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. The snorkeling is actually better at the reef. 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. General availability can be checked by going to https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ and clicking on the Book Now button. Luckily the ride back wasnt as rocky and Craig and I actually both took a nap. Showing up at 7:30 is not likely to work. If not do the walking tour at Fort Zach to get a sample of that type of history. So, it costs an additional $186 for an adult to fly to Dry Tortugas National Park than to take the ferry. You spend 4.5 hours in the park. At the Dry Tortugas, they focus on preserving the original look of the fort so there are no railings anywhere so you can literally go to the edge which gives you amazing views. drinks on board. Camping at Fort Jefferson is PRIMITIVE CAMPING! Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the requested dates. Phone +1 305-242-7700. Below are four snorkeling sites at Garden Key. Below I list more advantages and disadvantages for each mode of transportation. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. But if you are visiting the Florida Keys for longer, we recommend Fiesta RV Resort, Sunshine Key RV Resort, Pelican RV Resort & Marina, and Hawks Cay Hotel and Resort. Hopefully next year my dream will come true! After pulling in we grabbed a quick lunch on the boat and then headed out to start exploring! Dry Tortugas National Park Florida Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Directions & Transportation Directions Last updated: May 5, 2021 Was this page helpful? Rescheduling: Your email address will not be published. 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. The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. 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. No other way to see that beautiful water! 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). capacity 175 passangers . Departing from the Historic Seaport area of Key West each morning, it's quite the boat trip. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. A luxurious, state-of-the-art catamaran, docked in Key West, the Yankee Freedom will transport you to the famous Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park. 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. For even more information, check out our Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Guide. If we were going to camp, we would have brought the kids with and dealt with the 2 1/2 hour boat ride. It gave us plenty of time to walk around the island and explore but when we had to leave we were not ready to go!! Getting to the Dry Tortugas by Ferry The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: The seaplane carries 10 people, and two seaplanes travel together. Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry Tickets route/stop changes on the day of your tour. You can fly to the Dry Tortugas from first thing in the morning until mid-afternoon. 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 All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Learn about the special connection between the most remote US Fort built by Thomas Jeffereson and Dr. Samuel Mudd, an alleged conspirator of the Lincoln assassination. Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park. During the cruise from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, you will get to see the Marquesas Islands and lots of sea turtles during the voyage. Really wanted to go to Dry Tortugas but it is sold out during the month of April. 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. Next time we go back we also want to check out Loggerhead Key. ; The Seaplane charges park entrance fee upon check-in. We ate breakfast right away and then took seats outside of the deck of the ship so we could take in the views. 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. We will be back and when we do go back we will definitely plan on camping for 3 nights! I`ve been dreaming to go there for a long time. 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. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the USA. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. 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). 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. The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is called theYankee Freedomiii. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. We also have a detailed guide to the best things to do in the Dry Tortugas. We rounded the corner and their were hundreds of them all over the beach. 28 days ago. But eventually we could see the island. 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. Private Charter: Which One is Better? It felt like we had the place to ourselves. 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. Breath-taking. We walked back towards the fort and found a conch tree. | 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. The days are delightfully warm in Key West and the Florida Keys. Join. Our website uses cookies. If my only option was a daytrip by ferry .. . 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. Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the western hemisphere consisting of more than 16 million bricks. They are part of one of the longest coral reefs in the world. Fully Narrated 45-min. 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. It was quite the experience and the ride. Im sure some people have gotten on, but with the no cancellation refund policy it has become very unusual for someone to not show up. ; 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. The water color starts to change, the fort has old-fashion charm, and all the sooty terns birds are amazing. Cookie Notice 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. Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park Experience a journey like no other aboard the Yankee Freedom. 3.1 Snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas. Fastest way to and from Dry Tortugas National Park, Can visit the Dry Tortugas with low crowds before the ferry arrives or late in the date once the ferry departs, The full day tour seems a little too long, Cant bring camping gear or scuba equipment, 4.5 hours on the Dry Tortugas, a nice amount of time on the islands, Can bring camping gear, scuba equipment, and kayaks, More crowded experience on the Dry Tortugas, Private tour of Dry Tortugas National Park. Then when you land in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Florida, USA. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Not totally correct. FLORIDA KEYS: Plan your Florida Keys road trip with our Florida Keys Itinerary, which has suggestions on how to road trip from Miami to Key West. After walking the moat we headed into the fort. Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. So disappointed! I think I remember reading that they changed their cancellation policy so this tends to happen less often nowadays. guides and enjoy an array of activities. Ferry To Dry Tortugas. I couldn't find much recent information on this so hoping someone on here might have some current info. Craig tends to get seasick so he didnt take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning. They are located 70 miles west of Key West. All prices are in USD. Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas. guided tour of the fort. Q: I am trying to book a date for later in the year and the reservation engine says that its not available. The way nature intended it to be. You can click here to learn more about the prices and availability for camping on the island. So join us and take in the sights in a private rental boat from Boatsetter. Seriously how can the water be those colors?! To reserve, call Yankee Freedom's phone at 1-800-634-0939. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! Book Now and Explore Uncharted Territory at the Dry Tortugas National Park! [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. more. I was iffy upon seeing the initial cost but it looks phenomenal and highly likely Ill do it. Since we just did a day visit, we thought it made more sense for Craig and I to go. Below we shared tips on visiting the Dry Tortugas, Florida and what to expect when you visit. A maximum of 68 campers can stay here and space is on a first-come, first-served basis. KEY WEST: For a list of top experiences in Key West, read our article Best Things to Do in Key West. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Q: How do I make a new day trip reservation? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112874403', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane. Due to space constraints, the Yankee Freedom is happy to accommodate campers wishing to stay up to 4 days (3 nights). Great write up and pics. There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live inthe fort at the Dry Tortugas. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. If you love civil war and military history this is a must. Experience today the simplicity and comfort of travel. When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get to the island at about 10:30am. I normally dont so I didnt. Read all of our articles about Florida in our Florida Travel Guide and the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Get on the ferry wait list, you might get lucky. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane. We especially liked the view of the beach where we had found the conch shells. Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. Manage booking Connect Search MENU TICKETS Yankee Freedom - Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry 2068 reviews slideshow video Book this tour Overview Details Schedule ], 7 Awesome Things To Do In Miami With Kids. 1. r/nationalparks. Yankee Freedom: Wow! Powered by BigCommerce, Dry Tortugas/Fort Jefferson, Key West, FL - Travel Thru History Show. We really enjoyed our time in the Dry Tortugas and wished we had more than two and a half hours. Saint Augustine is pretty cool too- a national park/iconic . 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. It is usually booked months ahead of time!! Be the first to review this product! The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. 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. Report inappropriate content jordansbulls Houston, Texas Level Contributor 54,064 posts 840 reviews 257 helpful votes 5. Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson aboard the Official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry - the Yankee Freedom. We use cookies to give you the best experience. Like full on alive conch shells. Day Trip: $190 (includes $15 National Park Entry Fee) Overnight: $210 (does NOT include $15-$30 campsite fee) Parking at Ferry Terminal: $32 per day. We recommend you plan to get there early like 6:30am ish just in case you run into any issues on your way there. The Dry Tortugas has kind of been loved to death these days. There is no way to know if there will be space on any given day, it is completely random. You can also go on a 45 minute narrated tour of the fort. There will be cancelations but how many it is not clear this far out. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! These beautiful, pristine beaches are a Key West attraction not to be missed. However, we were NOT ready to leave when it was time to go. It looks absolutely amazing. "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 )}}. Camping is $200 per adult. Julie Last updated: January 31, 2023 United States 2 Comments. Key West Seaplane Adventures offers a 4-hours and 8-hour adventures to Dry Tortugas National Park. You will fly over the keys and the Marquesas Islands and get to see both Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park from the sky. Take the official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, the Yankee Freedom, to visit Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National park. best things to do along the Florida Keys. You can click here to learn more about the prices and availability for camping on the island. Things to know before your visit National Park Entrance Fee $15.00 per person ages 16+ and is good for 7 consecutive days - Ferry tickets include the cost of entrance to the park, but camping fees . Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. Then all of a sudden this island pops up out of nowhere. 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. Top 10 list to #PlanLikeaParkRanger for a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. Privacy Policy. Dry Tortugas Ferry $169.00 Departure Date: AFTER BOOKING PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM RESERVATION (305) 222-1199: Quantity: Product Description Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park Departure 8:00 am Return Departure 3:00pm Return Time 5:30 Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. Re: Dry Tortugas 1 year ago Save The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Here are some of our suggestions on what to bring to make your trip memorable! Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas. 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. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get there at about 10:30am. But I'll agree with the others that the seaplane is totally worth it. ), underwater sand dunes, reefs, shipwrecks, and the keys. *The Park Service will collect a campsite fee of $15 to $30 per night based on the size of your party. Entry to the national park costs $15 and this is included in the price of the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. 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. Reply Dry Tortugas campground is one of the most beautiful settings you can imagine. Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry 4.7. Camping at the Dry Tortugas is very popular. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. The Yankee Freedom ferry (The Yankee Freedom III) leaves Key West at 8 am. For a list of approved private charters, visit the National Park Service website. 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. At the heart of the Dry Tortugas sits Fort Jefferson, a . 4. Grateful for anyone's advice. Nothing like fishing the crystal clear waters 5.0 / 5 . By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas, then you should stay in Key West. Save. The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III. READ NEXT: Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park. Midday, the ferry deposits a lot of people on the island, so it is more crowded during this time. Go Snorkeling at Garden Key. The Yankee Freedom III. 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. Check-in cutoff is at 7:50am and if there are spaces available you will be accommodated in the order you lined up. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Yankee Freedom has resumed normal capacity daily scheduled service to the Dry Tortugas. And while you're heading down there/back up, try to do the Everglades too! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96972143', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane - once in a lifetime experience! It's a very small airport with just one waiting area and very few services. Seaplane vs. the Ferry vs. Photos from the Flight to Dry Tortugas National Park. During your voyage, youll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande. Snorkeling and Diving Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. It was enough time to walk around and explore the island. We visit Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas on the show. They have snorkel equipment that you can use while you are there. It was used as a prison during the Civil War. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know on how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. The only ferry authorized to enter the water in Dry Tortugas National Park is the Yankee Freedom. The ferry takes 175 people. The ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Required fields are marked *. There was a snorkeling spot that we wanted to try, and we never got to it because we ran out of time. The beach itself is a palm-lined paradise, where . When you travel by seaplane, you land in the waters just offshore from Garden Key. At 3 pm, the ferry departs Dry Tortugas National Park, and you will arrive in Key West at 5:30 pm. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. // Power Automate Get File Content Route Did Not Match, Gopher Rats In Alabama, Articles D