Its crown jewel, the historic Fort Jefferson, was once used as a prison during the Civil War. Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. But eventually we could see the island. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry, Breakfast and Lunch (campers, arrival day only), Beach walk, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun, Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort, Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Camping at Fort Jefferson is PRIMITIVE CAMPING! The soft sand in our toes, the teal water, and the ocean breeze. The plane parks at a beach on Garden Key and this is where you get off. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. To reserve, call Yankee Freedom's phone at 1-800-634-0939. 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. Have you ever wanted to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park in the Keys? 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. There is no way to know if there will be space on any given day, it is completely random. I think I remember reading that they changed their cancellation policy so this tends to happen less often nowadays. The Dry Tortugas National Park is a series of islands around 70 miles from Florida's Key West. You spend 4.5 hours in the park. Q: Do you have spaces for xx/xx/xxxx? I spent several years working as a tour guide in Western-Canada, including the Rocky Mountains. Must reschedule by 6:00pm Eastern TWO (2) DAYS prior to trip date by calling (305) 294-7009. For even more information, check out our Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Guide. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. This secluded park is located about 70 miles from Key West, and it definitely deserves a spot as one of the best places to . 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. We arrived just past 8:30 and for almost two hours, it was just us, the other 18 people from the two seaplane flights, a few campers, and some park rangers. 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. If you're early risers be there at boarding time by 7:30am & you'll know by 8am when they leave if there's any open spots. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. Phone +1 305-242-7700. Please note that the National Park Service does not keep a . 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. Yes No An official form of the United States government. Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori 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. DRY TORTUGAS: If Dry Tortugas National Park is on your to-do list, dont miss our guide to the Best Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. guides and enjoy an array of activities. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. Seaplanes run about $356 per person for a half-day trip. Take the Ferry to Dry Tortugas The best way for most park visitors to get to Dry Tortugas is by charter boat on the Yankee Freedom iii. If you just look at cost, the private charter is the most expensive option. If you normally do take it you should really consider taking it before you get on. best things to do along the Florida Keys. 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. Then you may have to arrive very early the morning of to grab any possible seats that are canceled at the last minute. I couldn't find much recent information on this so hoping someone on here might have some current info. The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. The 2.5-hour ferry ride is a magical trip over turquoise waters, and leaves you about . We especially liked the view of the beach where we had found the conch shells. They are not going to wait for you. Breath-taking. If not do the walking tour at Fort Zach to get a sample of that type of history. . We rounded the corner and their were hundreds of them all over the beach. They are part of one of the longest coral reefs in the world. Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park Experience a journey like no other aboard the Yankee Freedom. 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. 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! Getting to the Dry Tortugas by Ferry The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. The snorkeling is actually better at the reef. The island is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. If you love civil war and military history this is a must. Those days will not be available for reservations. Luckily the ride back wasnt as rocky and Craig and I actually both took a nap. Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. And while you're heading down there/back up, try to do the Everglades too! Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry 4.7. Check out my recent review of the ferry ride titled "A must do for local history & day trip seekers". They work 10 days on the island and then they are off for 6, so they can head into Key West to restock and catch a movie or something. You cannot bring camping equipment on the seaplane. A ferry ride to Dry Tortugas National Park An optional guided tour of historic Fort Jefferson Complimentary breakfast and picnic lunch Sanitized snorkeling gear Plenty of free time for swimming, snorkeling, bird spotting, photography, and exploring the island . Your email address will not be published. It is the largest island in the Dry Tortugas and is supposed to have a lot of loggerhead sea turtles and also a Lighthouse. Then when you land in Key West check the wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth daily as well. The minute we hit the open water it was rocky. Where should we stop to eat and what should we see on the drive to Key West? 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. To see the National Park Services requirements for using kayaks in the park, click here. and our Unfortunately, I was an idiot and didn't book reservations for the ferry to Dry Tortugas early enough. 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! Click the button below to add the Dry Tortugas Ferry to your wish list. The weather had been really rainy and windy so the ocean was NOT calm. We hiked out on the beach peninsula area at the Dry Tortugas National Park and couldnt stop smiling. The beach itself is a palm-lined paradise, where . Neither of these locations are close to Key West. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. Q: Can I cancel my reservations and get a refund? Report inappropriate content jordansbulls Houston, Texas Level Contributor 54,064 posts 840 reviews 257 helpful votes 5. Then when you land in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Yankee Freedom ferry (The Yankee Freedom III) leaves Key West at 8 am. You should dress warmly if you're doing a Hells Canyon jet boat anytime but summer, but dress in layers. 1 / 9. Yankee Freedom: Wow! The only thing is there is no running water on the island so you have to come prepared. Powered by Mai Theme, 12 Best Things To Do In Crystal River FL You Shouldnt Miss. Here is an overview of the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park for specific conditions: You'll experience the mildest weather in Dry Tortugas National Park in January, February, March, November, and December. guided tour of the fort. 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. 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. 28 days ago. Perfect picture opportunity! Key West Seaplane Charters Morning, Afternoon or Full Day Tours to the park on a seaplane The Yankee Freedom Ferry Take a high-speed catamaran for day and camping trips. It was crazy! Breakfast Lunch. READ NEXT: Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park. As you pull in it is absolutely gorgeous. Take your comfortable seat and enjoy the relaxing ride to the Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson, just 70 miles west of Key West. 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. Showing up at 7:30 is not likely to work. Try and find a way to take the seaplane -it is a once in a lifetime trip IMO, Agree with Louise M .. the seaplane is much more than just transportation it is imperative to take the first (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Yeah, there is definite sticker shock, but it was so worth it! RESERVE EARLY! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 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. Departing from the Historic Seaport area of Key West each morning, it's quite the boat trip. Cannot wait to do it again!!! Below I list more advantages and disadvantages for each mode of transportation. Magic Kingdom In One Day 11 Tips On How To Do It! Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. ; The Seaplane charges park entrance fee upon check-in. Whether swimming, sun bathing or just plain strolling, you will enjoy the crystal blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft, powdery sand of this island paradise. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. About Port Jefferson Ferry: Port Jefferson Ferry. The most popular way of getting to Dry Tortugas is the National Parks Service's ferry, the Yankee Freedom III. A: Camping reservations must be made over the phone by calling 305-294-7009. 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. Great write up and pics. Yankee Freedom Ferry (includes the National Park Fee): More Information for Your Trip to Florida, Read all of our articles about Florida in our. There is no other way to do it. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. http://www.travelthruhistory.tv/explore-dry-tortugas-fort-jefferson-key-west-fl/ - Things to do in Key West, FL. At the heart of the Dry Tortugas sits Fort Jefferson, a . A sign-up sheet will be available at 6:30am. General availability can be checked by going to https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ and clicking on the Book Now button. Drive, walk or ride your bicycle aboard one of our three ferries. All rights reserved. Guess what, we are NOT a quiet family. Fully Narrated 45-min. 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. We walked back towards the fort and found a conch tree. If you take the ferry over, you can camp on the island. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. A:Reservations are non-refundable except in cases of trip cancellation by Yankee Freedom. Provided by Touchpoints By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. The huge majority of the 65,000 people who visit each year come on the 150-passenger Yankee Freedom Ferry, and despite the $190/person cost, this is the most affordable method of travel. That must not have happened on the Dry Tortugas because there were birds all around the mangrove island. 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 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. All rights reserved. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Amazing! NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. The trip was about 2.5 hours each way. 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. Why? Camping is $200 per adult. You can also go on a 45 minute narrated tour of the fort. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Top Dry Tortugas fishing charters in 2023, from $100 p/p. 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. We also found some older shells that were seriously gigantic. Totally worth it. It was quite the experience and the ride. We were on the first flight at 8 am. 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. Q: How do I make a new day trip reservation? 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. They do not transport campers to the island. The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III. 2. Predominately open water, dotted with seven small islands, it's the very definition of secluded. At that point, we only had 30 minutes left on Dry Tortugas before flying back to Key West. My wife and I are from Northwest FL and are finally making it down to the keys for our anniversary. Re: Dry Tortugas 1 year ago Save Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. 3 Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or by seaplane. Craig tends to get seasick so he didnt take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning. The seaplane to Dry Tortugas will charge entrance fees to park upon arrival. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. Check-in time is at 7 am (6:30 am for campers). Before departure each day we spray all mouthpieces and vest with the same solution and let them sit overnight. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96966450', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight is AMAZING itself. There are two ways to get here: by boat or by seaplane. Half Day Seaplane + National Park Fee: $386 Yankee Freedom Ferry (includes the National Park Fee): $200 Price Difference: $186. 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. #truth, 11 East Coast National Parks You Want To Visit This Year, 29 Best Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama. (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 The only ferry authorized to enter the water in Dry Tortugas National Park is the Yankee Freedom. General availability can be checked by going to https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ and clicking on the Book Now button. Best price guaranteed, verified reviews, and secure online booking. We (2 couples) will be in Key West in March. The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp. There are only two ways to get to Dry Tortugas: boat or seaplane. When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get there at about 10:30am. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry. 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. Another side note on the Fort, when it was used as a prison during the civil war, Dr. Samuel Mudd, an American physician was imprisoned at the fort on the Dry Tortugas for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Dry Tortugas Charter Trips - Book Today! However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. from my point of view don't hesitate to send me a pm. It is expensive at $200 per adult. All rights reserved. 17 Exciting Things To Do In St. Augustine With Kids, 24 Amazing Tips for Universal Volcano Bay [Must Read! 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. 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. Undoubtedly the most exciting way to get out to The Dry Tortugas, traveling by seaplane is also the fastest way to get there and gives you the most time on the island. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry, https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/. You do need to book your trip in advance, providing names of the passengers, so planning a trip out to the islands is required. Shipwrecks and Treasure View our ADA Accessibility Policy. Catch a ride on the Dry Tortugas ferry or book a ticket on a seaplane to Dry Tortugas to truly explore what this Florida . Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Key West. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Going by ferry turns your visit into a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. tour of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun No Hidden Fees. Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park, Best Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. If you want more info. The cost was about $165 per person ($15 cheaper with a National Park Pass). How Much Is A Ferry Ride To Dry Tortugas? The ride can be very choppy so if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best way to . ), underwater sand dunes, reefs, shipwrecks, and the keys. Learn more on the National Park Service website. Our website uses cookies. Reservations on the ferry are limited and sell out 9-12 months in advance so please plan ahead! 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. Next time we go back we also want to check out Loggerhead Key. 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. If you show your National Parks America the Beautiful Pass upon arrival, you will receive a refund for the entrance fee ($15 per person). If you can, try to do Dry Tortugas but that's a whole day while you're down there. 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). 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 . 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. ], 7 Awesome Things To Do In Miami With Kids. Enjoy the natural beauty of this top destination with your own personal seaplane charter. Cost. There are also private charters that can take you to the Dry Tortugas. But we had to get on the boat to head back. Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park. Unfortunately, I was an idiot and didn't book reservations for the ferry to Dry Tortugas early enough. On the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park both my son and I got really sick, but on the jet boat it was a breeze. For the majority of the trip it is just ocean everywhere you look. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the 100-square mile Dry Tortugas National Park is sited 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. Not totally correct. 5 What to pack when taking the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. *Prices from January 2021. This is a very popular trip that will sell out weeks in advance. Now that would be amazing. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. A: Camping reservations must be made over the phone by calling 305-294-7009. A: We do not have a waiting list. No Hidden Fees. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and is accessible by boat and seaplane only. Nothing like fishing the crystal clear waters 5.0 / 5 . Seriously this is one of those locations to add to your bucket list. Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the requested dates. I was iffy upon seeing the initial cost but it looks phenomenal and highly likely Ill do it. No other way to see that beautiful water! This secluded park is located about 70 miles from Key West, and it definitely deserves a spot as one of the best places to . Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the western hemisphere consisting of more than 16 million bricks. When you travel by seaplane, you land in the waters just offshore from Garden Key. When you arrive, you can tour, explore the fort, swim at one of the beaches, or climb the lighthouse! How To Get Around Dry Tortugas National Park. After pulling in we grabbed a quick lunch on the boat and then headed out to start exploring! 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. The water color starts to change, the fort has old-fashion charm, and all the sooty terns birds are amazing. During your voyage, youll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande. The Yankee Freedom 3 is a large catamaran so this was not smooth sailing. //
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