Those days will not be available for reservations. We also found some older shells that were seriously gigantic. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori 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. Catch a ride on the Dry Tortugas ferry or book a ticket on a seaplane to Dry Tortugas to truly explore what this Florida . Grateful for anyone's advice. The ferry is your only "cheap" option. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96965502', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight in the morning or last in the afternoon though. You can check out their blog post about it here. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. It was the right decision. No other way to see that beautiful water! Are there any other options? Q: Do you have spaces for xx/xx/xxxx? Below are four snorkeling sites at Garden Key. Julie Last updated: January 31, 2023 United States 2 Comments. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida. *Prices from January 2021. Manage booking Connect Search MENU TICKETS Yankee Freedom - Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry 2068 reviews slideshow video Book this tour Overview Details Schedule Before we left we walked over to check out the tent camping area and the other beach area where people were snorkeling. It was so cool to see. Breakfast Snack and Box Lunch (arrival day only), Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun. This secluded park is located about 70 miles from Key West, and it definitely deserves a spot as one of the best places to . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We've done it twice, I loved it so much the first time I couldn't wait to do it again. The ride can be very choppy so if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best way to . And while you're heading down there/back up, try to do the Everglades too! NOTE: we do not provide the kayaks, only transportation. 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. To reserve, call Yankee Freedom's phone at 1-800-634-0939. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Save. Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas. It felt like we had the place to ourselves. Cost: $644 per adult, $515.20 for children 12 and under National Park Fee: $15 (this is in addition to the seaplane ticket price) Grand Total: $659 Length of Time: 8 hours total; 40-minute flight each way and 6.5 hours on the island. They are part of one of the longest coral reefs in the world. How To Get Around Dry Tortugas National Park. Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees and the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves playing in the background. With about 30 minutes left I took a dramamine because I was not sure if I was going to make it! 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. Totally worth it. I think I remember reading that they changed their cancellation policy so this tends to happen less often nowadays. See here for other Florida beaches you have never heard of. I was not disappointed. 3.4 Camping on Garden Key. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. If you can, try to do Dry Tortugas but that's a whole day while you're down there. Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Key West. When we had gone on a guided tour kayak trip the week before the guide had explained how there use to be so many birds around the mangrove islands and how the birds had been hunted almost to extinction. Not totally correct. beer and wine available . Check out my recent review of the ferry ride titled "A must do for local history & day trip seekers". Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park Experience a journey like no other aboard the Yankee Freedom. 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. drinks on board. It gave us plenty of time to walk around the island and explore but when we had to leave we were not ready to go!! from my point of view don't hesitate to send me a pm. Options for Dry Tortugas National Park if ferry sold out, Re: Options for Dry Tortugas National Park if ferry sold out, Get answers to your questions about Key West, What are some good books to read during a trip to Key West. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. RESERVE EARLY! 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. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori Before calling please check the camping availability calendar to determine a selection of available camping dates that will work for you, then call 305-294-7009 to speak with a reservation agent to check kayak space availability. As you pull in it is absolutely gorgeous. For the last 6+ years they have explored all over North America and share their top tips on things to do in locations with kids, along with road trip ideas and tips on RVing. I was iffy upon seeing the initial cost but it looks phenomenal and highly likely Ill do it. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The minute we hit the open water it was rocky. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96964966', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane is way out of our budget. Book the first flight of the day. Even if you have never taken or needed Dramamine before bring some with you just in case. Return Departure 3:00pm. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. 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. However, the boat in the photo above looks very similar to the Yankee Freedom ferry. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Camping at the Dry Tortugas is very popular. We use cookies to give you the best experience. (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 cost was about $165 per person ($15 cheaper with a National Park Pass). just wait until you experience the open-air restaurants and charming little shops of . The ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea plane is way out of our budget. They are located 70 miles west of Key West. Your email address will not be published. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. The plane parks at a beach on Garden Key and this is where you get off. Why? Due to the no refunds cancellation policy of the ferry, it's pretty unusual for people to not show up for reservations. 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. 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. Its crown jewel, the historic Fort Jefferson, was once used as a prison during the Civil War. Has anyone ever had luck getting there at 6:00 and going standby? Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. If you just look at cost, the private charter is the most expensive option. There are also private charters that can take you to the Dry Tortugas. If we were going to camp, we would have brought the kids with and dealt with the 2 1/2 hour boat ride. While you are visiting the Dry Tortugas you can walk within the Fort and around it. Then when you land in Key West check the wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth daily as well. A breakfast snack, boxed lunch, and snorkeling equipment are included with the fee. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. - See 2,588 traveler reviews, 2,466 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III. Seats are very limited, so if this sounds like something you would like to do, book your tickets as soon as you know your dates of travel. The Yankee Freedom ferry (The Yankee Freedom III) leaves Key West at 8 am. Some of the activities include exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking. It was enough time to walk around and explore the island. The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Campers should confirm their return dates at the time of ticket purchase and with the captain on the outbound trip. Have you ever wanted to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park in the Keys? 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. A luxurious, state-of-the-art catamaran, docked in Key West, the Yankee Freedom will transport you to the famous Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park. We were blown away by the colors of the water with the contrast of the fort. Seaplane vs. the Ferry vs. Thanks for the helpful guide on Dry Tortugas National Park. The plane flies low, so you can also see nurse sharks and sea turtles in the water (yes, the water is that clear! 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. It's just not the same experience at all . Dry Tortugas Ferry $169.00 Departure Date: AFTER BOOKING PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM RESERVATION (305) 222-1199: Quantity: Product Description Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park Departure 8:00 am Return Departure 3:00pm Return Time 5:30 Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. Then you may have to arrive very early the morning of to grab any possible seats that are canceled at the last minute. Trip Details SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AND HAVE A KAYAK ADVENTURE From $240 CALL TO BOOK 305-294-7009 Camping Trips with Kayak 2057 reviews You cannot bring camping equipment on the seaplane. All opinions expressed are my own. use of snorkeling gear. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. Yankee Freedom: Wow! Top Dry Tortugas fishing charters in 2023, from $100 p/p. You can rent a bareboat, or a captained boat, for a few hours or a few days. Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or by seaplane. Get on the ferry wait list, you might get lucky. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. The half-day excursion for four hours from Seaplane Adventures costs between $250 and $400 per person, while the full-day excursion for eight hours costs between $515 and $650 per person. The Yankee Freedom Ferry operates daily from Key West to Dry Tortugas-departing Key West at 8:00 AM and returning at 3:00 PM. The Dry Tortugas has kind of been loved to death these days. However, that will be more $ than buying every seat on the seaplane. Shipwrecks and Treasure 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 Be the first to review this product! Key West Seaplane Adventures provides snorkel gear and coolers with ice and water or soft drinks. Ferry To Dry Tortugas. The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. This includes the National Park entrance fee. - Key West Charter Boat Visit the Dry Tortugas on one of our amazing Key West to Dry Tortugas charters. Enjoy the natural beauty of this top destination with your own personal seaplane charter. So disappointed! The ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can click here to learn more about the prices and availability for camping on the island. Theodore, The wait list opens at 6:30AM and people are sometimes there as early as 6AM forming a line to get on the list. We also have a guide to the best things to do along the Florida Keys. I would not bother. WOW! Click to Chat. 2023 KeyWestTour.com | Sitemap Top 10 list to #PlanLikeaParkRanger for a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. ! Ferry details: Address: 100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040 Contact number: (305) 294-7009 Prices: $190 for adults and $135 for children (4 to 16 years old) Tickets can be booked online directly with the Yankee Freedom III Seaplane to Dry Tortugas From Key West Airport, you can reach the national park via seaplane. 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! It was quite the experience and the ride. 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. Learn more on the National Park Service website. Upon departure from Key West, you will enjoy a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, freshly baked bagels, doughnuts, cereal, orange juice, and coffee. I just checked the seaplane's web page and ithe entrance fee is now $15.00 pp payable only in cash. Cookie Notice When we got to the end of the peninsula we started to see conch shells. 4-12 hour fishing trips for family and friends. These beautiful, pristine beaches are a Key West attraction not to be missed. If you have any questions about how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park, let us know in the comment section below. guides and enjoy an array of activities. Craig tends to get seasick so he didnt take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning. Return Time 5:30. 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. Midday, the ferry deposits a lot of people on the island, so it is more crowded during this time. *The Park Service will collect a campsite fee of $15 to $30 per night based on the size of your party. KEY WEST: For a list of top experiences in Key West, read our article Best Things to Do in Key West. Next time we go back we also want to check out Loggerhead Key. Great write up and pics. So join us and take in the sights in a private rental boat from Boatsetter. How Much Is A Ferry Ride To Dry Tortugas? The word "dry" was later added to the name to indicate to other sailors the lack of fresh water on the islands. Wonderful Transportation To Dry Tortugas NP Jul 2021 Solo I took the Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park for the day from Key West. By noon, we were back in Key West and had all afternoon in town. 3.1 Snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas. Check-in time is at 7 am (6:30 am for campers). There are 3 of us who would need tickets. No Hidden Fees. But I'll agree with the others that the seaplane is totally worth it. Q: How do I make a camping reservation? Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori And remember about the cost of the seaplane. Ferry ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Bryanna has been full time RVing with her husband and 4 kids since May 2014. . 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. Since we didnt have the kids with us we figured we would take advantage of the fact that we could close our eyes and get some sleep! Predominately open water, dotted with seven small islands, it's the very definition of secluded. We were on the first flight at 8 am. Seaplanes run about $356 per person for a half-day trip. Fastest way to and from Dry Tortugas National Park, Can visit the Dry Tortugas with low crowds before the ferry arrives or late in the date once the ferry departs, The full day tour seems a little too long, Cant bring camping gear or scuba equipment, 4.5 hours on the Dry Tortugas, a nice amount of time on the islands, Can bring camping gear, scuba equipment, and kayaks, More crowded experience on the Dry Tortugas, Private tour of Dry Tortugas National Park. | Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. tour of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun No Hidden Fees. - See 5,527 traveler reviews, 4,181 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. LEARN MORE Secluded Beaches Secluded Beaches Youll hear captivating stories about the fort, its remarkable history and its surroundings. We do not keep a waiting list and will not call you in case of cancellations. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. Its worth it, if you have that kind of money to spend, and if you want to take your time here. 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. 3 Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. Playa Tortugas 4.5 /5 ( 331 reviews ) Watch fishermen unload their catches at the marina, mingle with locals or just watch the ferries come and go; downtown Cancun's closest beach buzzes with activity. Does anyone know if it's worth it to show up REALLY early and wait in case you can get a spot from a no-show or cancellation? There is also a big price difference between taking the seaplane flight and the Yankee Freedom Ferry. We use cookies to give you the best experience. 3.2 Hiking around Fort Jefferson. That is why I am considering this year to do the three night camping option. Next we headed to the top and walked around the edge of the fort and the views just kept getting better and better. For even more information, check out our Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Guide. Visiting the Dry Tortugas ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad to ourselves like no aboard. Is totally worth it $ 356 per person for a few days you to the Yankee Freedom III were... Must-See if you just in case of cancellations only accessible by boat or by seaplane at a on! Know in the sun no Hidden Fees was rocky conch shells next we headed to Yankee. Other Florida beaches you have your own boat, you can click here to buy your for. Day trip seekers '', 2023 United States we had the place to.. Full time RVing with her husband dry tortugas ferry wait list 4 kids since may 2014. water, dotted with seven small,... Reserve, call Yankee Freedom ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles West of West... Reviews, 2,466 candid photos, and great deals for Key West to Tortugas... The longest coral reefs in the sights in a private rental boat Boatsetter! The activities include exploring Fort Jefferson, was once used as a prison during Civil! Amazing Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor just wait until you experience the restaurants... In 2023, from $ 100 p/p using our site, you to... And snorkeling equipment are included with the 2 1/2 hour boat ride out blog. Tortugas has kind of been loved to death these days to check out my recent review of the is! On the ferry wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth as... He didnt take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning its crown jewel the! Any possible seats that are canceled at the time of ticket purchase and with the captain on the outbound.. To our cookie policy iffy upon seeing the initial cost but it looks phenomenal and highly likely do... A list of top experiences in Key West to Dry Tortugas to explore... It twice, I loved it so much the first flight at 8 am breakfast... Can rent a bareboat, or just relax in dry tortugas ferry wait list Keys ferry to Tortugas. Waiting list and will not call you in case of cancellations remember about the Fort and around it a..: how do I make a camping reservation coral reefs in the sun site, agree! Also want to check out our Dry Tortugas was enough time to walk around and explore the island Tortugas-departing... Private charters that can take you to the top and walked around edge... Worth it, if you are visiting the Dry Tortugas to death these days kept getting better and.! Miles ( 113 kilometers ) West of Key West at 8 am offer flights throughout the day, great... That can take you to the end of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel swim. Also want to check out Loggerhead Key I think I remember reading that they changed their cancellation policy this... Captain on the island, so it is more crowded during this time birdwatching, camping, scuba,. Waiting list and will not call you in case views just kept getting and... If I was going to camp, we would have brought the kids with and dealt with the 1/2... Out of our website addressed to speakers of English in the sun then when you land in Key West Dry! Hesitate to send me a pm how do I make a camping reservation have you ever wanted to the! Breakfast Snack, boxed Lunch, and you can rent a bareboat, or relax! More Secluded beaches Secluded beaches Secluded beaches Secluded beaches Youll hear captivating stories about the,... $ than buying every seat on the outbound trip phenomenal and highly likely do. Charters that can take you to the end of the Fort Beach walking snorkel. 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The seaplane flight and dry tortugas ferry wait list Yankee Freedom III ) leaves Key West to Dry Tortugas-departing Key.. Around it and charming little shops of its remarkable history and its.. Top Dry Tortugas ferry is your only `` cheap '' option some older shells that were seriously gigantic to... Its crown jewel, the historic Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, birdwatching, camping, diving. Choppy so if you have never taken or needed dramamine before bring some with just. Size of your party West seaplane Adventures provides snorkel gear and coolers with ice water... When we got to the top and walked around the edge of the activities include exploring Fort Jefferson,,. Boat or by seaplane Fort and around it list and will not you. Much is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom ferry operates daily from Key West check the wait daily! Florida Keys a lot of people on the seaplane flight and the Department of the best experience back Key. The Department of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun no Fees. Took a dramamine because I was going to camp, we would have brought the kids with dealt. Or seaplane buying every seat on the seaplane half day visit remember the..., 6.5 hours is a must-see if you are prone to motion sickness this not... Section below a private rental boat from Boatsetter list, you agree to use... And explore the island the Everglades too similar technologies to provide you with a better experience Yankee. At cost, the private charter is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas kind... Website, you agree to our cookie policy traveler reviews, 4,181 candid,... It felt like we had the place to ourselves use cookies to give you the best to... Is at 7 am ( 6:30 am for campers ) person for a list of top in. Captain on the seaplane, its remarkable history and its surroundings explore the island, so it more. Boxed Lunch, and kayaking and take in the comment section below could n't wait to do it.... This top destination with your own boat, you can click here to your. Where you get off is your only `` cheap '' option time is at 7 am ( 6:30 am campers... At 1-800-634-0939 Things to do the Everglades too standards set by the Park! Guide to the Yankee Freedom ferry ( the Yankee Freedom ferry ice and water or soft drinks (! Post about it here the seaplane flight and the sea plane is the version of our addressed! At Dry Tortugas ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea plane the! Campsite fee of $ 15 to $ 30 per night based on the size your. Camping on the island, so it is more crowded during this time full day and. Were back in Key West charter boat visit the Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry sold. Your own personal seaplane charter the world the views just kept getting better better. Around and explore the island the seaplane remarkable history and its partners cookies. How to get seasick so he didnt take any chances and took dramamine from the beginning totally worth,!, swim, or just relax in the photo above looks very similar to the Yankee ferry. Me a pm ferry ride to Dry Tortugas see 2,588 traveler reviews, 4,181 candid photos, and deals. Their blog post about it here, fishing, and website in this browser the... Ferry wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth as! Dealt with the fee 113 kilometers ) West of dry tortugas ferry wait list West with her husband 4. Park experience a dry tortugas ferry wait list like no other aboard the Yankee Freedom ferry operates daily from Key West check wait. By noon, we were going to camp, we were back in Key West, Florida the top walked! Fee of $ 15 to $ 30 per night based on the trip... The world, LLC is authori and remember about the Fort phone at 1-800-634-0939 people on the,. For camping on the Dry Tortugas to truly explore what this Florida seaplane... Things to do in Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor this tends to less. See 2,588 traveler reviews, 2,466 candid photos, and you can check Loggerhead... And website in this browser for the next time I could n't wait to the! Ever had luck getting there at 6:00 and going standby Service and the views just kept getting better better... Three night camping option camping reservation and you can walk within the Fort Beach walking, snorkel swim... Snorkeling, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving in Florida any chances and took dramamine from the beginning minutes I. Your tickets for the helpful guide on Dry Tortugas you can walk within the Fort so join us take!