I am working on a trip though to go right here! Spend the night on Garden Key. Of the two seasons, summer is certainly the preferred time to visit Dry Tortugas, though a strong case could be made that the brief spring season late April to early June is the best time to experience the islands.
Get your America The Beautiful National Park Pass here! During the winter months (November through April), brief periods of windy conditions can create large swells of water. The National Park Service website offers a wealth of additional information to help plan a visit, including maps of the islands and up-to-date weather reports. However, in order to transport a gas grill to the park, youll have to arrive on a personal vessel.
Go snorkeling. Well help you get it planned though. 
FULL DAY BY SEAPLANE: With a full day by seaplane, you now have 6.5 hours in the Dry Tortugas. We were told that flights are seldom cancelled during this time due to weather. 
Videos featuring 2TravelDads webisodes, TV, promos and more! The South Swim Beach is the best, in my opinion. The summer months bring it to above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Found a better price online? Book passage to Dry Tortugas National Park here!
The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. The Dry Tortugas are the last group of islands of the Florida Keys, sitting 70 miles west of Key West. The full day gives you about 6 and a half hours snorkeling and exploring the National Park.
The fort is fascinating and beautiful, and is a wonderful place to explore with kids. In your opinion, is traveling via the ferry better or is the sea plane better? Just hoping when we're outdoors and mostly away from others, they won't expect us to be masked thank you!!! If you are lucky enough to have a boat or have a friend with a boat, and want to head down on your own, keep in mind that you cant just drop anchor anywhere you want. Dry Tortugas offers excellent bird-watching as well, especially in spring, as many species stop over on their annual migration. Because Dry Tortugas National Park is so far from Key West or any other civilization, its quite the process or adventure to get to.
And no, theres no Key Lime Pie available at Fort Jefferson but I supposed you could make your own key lime pie to bring.
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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world.
Garden Key has a designated area for snorkeling thats great for beginners, as well as all skill levels. We visited Dry Tortugas National Park in early December. Its close to the camping area at Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas is accessible only by water, making it one of Americas most remote national parks. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Lots actually! Hats and sunglasses are also a good idea. Walking around this key was one of our favorite experiences in the park. Pristine, thats the only word for it.
Within the Visitor Center, there are some souvenirs available for purchase (cash only), but the primary function of it is for Park Rangers to answer questions and help visitors enjoy their time at Fort Jefferson. If youd like to snorkel the depths or go diving at Dry Tortugas you will need to arrange that outside of the basic ferry service.
It is to the left of the ferry dock. If you have an annual National Park Pass or a Golden Age Pass, the national park entrance fee can be refunded if you present your pass at check-in on the morning of your trip. His work has appeared online on USA TODAY Travel, LIVESTRONG.com, AZCentral and 10Best.com. The views from the plane are of the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, ending with a birds eye view of Fort Jefferson.. Since the seaplane and Yankee Freedom ferry leaves from Key West, most people visit the Dry Tortugas on a trip to Key West and the Florida Keys. Dry Tortugas is definitely in a category of its own when it comes to National Parks. We'll Price Match It. One of the best pieces of National Park swag you can get is the Junior Ranger Badge. Entrance Fee: $15 per person, valid for 7 days. At the top of your Florida bucket list should be visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park is an underrated gem in the national park system. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit.
The water is the warmest in July, August, and September with an average water temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Explore Fort Jefferson first and then go for a stroll around Bush Key and visit one or two snorkeling spots. Besides that, this simple Dry Tortugas packing list should ensure a wonderful visit: Note: this is NOT a packing list for camping at Dry Tortugas National Park. Be prepared for a lot of sun exposure, as the only shade is within Fort Jefferson and its brick corridors. If youre visiting in the summer months, make sure to pack a rain poncho or rain jacket, as afternoon showers operate like clockwork in Florida during the summer.
Your trip out to the Dry Tortugas will be unforgettable no matter when you come. Its remote location has kept it a secret from most visitors to the Florida Keys, and even among National Park fiends its not a commonly visited park. Visitors can see parts of the fort where he was imprisoned. There are several dive companies in the Florida Keys that can work with you to create a Dry Tortugas diving plan. 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. 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. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere.
I seem to be in Florida at least once or twice a year but never get down to the Keyes. 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. Mating and hatching typically take place at night, and the beaches that see the greatest turtle activity are closed at crucial times to protect these endangered animals.
If youre lucky, youll have clear skies which are perfect for stargazing.
If you talk to people whove visited Dry Tortugas in the past, youll hear mixed stories of the ferry boat ride between Key West and the National Park.
As you swim or snorkel, youll see lots of shells and wildlife underwater. There are a few ways visitors can get to Dry Tortugas on privately owned boats, the Yankee Freedom ferry, or a seaplane. The islands were later renamed the Dry Tortugas to let sailors know that there was no fresh water to be found here. If you are camping, then definitely do it. Camp on Garden Key. I didnt realize how far west from the keys it was. Learn about the national parks in the United States in our.
Note: given the distance to Loggerhead Key, if you want to paddle out to it, you must do that during a camping trip to Dry Tortugas, as it will eat more than half the day and its not possible on a standard trip to the islands. Our friend and trusted travel planner Jenn can help! You can tour the fort on your own or take a ranger guided tour.
The water temperature drops below 77 degrees Fahrenheit from December to April. Bush Key sits right next to Garden Key and, if it is open, walking around this small island is one of the best things to do on a visit to the Dry Tortugas.
If youve done the road trip through the Florida Keys and then done the boat all the way out here, beach time and exploring underwater is going to be so refreshing and wonderful!
I think of hiking in Zion National Park or exploring the many geysers at Yellowstone, which present visitors with clear activities and a plan for what to do.
Historically the cooler months are January and February with lows in the lower 60s and highs in the up mid-70s. Remember, you can only look and not touch as the coral and shells are protected by law. The company offers half day trip excursions for $361 per person and $288.80 for kids ages 12 and under. Tips for the United States Virgin Islands, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Basic Information, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Frequently Asked Questions, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Weather, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Wildlife Viewing, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Sea Turtles, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Things To Do, National Park Service: Dry Tortugas National Park - Goods & Services, Dry Tortugas Info: The Turtles of The Dry Tortugas, Yankee Freedom II: Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, Key West Seaplane Adventures: Seaplane Tours of Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson, Information on Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West, Florida, Outdoor Activities in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. Thankfully simple breakfast and lunch are provided aboard the Yankee Freedom, but if you have special dietary needs or are a picky person, youll want to bring your own snacks. Coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles can all be seen here. Dry Tortugas National Park is more than 90 percent water, but at its heart lies a tiny cluster of islands, the Dry Tortugas, at the tail end of the Florida Keys. The climate is subtropical with hot and humid summers and frequent afternoon showers. You can also see sea turtles and if you go snorkeling or scuba diving, see tropical fish, sharks, and octopus. The ferry to the island is a mixed bag of experience. While ideal conditions will make for a smooth trip out to For Jefferson, medium to large swells can occur making for a very nauseating trip. It's a trek, but so worth it. The remainder of the islands are closed all year since they are home to bird nesting sites. I'll tell you, I had high expectations of DTNP. and it fully surpassed them. If you dont own your own boat or know someone who does, the least expensive way to get to Dry Tortugas is via ferry. The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III.
Make reservations for a Dry Tortugas Tour by booking online or contact us at (866) 575-5068. This smaller beach is located on the north side of Fort Jefferson, getting there via the path to the right of the ferry dock.
Though the fort was never really finished, it spans 16 acres, making it the largest brick masonry structure in North America. 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. Most people agree that the best time to visit the Dry Tortugas is from the months of November through April. If you enjoyed Dry Tortugas NP, you should check out these other great Florida National Park Service sites: If you have any other questions about how to get to Fort Jefferson, need to know more about taking the ferry to Dry Tortugas, or just want some more specific tips for things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park, just leave a comment or send us a note.
Loggerhead Key and the reef are both exceptional locations, but these can only be reached via private boat tour. Then spend the rest of your time snorkeling, swimming, and walking around Bush Key. For the ride back to Key West there are desserts and alcoholic drinks for purchase (really good ones! Should there be no storms on the horizon, plan for sunny weather with a consistent breeze. Thus, the best time to come out to the Dry Tortugas is probably from February through April.
And if you decide to snorkel outside the designated area, you must display an approved dive flag.
Take a Stroll on Bush Key. The only upside is cooler weather and fewer crowds. While the snorkeling from the beaches on Garden Key is very good, there are other parts of Dry Tortugas National Park where you can explore deeper underwater.
The weather is always pleasant to guests, though of course it is unbeatable during the early spring months, thanks to the lack of hot weather, rains, or heavy winds. You do need to book your trip in advance, providing names of the passengers, so planning a trip out to the islands is required. There are two ways to get to the Dry Tortugas: Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series.
Like in Florida, there are really only two weather seasons: winter and summer.
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.
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. The most famous prisoner at the fort was Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who set John Wilkes Booths broken leg after he shot Abraham Lincoln.
HALF DAY BY SEAPLANE: If you choose the seaplane day trip option, you will only have 2.5 hours in the Dry Tortugas. You can learn more about the islands and different areas of the park from one of the park rangers at the visitor center.
(see the Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas map below). Were going in November via ferry and Im so excited! Our recommendation is to book your spaceswell in advance if you plan on coming during these months. Learn more on theNational Park Service website. that water! When the weather is nice, its typically 70s and 80s, so not too bad at all.
If youre visiting during the winter months, it can be somewhat cold, especially once the sun starts to go down. Admittedly I would rather spend the day fishing though. If you are on your own exploring, you're okay without your mask.
Keep in mind that there arent any souvenir or convenience stores at the Park, so make sure you bring a few essentials with you. 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.
and its doable either while youre exploring Fort Jefferson or if you want to sit at a picnic table before you leave Garden Key. People throw around the phrase pristine beaches like its a volleyball, but the beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park are actually pristine. There are three main snorkeling areas to explore: the north and south swim beaches, and the moat wall. We had calm weather while we were here. During these months, the weather is ideal with little to no wind and great water visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving. Theres something for everyone looking to enjoy this remote chain of islands. Each campsite has a picnic table and grill and campers must bring all supplies with them, including a tent, freshwater, ice, and food. After the Civil War, the fort continued to be a port and then it was used for refueling ships that used coal. This is where most visitors will spend their time. The weather out on the Dry Tortugas is very similar to a lot of other tropical Caribbean island environments.
Read More: Review: Faver-Dykes State Park in St. Augustine. If budget allows, the Dry Tortugas seaplane option is much faster and allows for more time out at the National Park if you do the full day trip. Budget is the determining factor if you can plan to take the seaplane to Dry Tortugas, as its not cheap. Tip: anti-nausea medicines are helpful for some people, but for others they can make them so tired that its difficult to move past.
Fort Jefferson was used for defending the deep water channel leading to the coast along the Gulf of Mexico. Like with most campgrounds, you have to carry out all your trash with you once you leave.
Even though the ferry does sell several items onboard, for example, food and drinks, T-shirts, sunscreen, towels, and hats, they dont have an endless supply. With more time, you can go camping and kayak out to Loggerhead Key. Vegetation has taken over much of the interior of Fort Jefferson, and with that comes wildlife, particularly birds.
If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. October through January is one of the best times to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, when Bush Key is open. The summer season, from June to November, is considerably warmer and more stable, with clear skies and minimal wind, though occasional severe storms, including hurricanes, are a possibility. Tip: be sure to get your National Park Passport stamp at the Dry Tortugas National Park Visitor Center inside Fort Jefferson. Notable Fact: Everglades and Dry Tortugas form the UNESCO Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve.
Youll see a marker just before the beach becomes Bush Key, and this is where you must stop.
The winter season, roughly December through April, brings rough seas, high winds and frequent storms. They also offer special rates for students (ages 17 or older) with ID, active military, and senior citizens (ages 62 or older).
The average temperature in the summer is in the mid 80s. Thank you so much! Popular with bird watchers (look for the brown noddy and the sooty tern) and history buffs, this national park is also a watersports fans paradise. Over the years many interesting artifacts and pieces of the wall have fallen into the sea, making the ocean floor complex with lots of good hiding places for fish. Dont forget to turn it in and get your badge! Loggerhead Key, which is the largest of the Dry Tortugas, is located 3 miles from Garden Key and Fort Jefferson. If you decide you want to go fishing, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the rules and restricted areas.
Im curious whats best if you want to have time to snorkel and explore. 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. The half day trip is about 4 hours, with two and a half hours at the park. The best time to visit is during the summer time, which runs from May to October. The ferry pulls up right in front of Fort Jefferson (started construction in 1846) and then its a short walk across the drawbridge until youre inside. With crystal clear water, no waves, and great views of Fort Jefferson, this is a great place to go swimming. With warm sea and air temperatures, Dry Tortugas National Park is a great place to visit all year. For more information on how to do this, take a look at our Florida Keys Itinerary. And kids who complete their Junior Ranger program earn a special dessert for the ride back (see the Yankee Freedom ferry crew for the treat). It should be a bucket list must, especially for those who love exploring the ocean and wildlife. Note: This page contains affiliate links. Heres the 2021 rates for reservations on the Dry Tortugas ferry (prices in USD not inclusive of taxes): The price of your ferry tickets for Dry Tortugas includes National Park admission. The climate in the Dry Tortugas is subtropical, which basically means that it has warm and tropical weather in the range of 60F to 90F. Thats why the coal docks are there. There are also old coal docks to explore here, but the current is a bit stronger and the waves are larger on breezy days. Youll definitely see a variety of tropical fish and perhaps nurse sharks. Since it is so remote, there is a good chance that you will have it all to yourself.
They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit.
The only fire allowed is grilling with charcoal or propane. It is a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. Setting realistic expectations of your day and what youll encounter or need will ensure a fun trip. Unfortunately, these are also the busiest months down in Key West. 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. ), making the ride back go by faster. We parked ourselves watching barracuda dart in and out of a large hole in the wall while butterfly fish swam all around us. You can also camp at Garden Key, but come very well prepared. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Be sure to arrive early enough to get parking here and DONT FORGET TO PAY. From camping at Dry Tortugas to snorkeling, to the history of Fort Jefferson well answer all your questions here. How to get to Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas is actually quite the process though, and once there services are limited.
Loggerhead Key sits about 3 miles from Garden Key, so you will need a boat to get here. Though the summer seas are not as rough, the summertime hurricane season threatens the islands with spontaneous hurricanes that can be quite powerful even if they are well off in distance from the Dry Tortugas. There are only two ways youll be able to transport your gear to the island, either through the ferry or a private boat. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Inside Fort Jefferson, youll find long corridors or archways, spiral staircases in the dark, and overgrown ramparts.
The temperatures in the Dry Tortugas range from the mid-50s (as a low during the coldest months in winter time) to the mid-80s. This unstable weather can make it difficult to get to Dry Tortugas, but winter is a good time to visit if your main goal is to beat the crowds. That is much more complex and technical, including food/water requirements. Richard Corrigan has been a full-time freelance writer since 2009, and has always considered himself lucky to be able to combine his passion for travel with his love of writing. Here are several sample itineraries, depending on the amount of time you have and which mode of transportation you choose. This is the primary area visitors explore. Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Then tour the fort later in the day, when it is less crowded. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited park in the National Park Service, so very few people actually have Junior Ranger badges from Fort Jefferson.
End the day with a stroll around Bush Key. It's always smart to bring sunscreen, even if you are coming in the cooler winter months.