As you swim or snorkel, youll se

2021/05/21

As you swim or snorkel, youll see lots of shells and wildlife underwater. Arrive at the terminal by 7:00 am to get checked in for the ferry, as boarding begins at 7:30 am.

With crystal clear water, no waves, and great views of Fort Jefferson, this is a great place to go swimming. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Half-day excursions are about four hours long, and promise at least two and half hours on the island. 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. 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 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. florida keys tortugas dry park key snorkeling spots travel national west loggerhead snorkeled vacation camping state document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Did you do the guided tour of the Fort or a self tour? 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). We did the self guided tour because we wanted plenty of time snorkeling and such. (see the Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas map below). Located at the very end of the Florida Keys, its one of the least visited National Parks and is truly one of the most pristine.

tortugas dry trip national park dengler taken resources john service Inside Fort Jefferson, youll find long corridors or archways, spiral staircases in the dark, and overgrown ramparts. Dry Tortugas National Park is also a special conservation area for a variety of wildlife, including nurse sharks and the Magnificent Frigate bird. This was so interesting and helpful! For the ride back to Key West there are desserts and alcoholic drinks for purchase (really good ones! Our friend and trusted travel planner Jenn can help! If you decide you want to go fishing, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the rules and restricted areas. For this reason, our charters that head out to the Dry Tortugas tend to be completely filled up during these months, making it more difficult to be able to get out to the Dry Tortugas during your visit. To get here, you will kayak 3 miles one-way from Garden Key. You can also see sea turtles and if you go snorkeling or scuba diving, see tropical fish, sharks, and octopus. On a road trip through the Florida Keys, not only can you visit Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park, but you can also visit two more national parks, Everglades and Biscayne. It's always smart to bring sunscreen, even if you are coming in the cooler winter months. The Tortugas have always been a bucket list spot for me. In general, the winds are calm and sea visibility is excellent. Hats and sunglasses are also a good idea. End the day with a stroll around 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. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. We had calm weather while we were here. There are several dive companies in the Florida Keys that can work with you to create a Dry Tortugas diving plan. Each campsite has a picnic table and grill and campers must bring all supplies with them, including a tent, freshwater, ice, and food. The climate is subtropical with hot and humid summers and frequent afternoon showers. And if you decide to snorkel outside the designated area, you must display an approved dive flag. Thank you so much! Its close to the camping area at Dry Tortugas. 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. These are the best things to do at Fort Jefferson: Its easy to get sucked into the wonder of Fort Jefferson and its history, so if you plan on snorkeling and relaxing, be sure to keep an eye on the time. The only fire allowed is grilling with charcoal or propane. Were going in November via ferry and Im so excited! 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. The Dry Tortugas are the last group of islands of the Florida Keys, sitting 70 miles west of Key West. Those failing to check-in and getting a permit run the risk of being given a citation. 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. Both are amazing, with beautiful views But we did have a sea turtle hanging out with us in the moat as we walked along it, so that may sway my option to say that the Fort Jefferson moat is the best thing to do at Dry Tortugas Maybe. Copyright 2022 2TravelDads, St Augustine FL, Dry Tortugas Ferry: the Yankee Freedom III, Cost and Schedule for the Dry Tortugas Ferry, Things to Know about the Dry Tortugas Ferry, Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park, Dive and Snorkeling Trips at Dry Tortugas National Park, Exploring Fort Jefferson, a Civil War Era Fortress, Things to do at Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas NP, Things to Know Before Visiting Dry Tortugas NP, Weather and Preparedness for Visiting DTNP. Book your Dry Tortugas Ferry reservations here! People throw around the phrase pristine beaches like its a volleyball, but the beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park are actually pristine. These two beaches offer plenty of space to spread out (you wont have much gear) and enjoy the view. These islands serve as the nesting site for nearly 300 species of birds.

Regardless of the season, be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Dry Tortugas offers excellent bird-watching as well, especially in spring, as many species stop over on their annual migration. Dry Tortugas National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in January, April, and December. Most people visit this national park as a day trip, getting here either by ferry or seaplane. Found a better price online? While the Dry Tortugas ferry wont go out if the weather is dangerous, if youre planning to visit on your own, you need to be aware of weather systems that might impact your safety. Thus, the best time to come out to the Dry Tortugas is probably from February through April. Its great seeing you did this town two small kids! Lots actually! 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. Camp on Garden Key. The South Swim Beach is the best, in my opinion. During the winter months (November through April), brief periods of windy conditions can create large swells of water. If youre lucky, youll have clear skies which are perfect for stargazing. The islands were later renamed the Dry Tortugas to let sailors know that there was no fresh water to be found here. It should be a bucket list must, especially for those who love exploring the ocean and wildlife. Youll want to make sure you pack a change of clothes if youll be getting in the water, sunscreen, a towel, snorkel equipment, sunglasses, a camera, and any special snacks. Once youre there and settled, youll enjoy one of the most peaceful nights ever. There are also old coal docks to explore here, but the current is a bit stronger and the waves are larger on breezy days. 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. Also attached to South Beach is an outcropping of the old coal docks, which are now teeming with undersea life. The last place for snorkeling at Dry Tortugas is along the moat wall. The water temperature drops below 77 degrees Fahrenheit from December to April. This smaller beach is located on the north side of Fort Jefferson, getting there via the path to the right of the ferry dock.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended regardless of whether youre traveling via ferry or seaplane, as spots fill up months in advance. If you do get seasick be prepared to spend much of the journey on the back deck taking in the fresh air. We were just there in December and are planning another trip down in May. His work has appeared online on USA TODAY Travel, LIVESTRONG.com, AZCentral and 10Best.com. Im curious whats best if you want to have time to snorkel and explore. Explore Fort Jefferson first and then go for a stroll around Bush Key and visit one or two snorkeling spots. Dry Tortugas National Park appears in our. The views from the plane are of the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, ending with a birds eye view of Fort Jefferson.. Departing from the Historic Seaport area of Key West each morning, its quite the boat trip. 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. Learn about the national parks in the United States in our. Others tell stories of rough waves and countess people vomiting off the back of the boat. While you can sail out to the islands (Las Tortugas) on your own vessel, most people visit via the Dry Tortugas ferry. The high temperature for the day was 80F and the water also felt very warm.

The ferry service does not allow passengers to bring propane bottles onboard. Go snorkeling. DAY TRIP ON THE FERRY: If you want to take the ranger guided tour of the fort, do this first thing. Videos featuring 2TravelDads webisodes, TV, promos and more! 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. If you are camping, then definitely do it. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. 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. Dry Tortugas is definitely in a category of its own when it comes to National Parks.

With warm sea and air temperatures, Dry Tortugas National Park is a great place to visit all year. You do need to book your trip in advance, providing names of the passengers, so planning a trip out to the islands is required. Like in Florida, there are really only two weather seasons: winter and summer. We were told that flights are seldom cancelled during this time due to weather. You cannot snorkel along Bush Key, which is attached to Garden Key (the main island) or the adjacent Long Key. 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.

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. I seem to be in Florida at least once or twice a year but never get down to the Keyes. You can also camp at Garden Key, but come very well prepared. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Dry Tortugas National Park is an underrated gem in the national park system. It is also possible that the ferry may not run if the sea is very rough. Here are several sample itineraries, depending on the amount of time you have and which mode of transportation you choose.

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. In your opinion, is traveling via the ferry better or is the sea plane better?

The Islands are located about 70 miles from Key West, and they are accessible by private boat, charter boat, seaplane or by the daily concession ferry from Key West. Notable Fact: Everglades and Dry Tortugas form the UNESCO Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve. Once here, tour Fort Jefferson and walk the old fort walls, go snorkeling or swimming, and take a stroll on an empty beach. Get your America The Beautiful National Park Pass here! Loggerhead Key and the reef are both exceptional locations, but these can only be reached via private boat tour. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere. 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 Junior Ranger packet is not a crazy one (you should see the Yellowstone NP packet!) The full day gives you about 6 and a half hours snorkeling and exploring the National Park. To get there, you must either paddle over or have your own private boat. The Best Time for a Trip to Dry Tortugas (Photo: ). After the Civil War, the fort continued to be a port and then it was used for refueling ships that used coal. Some people have perfect conditions and the sea is as smooth as glass. 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. There is definitely more to this beautiful and isolated National Park than just a giant fort. At the top of your Florida bucket list should be visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. Today, visiting Dry Tortugas National Park provides an opportunity to experience a rare desert island paradise just a day trip from the United States mainland. The ferry to the island is a mixed bag of experience. In fact, our prices are up to 56% Cheaper*, Dry Tortugas National Park is the #1 Dry Tortugas Concierge in Key West. Get your America The Beautiful National Park Pass here! 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! 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. Our website uses cookies. Its a cancellation you cant miss! Snorkeling at South Beach is the most common, as it has the smoothest water. Remember, you can only look and not touch as the coral and shells are protected by law. Need help booking travel? Thats why the coal docks are there. There are two ways to get to the Dry Tortugas: by seaplane and by boat. 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. Be sure to arrive early enough to get parking here and DONT FORGET TO PAY. Concessions and services on the islands are extremely limited, and visitors are expected to bring everything they need, including food and water, for the duration of their visit. 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. Because Dry Tortugas National Park is so far from Key West or any other civilization, its quite the process or adventure to get to.

Entrance Fee: $15 per person, valid for 7 days. There are three main snorkeling areas to explore: the north and south swim beaches, and the moat wall. Well help you get it planned though. This makes snorkeling and kayaking difficult and there is an increased chance of seasickness on the ferry. Youll see a marker just before the beach becomes Bush Key, and this is where you must stop. Our recommendation is to book your spaceswell in advance if you plan on coming during these months. Its a struggle to leave the many conch shells on the sand, but its the rule. The average temperature in the summer is in the mid 80s. 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. Setting realistic expectations of your day and what youll encounter or need will ensure a fun trip. They also offer special rates for students (ages 17 or older) with ID, active military, and senior citizens (ages 62 or older). Read More: How To Camp In The Rain And Not Be Miserable. The calm waters of summer make this season perfect for checking out the underwater portions of the park, with ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions. HALF DAY BY SEAPLANE: If you choose the seaplane day trip option, you will only have 2.5 hours in the Dry Tortugas. Wildlife activity is determined by the weather, among many other factors, which makes timing all the more crucial if wildlife viewing or photography is your main reason for visiting. If youre not prone to motion sickness, youll probably be fine. 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. The white sandy beach is your walking trail and the views of Fort Jefferson and Garden Key are spectacular. So many National Parks are known for their mountains and unique geologic features. Then tour the fort later in the day, when it is less crowded. Categories Florida, Florida Keys, National Parks, Southeastern US, United States, Unique North Florida Vacation Plan: Jax, Daytona and the Springs, Favorite Things to Do in Savannah in Any Season. Book passage to Dry Tortugas National Park here! Theres something for everyone looking to enjoy this remote chain of islands. 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.

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. The ranger-led tour lasts more than an hour, so if you're doing just the day trip you may not want to do it. The winter season, roughly December through April, brings rough seas, high winds and frequent storms. The Key West seas (both out on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean) tend to be rougher and the winds stronger from October through January. Beyond the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, the iconic Fort Jefferson is the other attraction at Dry Tortugas National Park. Tip: be sure to get your National Park Passport stamp at the Dry Tortugas National Park Visitor Center inside Fort Jefferson. Boating permits to be within the National Park boundaries are free, but you must register with the National Park Service once you arrive at the Fort. The fact that the park is so isolated means that coral reef conditions are significantly better than anything you might see closer to the Florida coast. Unfortunately, these are also the busiest months down in Key West. 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. Learn more on theNational Park Service website. There is no internet or cellphone service on the islands, nor are there pay phones, trashcans or boat fuel. You can learn more about the islands and different areas of the park from one of the park rangers at the visitor center.

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. They do offer dramamine for purchase on board, but if you have had success with the small anti-nausea patches, come prepared with them. North Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park. While Fort Jefferson was never fully completed, it still served a purpose, much like Fort Clinch in North Florida. Budget is the determining factor if you can plan to take the seaplane to Dry Tortugas, as its not cheap. Here are the two options (2021 prices in USD, not inclusive of taxes): There is only one seaplane company thats an authorized National Park concessionaire, so if youre booking a flight to Dry Tortugas, be sure youre actually booking the authorized carrier that will provide access to the park. Wildlife Viewing. The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III. And if youre lucky youll see sea turtles which makes sense considering the name of the park. Both leave from Key West, Florida. Ah man! Whether youre fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, or kayaking, the crystal blue waters surrounding the islands are pristine and thriving with underwater wildlife. 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. Read More: Review: Faver-Dykes State Park in St. Augustine. This is the primary area visitors explore. I think that exploring the fort on you own is fine, especially since there are exhibits everywhere. Loggerhead Key sits about 3 miles from Garden Key, so you will need a boat to get here. Just make sure you follow the rules and leave this unique location exactly how you found it. Youll definitely see a variety of tropical fish and perhaps nurse sharks. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. Be prepared for a lot of sun exposure, as the only shade is within Fort Jefferson and its brick corridors. 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.

The half day trip is about 4 hours, with two and a half hours at the park. That said, dont expect to see turtle nests or hatchling turtles.

You dont want to bring a lot of stuff with you to Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. If youre visiting during the winter months, it can be somewhat cold, especially once the sun starts to go down. ), making the ride back go by faster. I am working on a trip though to go right here! In the wintertime, the average temperature is in the mid sixties. 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. So, youll also want to pack a light jacket. The weather out on the Dry Tortugas is very similar to a lot of other tropical Caribbean island environments. 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. Visitors can see parts of the fort where he was imprisoned. So it boils down to budget and time.

It is a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. From camping at Dry Tortugas to snorkeling, to the history of Fort Jefferson well answer all your questions here. The water is the warmest in July, August, and September with an average water temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Flying out of Key West, the travel time is about 40 minutes.

Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. Explore Historic Fort Jefferson. In the summertime, it is not uncommon for the temperature out on the Dry Tortugas to exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Then spend the rest of your time snorkeling, swimming, and walking around Bush Key. The remainder of the islands are closed all year since they are home to bird nesting sites. 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. 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. The company offers half day trip excursions for $361 per person and $288.80 for kids ages 12 and under. 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. The only upside is cooler weather and fewer crowds. There are a few ways visitors can get to Dry Tortugas on privately owned boats, the Yankee Freedom ferry, or a seaplane. Hurricane Season is all summer (June November) so keep an eye on reports and hurricane tracking. The only services available at Dry Tortugas National Park are the Visitor Center, changing rooms, and camping facilities. 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. The best time to visit is during the summer time, which runs from May to October.

Go for a Swim. Dry Tortugas is accessible only by water, making it one of Americas most remote national parks.

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