It’s one of the most remote national parks in the lower 48 states. Dry Tortugas National Park is a fascinating place in the crystal waters of the Caribbean. The beautiful keys along the shallow waters here punctuate the landscape.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park, don’t worry. We’re here to provide valuable advice to make your trip planning a breeze.
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About Dry Tortugas National Park
Established in 1992, Dry Tortugas National Park is an incredible marine sanctuary 70 miles away from Key West. Covering approximately 100 square miles, it comprises seven tiny islands (keys) and is famous for its crystal-clear waters, made-made structures, coral reefs, and abundant marine life. The park is known for snorkeling, birdwatching, boating, fishing, and exploring its historic fort.
The park’s main attraction is Fort Jefferson [on Garden Key], a massive stone coastal fortress constructed to safeguard the strategic shipping lanes of the Gulf of Mexico. Construction started in 1846 but was never completed.
Beyond this is also Loggerhead Key, with its famous lighthouse and the windjammer wreck, one of the best known in the park. Visitors can stay half-days, full days, or even overnight within the park. If you have your own boat you can explore even more of the park!
The park periodically closes areas due to sensitive wildlife and delicate vegetation. A marine sanctuary in the park is off-limits to wildlife or anchoring vessels. Be sure to check with the visitor center or Dry Tortugas website for specific closings.
How to Get to Dry Tortugas
The most crucial aspect of your visit to Dry Tortugas is your mode of transportation. There are three ways to get here.
Ferry
Location: Ferry Terminal
Check-in time: 7 am (6 am campers)
Cost: $220 ($240 for camping); includes National Park Fee
Booking: Yankee Freedom
This is the most popular (and affordable) means of visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. It’s shocking to say that the tickets are affordable, as they are anything but cheap!
Currently, there is one vendor that provides ferry service, Yankee Freedom. For the cost, though, you do get a decent amount.
- Ferry to and from Fort Jefferson
- Breakfast (ours was a bagel) and Lunch (we got chips, drinks, and a sandwich from Jersey Mikes)
- Free use of snorkeling equipment
- Optional guided fort tour
- Reasonably priced additional snacks
Note: You can save up to $15 per person with an American the Beautiful Annual Pass. (4 max w/ 1 pass)
It takes about 2.5 – 3 hours each way to reach the Dry Tortugas. And you’re on the island for about 4 – 4.5 hours with the ferry tour. This may seem short, but honestly, it was enough time to tour the fort, have a picnic, snorkel, and wander the entire island.
Tip: If you are staying in Key West and have parking at your hotel. It was cheaper for us to Uber to the ferry terminal than pay for parking. Parking near the ferry terminal at the time of writing is $40 per day.
Seaplane
Traveling by seaplane is the fastest way to get to Dry Tortugas. And like the ferries, there is only one company that flies. Key West Seaplane Adventures
Note: Given the limited capacity, seaplanes do sell out months ahead of time. The company also has a waitlist if your dates are sold out.
There are two options for visits, half-day, and full-day.
Half-Day Excursion
Cost: $466.00 (children: $372.80)
National Park Fee: $15 (per person)
The half-day excursion is about 4 hours long. It includes a 40-minute flight each way to Dry Tortugas and 2.5 hours at Fort Jefferson. Flights depart in the morning and afternoon.
You must check in at least 30 minutes before the flight.
If you don’t want to spend half your day on a boat, the seaplane is the way to go, especially for those who get seasick. Key West Seaplanes also provides snorkeling equipment and snacks.
Note: If you plan to camp at Dry Tortugas. You must go by ferry or private vessel. The seaplane will not take camping gear due to weight restrictions.
Full-Day Excursion
Cost: $819.00 (children: $655.20)
National Park Fee: $15 (per person)
The full-day excursion is about 8 hours long. It includes a 40-minute flight to Dry Tortugas and 6.5 hours at Fort Jefferson.
You must check in at least 30 minutes before the flight.
Note: A half-day should be more than enough time. After a few hours, we were fine heading off the island.
Private Vessel
Private vessels are the best way to see the most of Dry Tortugas and allow you the freedom to explore as you want. For instance, a private vessel is the only way to visit the lighthouse on Loggerhead Key. There are also some great snorkeling, wrecks, and reefs you can explore if you have your own craft.
You’ll need a boat permit to take your own vessel. For this, you must register on Garden Key prior to visiting anywhere else in the park.
There are also options for private charters to the island with guides. Depending on what you want to do, the costs are high.
What To Do
The national park consists of 7 islands across 100 sq. miles of area. More than 99% of the park is water. But there are quite a few things to do. Note: Most Things to Do require your own vessel.
Garden Key: The main island of the National Park contains Fort Jefferson, docking, campsites, and administrative areas. Everyone stops here at some point in their visit to the park. This is where day trips visit.
Bush Key: Located adjacent to Garden Key, Bush Key is home to beautiful wildlife, many of which are not seen in the continental US. Seasonally open, the island occasionally connects Garden Key via a Land Bridge (otherwise, you can access it via kayak/canoe).
Fort Jefferson: The 1860s fort is the centerpiece of Dry Tortugas and its most photographed site. You can self-tour or take a guided tour. Be sure to explore the visitor center and exhibits.
Loggerhead Key: The largest island of Dry Tortugas National Park. The main attraction is the beautiful lighthouse you can see from Garden Key. You can only visit this via private watercraft.
MORE: Be sure to Check our Guide on the Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park
Where to Stay In or Near Dry Tortugas National Park
The islands of Dry Tortugas National Park are incredibly remote at nearly 70 miles from Key West. Camping is permitted only on Garden Key.
Camping
Fee: $15 per site ($30 group site); Fees must be paid in cash or check
Campsites on Garden Key are first-come first-serve. One large group site [10 – 20 people] is reservable by emailing ahead of time.
There are 8 regular campsites on Garden Key. If you are a camper arriving (such as via ferry) you’ll be guaranteed a spot, but you may have to camp in the overflow area.
You must bring everything you need to the island, including water. There are no services available on the island. You also must have a tent.
Note: Camping is only available for those arriving by ferry or private vessel. The seaplane does not carry camping gear.
Hotels (Key West)
Key West is the best option for those visiting the Dry Tortugas. Given the distance to Dry Tortugas, you’ll likely need to leave early in the morning for your transport. Sadly hotels are nearly always pricey in Key West.
- Lighthouse Inn: Love the location and the facilities. It’s close to the action but still feels quieter. Adjacent to the Lighthouse and Hemingway House.
- Courtyard Marriott: It’s not close to the action but the price was reasonable for the quality. Annoying resort fee (which is common) but free parking.
- Hyatt Centric: Beautiful and fantastic location. High resort fee and pricey. Overkill if you are only visiting for the National Park and don’t have time to enjoy the resort.
- The Saint Hotel: Splurgy or great if you have points. An oasis in the center of the action.
Basic Information
Visitor Center
The visitor center is located inside Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. It has a small store, exhibits, information, and a passport stamp. It’s a really small space, so I recommend trying to either beat folks from the ferry here or wait until a bit later to visit.
Hours
- Park: Open 24 hrs
- Visitor Center: 8:30 am – 4 pm
- Fort Jefferson: Sunrise – Sunset
National Park Stamp
The national park stamp is located within the visitor center in Fort Jefferson on Garden Key.
Website: Office NPS Website
Getting to Key West
If you are planning to visit, you’ll need to get to Key West first. Key West is located about 160 miles from Miami along US-1. It takes nearly 4 hours to drive from Miami to Key West. Keep an eye out for cops as well, we see lots along this route.
By Air
Closest: Key West Airport (EYW): If you can find a good flight, EYW will save you a lot of time and hassle. However, it’s likely not the cheapest option.
Alternatives:
- Miami International Airport (MIA): Probably the best option in flights. It is also an excellent option for renting cars. I recommend checking the airports in the area for the cheapest flights.
- Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL): Check between FLL and MIA for the best flight. It’s slightly further but not prohibitively so.
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