Another species to watch for is the white-tailed tropicbird. I, One of the best spots to see the sunset in Savanna, ☕️Let’s talk coffee. It is totally worth it to take the seaplane to Dry Tortugas. If so you might benefit from downloading a self guided audio tour. Departs morning only. It is also a safe. (The Full Day is more expensive then the Half Day because we hold a morning & an afternoon seat). Tickets for the ferry Yankee Freedom III are a click away. If you’re planning a day trip to the Dry Tortugas, the best place to start your journey is at Key West. Since these islands are run by the National Park Service, limited primitive camping is available. We would definitely be taking snorkelling or scuba diving gear. Thank you for the heads up that it needs advance booking. Who knew that there was a winery right outsid, The entrance to Boon Hall is through the beaut, The pineapple Fountain in Charleston - a symbo, The contrast between old and new. We took a private charter and spent the day exporing these beautiful islands. Charter Type Charter TypeDry Tortugas CharterDeep Sea Fishing CharterFlats Fishing CharterPrivate Custom CharterSailing CharterLarge Group CharterOvernight CharterSunset CharterBoat RentalCuba CharterJet Ski RentalSpearfishing CharterSnorkelingLuxury Yacht CharterScuba DivingGlass Bottom BoatLobstering CharterDolphin WatchingCorporate Boat PartyWedding CharterFilm Production CharterOther, Duration DurationHalf Day (4hrs)3/4 Day (6hrs)Full Day (8hrs)Multiple Day, Number Of Participants Number Of Participants123456More Than 6. It’s the closest spot on the continental United States to the islands and it’s one of the only places offering direct transport links to the Dry Tortugas. There are available discounts for seniors and military. Or book a trip immediately online. I really need to visit more national parks. The Dry Tortugas National Park was absoulutley stunning. This means your round trip travel time will be approximately 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Parties must show up at the dock the morning of departure. Assuming you do not have your own boat you will need to determine if you will be traveling to Dry Tortugas by boat charter, seaplane or high speed catamaran/ferry. I think it would be so cool to take a seaplane there, I have never done that before. This is the most popular and most visited of the Dry Tortugas Islands and where Fort Jefferson is located. A 5-hour sailing trip on a beautiful late February day, round-trip  from Key West, added to the fun. Fun fact – Key West is on Eastern Standard Time. We report on active travel adventures so that you know what to expect. Enjoy the views but allow yourself enough room away from the edge. But what to call them? Although every seat has a window and you get a great view form every seat, the approach to Dry Tortugas and the view of the Fort is much better on the right side of the plane. According to an article in BBC Travel  “The East Coast is the most light-polluted place on Earth, if we’re talking about large areas. You are required to have a personal floatation device, a signaling device and a portable vhf radio. Many sportfishing boats are as well-appointed as large power yachts, with air-conditioned salons, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and fully-stocked fridges and bars. Posted at 10:30h in Blog, Florida, National Parks, Outdoor Adventure, The Florida Keys, United States by Jenna Kvidt 42 Comments. In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon stopped here during his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. You are given the snorkeling gear and if you take the seaplane you are not allowed to bring diving gear with you. Guided tour and snorkeling equipment. (“Dry” was added later when it was discovered the islands had no fresh-water springs). Bush Key sometimes connects to Garden key by a sandbar and there is a walking trail you can follow during the months it is open. We went on the Yankee Freedom III—official ferry service to Dry Tortugas for the National Park Service—which added some adventure to the trip. This means you actually land on Dry Tortugas 15 minutes before you take off! This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Make sure to take advantage of the guided tour of Fort Jefferson. Garden Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Loggerhead Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key. Later, the English added the word Dry since there is no fresh water on the islands. I feel lucky that I live near it and was able to visit. This means your round trip travel time will be approximately 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Dry Tortugas Charters supply you with mask, snorkel, and fins, you’ll enter a beautiful underwater world—a unique ecosystem of aquatic plants and the marine creatures that depend on them. And most importantly get away from it all and truly have a digital detox by reconnecting with nature. There is a cost of $15 per campsite. Even if it is quite expensive for a day trip. However, it is convenient if you have limited time plus provides a scenic view you will not get on a boat. So glad you got to visit often and enjoy the snorkeling there. Campers should bring everything needed, including water —remember, these are the Dry Tortugas—as there is no food or drink service on Garden Key. Just be sure to bring a, If you want to get away from it all for at least a night then Dry Tortugas Camping is what you need in your life. The two closest keys to Garden Key (Where Fort Jefferson is) are Bush Key and Long Key. Also check for details about length of stay. I particularly loved taking pictures by the arches and also through the openings with views towards to ocean. Best Key West tours from Miami. Hi I am Jo. Charter Type Charter TypeDry Tortugas CharterDeep Sea Fishing CharterFlats Fishing CharterPrivate Custom CharterSailing CharterLarge Group CharterOvernight CharterSunset CharterBoat RentalLuxury Yacht CharterCuba CharterJet Ski CharterSpearfishing CharterSnorkelingScuba DivingGlass Bottom BoatDolphin WatchingLobstering CharterCorporate Boat PartyWedding CharterFilm Production CharterOther, Charter Type Charter TypeDry Tortugas CharterDeep Sea Fishing CharterFlats Fishing CharterPrivate Custom CharterSailing CharterLarge Group CharterOvernight CharterLuxury Yacht CharterSunset CharterLobstering CharterBoat RentalCuba CharterJet Ski CharterSpear Fishing CharterSnorkelingScuba DivingGlass Bottom BoatDolphin WatchingCorporate Boat PartyWedding CharterFilm Production CharterOther. After the boat docks at Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas, there is an optional guided tour of historic Fort Jefferson which takes about forty minutes. So can you! He was imprisoned on the island until 1869. Loggerhead Key is the largest key in the park offering many great opportunities for secluded beaches and amazing snorkeling. Since I was planning on driving home that same day I opted for a morning flight. $29 Having the majority of this National Park underwater makes for some amazing snorkeling. It is also a great way to take a break from the sun. Also snorkeling along the moat wall was incredible. I highly recommend you spend at least some time in the water. One thing to remember is that coral beaches are made of rough coral, not smooth sand, so you’ll want some decent sandals or beach shoes for walking. But do not worry about changing the time on your watch. The Fort also served as a prison during the war and after. We got to spot some sea turtles in the deeper waters of the “Quicksands” before seeing the remains of the old Spanish Galleon as well as a few other ship wrecks. That designation has ensured the islands remain the way Mother Nature intended. Camping fees are not included in the transportation fee. You will need a boating permit to kayak in the park. Explore Key West on a Miami to Key West bus tour. However, between the vibrant coral reefs, the rich marine life and the multitude of unique birds that call it home, the Dry Tortugas will be an unforgettable experience regardless of how you get there. ⁣ Seaplane Adventures offers several morning and afternoon departures so you can book a time that fits your schedule. This is especially true if you want to sit on the open top deck. © 2020 MY ITCHY TRAVEL FEET | DESIGN BY KALEIDOSCOPE DESIGN STUDIO | DEVELOPMENT BY RTW LABS, Luxury Cruise Reviews for Small Ship Cruisers, Tips for Photographing in U.S. National Parks, Take a Scenic Drive on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Explore Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on a Wyoming Travel Adventure. Both tours work around the Yankee Freedom’s schedule. I was always using boats to get there, and I agree that it must be booked in advance. After helping fight a yellow fever outbreak that infected the island, Dr. Mudd was released. You will want to contact the Yankee Freedom Directly for cost and to arrange the logistics. Plan a Dry Tortugas day trip for adventure in Key West. Once you reach the Dry Tortugas, drop anchor and everyone jumps in. Fort Jefferson served as an important station in the blockade of Confederate ports and was occupied by Union forces during the Civil War. Therefore, at the beginning of 2019 I decided that a weekend road trip to Key West was in order. Getting To The Dry Tortugas From Key West. This means you will get to experience the island at its best – quietly with few people around. The Yankee Freedom III leaves around 8 AM to reach the remote Garden Key. Our expert staff is standing by 24hrs a day 7 days a week to answer all your Key West charter questions. Also you will have to take everything off the seaplane or the ferry once you arrive.