To get there, you must either paddle over or have your own private boat. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere. Like with most campgrounds, you have to carry out all your trash with you once you leave. Since it is so remote, there is a good chance that you will have it all to yourself. While Fort Jefferson was never fully completed, it still served a purpose, much like Fort Clinch in North Florida. The calm waters of summer make this season perfect for checking out the underwater portions of the park, with ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions. You can also see sea turtles and if you go snorkeling or scuba diving, see tropical fish, sharks, and octopus. tortugas dry trip national park dengler taken resources john service Dry Tortugas National Park lies within a subtropical climate zone, with warm, humid weather and temperatures typically ranging from 60 to 90 degrees F. Two seasons dominate most of the year. Once at Dry Tortugas there are plenty of things to do, from exploring the fort to snorkeling or scuba diving, so pack your snorkeling gear! There are a few ways visitors can get to Dry Tortugas on privately owned boats, the Yankee Freedom ferry, or a seaplane. Just hoping when we're outdoors and mostly away from others, they won't expect us to be masked thank you!!! snorkeling dry tortugas reefs key west jefferson fort coral drytortugas If you have a National Parks pass, you can present that upon check-in in Key West to have the cost of admission refunded to you. With warm sea and air temperatures, Dry Tortugas National Park is a great place to visit all year. From camping at Dry Tortugas to snorkeling, to the history of Fort Jefferson well answer all your questions here. that water! The Best Time for a Trip to Dry Tortugas (Photo: ). Fees, which are $190 per person and $135 for kids (ages 4-16), include admission to the park, breakfast and lunch on the boat, the use of complimentary snorkel equipment, and a 45-minute tour of the fort led by one of the tour guides. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The winter times are milder in temperature and drier in general. tortugas formations And if you decide to snorkel outside the designated area, you must display an approved dive flag. fishing trips exciting packages various above links please suggested packing trip list

Located about 70 miles west of the Florida Keys, in the crystal turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, are the seven isles of Dry Tortugas National Park. Beyond the two swimming beaches, there is also an incredible stretch of beach to walk along the isthmus towards Bush Key. Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key and East Key. Hurricane Season is all summer (June November) so keep an eye on reports and hurricane tracking. Explore Fort Jefferson first and then go for a stroll around Bush Key and visit one or two snorkeling spots. Youll first have to check in at Fort Jefferson to get a free permit and be provided with information on where you may drop anchor and fish. During the winter months (November through April), brief periods of windy conditions can create large swells of water. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Ah man! In fact, our prices are up to 56% Cheaper*, Dry Tortugas National Park is the #1 Dry Tortugas Concierge in Key West. In your opinion, is traveling via the ferry better or is the sea plane better? The seaplane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park and Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. The best time to visit is during the summer time, which runs from May to October. Ultimately, chances are you are getting to Dry Tortugas on the ferry or seaplane, so lets talk about that. They do offer dramamine for purchase on board, but if you have had success with the small anti-nausea patches, come prepared with them. tortugas We were just there in December and are planning another trip down in May. Historically the cooler months are January and February with lows in the lower 60s and highs in the up mid-70s. The fort is fascinating and beautiful, and is a wonderful place to explore with kids. I seem to be in Florida at least once or twice a year but never get down to the Keyes. You can learn more about the islands and different areas of the park from one of the park rangers at the visitor center. parasailing There is a small primitive campground not far from the public dock with 11 individual campsites, most of which are only able to accommodate a two-person tent. Its a cancellation you cant miss! It is to the left of the ferry dock. karibik wrack spiegel tauchreisen The last thing you want to do is get a citation; youll be able to get the latest information on restrictions on the parks official site. Operated by the National Park Service (NPS), the area is made up of seven islands: Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key. This makes snorkeling and kayaking difficult and there is an increased chance of seasickness on the ferry. Entrance Fee: $15 per person, valid for 7 days. If snorkeling is not your thing, there are several beautiful beaches where you can get into the water. The water is the warmest in July, August, and September with an average water temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of the season, be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting. Videos featuring 2TravelDads webisodes, TV, promos and more! The seaplane is a huge expense for a family, and while it gives amazing views and is lots of fun, the ferry gets my vote. This is the primary area visitors explore. First Timers Guide to Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, How To Camp In The Rain And Not Be Miserable, Review: Faver-Dykes State Park in St. Augustine, 9 Best Short Hikes in Yellowstone National Park, Camping & Hiking Tips, Outdoors & Road Trips. Note: This page contains affiliate links. Fort Jefferson was used for defending the deep water channel leading to the coast along the Gulf of Mexico. see our full Sun Protection article for suggestions, Our friend and trusted travel planner Jenn can help, Students 17+, Active Military, Senior 62+, Climb to the top of the wall and walk the perimeter, Enjoy a picnic lunch on the top of the fort, Get artsy with your photography, photographing the architecture and windows to the sea, Bird watch: magnificent frigate birds, osprey, cormorants, masked boobies and terns, Walk the moat wall it circles all of Fort Jefferson, but there is a small gap you cannot pass on the west side, Spend a few minutes at the Visitor Center watching the video and talking to the rangers, Ferry Departure 8:00 am / Return to Key West 5:30 pm, Seating on the ferry is indoors or out, lower or upper decks, During COVID pandemic, masks are required at all times onboard, Time at Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas NP is approximately 5 hours, There are no bathrooms for you to use on the island, must return to boat, Underwater camera / waterproof phone case, Snorkel gear (if you dont want to use whats provided). tortugas lifelong Here are several sample itineraries, depending on the amount of time you have and which mode of transportation you choose. We were staying at the Laureate Key West hotel when we first did the Dry Tortugas ferry, so we had to park in the public lot. tortugas dry

We'll Price Match It. Each campsite has a picnic table and grill and campers must bring all supplies with them, including a tent, freshwater, ice, and food. Be sure to arrive early enough to get parking here and DONT FORGET TO PAY. (see the Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas map below). In the wintertime, the average temperature is in the mid sixties. Arrive at the terminal by 7:00 am to get checked in for the ferry, as boarding begins at 7:30 am. Flying out of Key West, the travel time is about 40 minutes. So were sharing our favorite things to do and tips for getting the most out of your visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. Our kids were 6 and 9 when we did the ferry and it was a breeze for one and a struggle for Captain Tummy Troubles. That is much more complex and technical, including food/water requirements. So many National Parks are known for their mountains and unique geologic features. If you dont have all day to spend at Dry Tortugas and dont mind spending a little money, Key West Seaplane Adventure Chartercan get you down to the national park in about 40 minutes, each way. While this area is closed to swimming for the protection of the wildlife and habitat, you can still enjoy laying on the beach and exploring the sands. Remember, you can only look and not touch as the coral and shells are protected by law. Be prepared for a lot of sun exposure, as the only shade is within Fort Jefferson and its brick corridors. The South Swim Beach is the best, in my opinion. Spend the night on Garden Key. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you are on your own exploring, you're okay without your mask. People throw around the phrase pristine beaches like its a volleyball, but the beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park are actually pristine. spearfishing dive scuba tortugas liveaboard dry october destin diving At the top of your Florida bucket list should be visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. Unfortunately, these are also the busiest months down in Key West. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Inside Fort Jefferson, youll find long corridors or archways, spiral staircases in the dark, and overgrown ramparts. Bush Key is open from October through January (the remainder of the year it is closed because it is a bird nesting site) but it is the most beautiful walk in the Dry Tortugas. We are traveling with a 3 and 5 year old. So it boils down to budget and time. The islands were later renamed the Dry Tortugas to let sailors know that there was no fresh water to be found here. Annual Visitors: 84,000 in 2021, making it the 9th least visited park this year. We were told that flights are seldom cancelled during this time due to weather. There is a beautiful beach for swimming with views of the Loggerhead Key lighthouse, but most of the island is protected. However, in order to transport a gas grill to the park, youll have to arrive on a personal vessel. These two beaches offer plenty of space to spread out (you wont have much gear) and enjoy the view. tortugas The big question about getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is always How much does it cost to ride the ferry? It isnt cheap, thats for sure, but its very much worth the cost. florida keys tortugas dry park key snorkeling spots travel national west loggerhead snorkeled vacation camping state Dry Tortugas National Park is very different and offers a very unique National Park experience. Go snorkeling. You do need to book your trip in advance, providing names of the passengers, so planning a trip out to the islands is required. fishing tortugas dry charters trips majestic seas exciting packages various above links please deposit refund cancellation policy Others tell stories of rough waves and countess people vomiting off the back of the boat. Once you're off the boat, because it's technically Key West, you do need to keep wearing your mask if you're around people or inside at Fort Jefferson. If you dont own your own boat or know someone who does, the least expensive way to get to Dry Tortugas is via ferry. Its great seeing you did this town two small kids! The ferry has space to roam around and as long as people don't get seasick and/or the seas are calm, it's not a bad journey at all. End the day with a stroll around Bush Key. Im curious whats best if you want to have time to snorkel and explore. Advanced reservations are highly recommended regardless of whether youre traveling via ferry or seaplane, as spots fill up months in advance. On the boat though, it's required at all times. How to get to Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas is actually quite the process though, and once there services are limited. There are two ways to get to the Dry Tortugas: Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series. Your trip out to the Dry Tortugas will be unforgettable no matter when you come. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane.