. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. We (2 couples) will be in Key West in March. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. Grateful for anyone's advice. My wife and I are from Northwest FL and are finally making it down to the keys for our anniversary. Unfortunately, I was an idiot and didn't book reservations for the ferry to Dry Tortugas early enough. Unless you camp, the ferry or seaplane give you only a few hours on the island to tour the historic fort and snorkel in its dazzling clear Caribbean waters. Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees. The ferry arrived at 10:20, and it got a lot more crowded. The ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas is the Yankee Freedom III. This includes the National Park entrance fee. Key West. We took the ferry over. We also have a guide to the best things to do along the Florida Keys. 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. Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida. No other way to see that beautiful water! There will be cancelations but how many it is not clear this far out. It's just not the same experience at all . It then makes the two-and-a-half-hour ride to the dock at Garden Key. That is why I am considering this year to do the three night camping option. Parking is free and plentiful at the seaplane terminal. Both come with their advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose depends on cost, how much time you have, if you plan to camp on Garden Key, and other factors such as seasickness. We have been to a lot of beaches but this is the first time we had seen so many in once place. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. If you take the seaplane, not only do you get to Dry Tortugas National Park quickly, and have the chance to arrive before the ferry, but the flight is incredibly scenic. 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. 365 Days a Year. Campers at Dry Tortugas National Park are allowed to bring kayaks, subject to certain restrictions and availability of transport space on board the Yankee Freedom ferry. We've done it twice, I loved it so much the first time I couldn't wait to do it again. One of the workers there did have dogs (if you camp or visit for the day, you cannot bring dogs). I was not disappointed. This site uses cookies. Are there any other options? - Key West Charter Boat Visit the Dry Tortugas on one of our amazing Key West to Dry Tortugas charters. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. Before calling please check the camping availability calendar to determine a selection of available camping dates that will work for you, then call 305-294-7009 to speak with a reservation agent to check kayak space availability. Yankee Freedom: Wow! These beautiful, pristine beaches are a Key West attraction not to be missed. The ferry costs $200 for adults and $145 for kids through the age of 16. We will be back and when we do go back we will definitely plan on camping for 3 nights! For more information on Dry Tortugas camping, visit the park's website. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. 4. Tip 1: Plan to get to the boat terminal well before 7am just to be sure you arent late!! 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. UNESCO Listed: Park Of The 1976 UNESCO Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve Today it is a stunning paradise to explore. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96965502', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight in the morning or last in the afternoon though. At the galley, you can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, ice cream, and snacks. The beach itself is a palm-lined paradise, where . Getting to the Dry Tortugas by Ferry The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Please see our website for full policy. (305) 783-2430 Home Key West Fishing Charters Key West Deep Sea Fishing Key West Flats Fishing Key West Boat Rentals Dry Tortugas Charter Trips No Key West beach trip is complete without visiting the best beach in the Florida Keys: Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, located just 70 miles west of Key West. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. And I know our dogs would love to live there and swim in the ocean every night! Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. Check out my recent review of the ferry ride titled "A must do for local history & day trip seekers". Take your comfortable seat and enjoy the relaxing ride to the Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson, just 70 miles west of Key West. Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. For a list of approved private charters, visit the National Park Service website. The seaplane disadvantage is you only get about 2-1/2 hours on the island for the basic fare vs. about 4-1/2 hours with the ferry option. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. We rounded the corner and their were hundreds of them all over the beach. Seaplanes run about $356 per person for a half-day trip. 3.1 Snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas. 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. I don't know what their availability is in April but I just recently booked for May and they have quite a few openings. Take a peek at Dry Tortugas National Park's Fort Jefferson on Google Maps, then click on the satellite feature and . The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp. A:Reservations are non-refundable except in cases of trip cancellation by Yankee Freedom. 1. r/nationalparks. Midday, the ferry deposits a lot of people on the island, so it is more crowded during this time. However, that will be more $ than buying every seat on the seaplane. Dry Tortugas National Park: Nice trip! We use cookies to give you the best experience. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. All opinions expressed are my own. Half day trips are offered throughout the day. http://www.travelthruhistory.tv/explore-dry-tortugas-fort-jefferson-key-west-fl/ - Things to do in Key West, FL. Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Key West. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. You can click here to learn more about the prices and availability for camping on the island. The ferry takes 175 people. Dry Tortugas Charter Trips - Book Today! You can check out their blog post about it here. [CDATA[ (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); // ]]> Disclosure: A HUGE thank you to Historic Tours of America for hosting us on our trip. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. Even if you have never taken or needed Dramamine before bring some with you just in case. The boat leaves at about 2:45pm so you only have about 4 hours to explore. If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas, then you should stay in Key West. 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. When you arrive, you can tour, explore the fort, swim at one of the beaches, or climb the lighthouse! 3.3 Fishing in the Dry Tortugas. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. We had to capture it to share with you guys! 28 days ago. 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. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. At 3 pm, the ferry departs Dry Tortugas National Park, and you will arrive in Key West at 5:30 pm. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. We use cookies to give you the best experience. And while you're heading down there/back up, try to do the Everglades too! Please note that the National Park Service does not keep a . Q: Can I cancel my reservations and get a refund? and our 3 Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. "One of the 10 great places to explore nooks and crevasses" USA Today, "One of the top 10 things to do in the Florida Keys" Islands Magazine, "One of the coolest things to do in Key West" Rachael Ray Magazine, {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Campers should confirm their return dates at the time of ticket purchase and with the captain on the outbound trip. Predominately open water, dotted with seven small islands, it's the very definition of secluded. Cookie Notice Ferry To Dry Tortugas. Thankfully the National Park limits visitors to 175 people, so there is only one ferry. And remember about the cost of the seaplane. 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. Yes, it is expensive but in reality it only costs a little more than going to Disney for a day. Yankee Freedom III - Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! just wait until you experience the open-air restaurants and charming little shops of . Below we shared tips on visiting the Dry Tortugas, Florida and what to expect when you visit. Florida, USA. Get on the ferry wait list, you might get lucky. Reservations on the ferry are limited and sell out 9-12 months in advance so please plan ahead! The Dry Tortugas National Park is a series of islands around 70 miles from Florida's Key West. Options for Dry Tortugas National Park if ferry sold out, Re: Options for Dry Tortugas National Park if ferry sold out, Get answers to your questions about Key West, What are some good books to read during a trip to Key West. By noon, we were back in Key West and had all afternoon in town. Great write up and pics. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? About Port Jefferson Ferry: Port Jefferson Ferry. 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. With 4 young kids maybe not, since we are sure it gets really quiet on the island after the ferry leaves. Yeah, there is definite sticker shock, but it was so worth it! - See 2,588 traveler reviews, 2,466 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. This group of islands are the last keys in the Florida Keys. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. Plus they were huge! Below I list more advantages and disadvantages for each mode of transportation. We visit Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas on the show. PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to camp at Dry Tortugas National Park, you will have to take the ferry or a private boat to get here. Cannot wait to do it again!! Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. Alternatively, you may use, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. Private Charter: Which One is Better? NATIONAL PARKS IN FLORIDA: Learn more about the national parks in Florida in our guides to the Evergladesand Biscayne National Park. We also have a detailed guide to the best things to do in the Dry Tortugas. Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry 4.7. Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori They are not going to wait for you. It is usually booked months ahead of time!! 16 Tips For A Magical Visit To Universal Orlando Resort! Now that would be amazing. 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. 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. ], 7 Awesome Things To Do In Miami With Kids. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the 100-square mile Dry Tortugas National Park is sited 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. Read all of our articles about Florida in our Florida Travel Guide and the United States in our United States Travel Guide. I would not bother. Next time we go back we also want to check out Loggerhead Key. Here are some of our suggestions on what to bring to make your trip memorable! Also if you are looking for more activities to do in Key West check out the Aquarium, the Shipwreck Museum, the Conch Train and our favorite Key West water activities! 17 Exciting Things To Do In St. Augustine With Kids, 24 Amazing Tips for Universal Volcano Bay [Must Read! Playa Tortugas 4.5 /5 ( 331 reviews ) Watch fishermen unload their catches at the marina, mingle with locals or just watch the ferries come and go; downtown Cancun's closest beach buzzes with activity. They are located 70 miles west of Key West. Going by ferry turns your visit into a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry, https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/. Magic Kingdom In One Day 11 Tips On How To Do It! The Yankee Freedom III. READ NEXT: Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. Breath-taking. We hiked out on the beach peninsula area at the Dry Tortugas National Park and couldnt stop smiling. On average, the warmest months are May, June, July, August, and September. For more rates, click here. For even more information, check out our Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Guide. Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson aboard the Official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry - the Yankee Freedom. 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. Rescheduling: Provided by Touchpoints Public ferries and seaplanes depart regularly to the park, and fishing and dive charters can be booked from the Florida Keys and Naples. Then you may have to arrive very early the morning of to grab any possible seats that are canceled at the last minute. capacity 175 passangers Where should we stop to eat and what should we see on the drive to Key West? At the heart of the Dry Tortugas sits Fort Jefferson, a . The color of the fresh water and marine life is surreal, the conch shells are amazing, the beach is beautiful, and visiting the historic Fort Jefferson, which is located on garden key, was really cool. The snorkeling is actually better at the reef. 4-12 hour fishing trips for family and friends. Report inappropriate content jordansbulls Houston, Texas Level Contributor 54,064 posts 840 reviews 257 helpful votes 5. We are already on the waitlist for the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its crown jewel, the historic Fort Jefferson, was once used as a prison during the Civil War. Craig tends to get seasick so he didnt take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning. At least with the Yankee Freedom it's likely you will be able to walk there and back, and the entrance fee is included in the price. 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. . 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. A sign-up sheet will be available at 6:30am. You can only get to Dry Tortugas National Park by boat or by seaplane and these all leave from Key West, Florida. The Dry Tortugas has kind of been loved to death these days. 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. A: We do not have a waiting list. Reply 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. When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get to the island at about 10:30am. The Dry Tortugas are a group of small islands composed of coral reefs located in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of the Florida Keys, United States. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane. 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. 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.