Thanks - heading to Key West in mid-August. The National Park Visitor’s Center is a great way to start your journey here. The way the campground is managed at Dry Tortugas National Park is a little unusual. Today, visitors can enjoy the Dry Tortugas by seaplane, ferry, or private boat. Obviously I chose to take the commercial ferry, the Yankee Freedom III, to the island. Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, the Yankee Freedom to visit Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National park. How to Get to Dry Tortugas: Seaplane Arriving by plane is more flexible, as they come between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK History and Nature compete for attention in the Dry Tortugas, a cluster of islands at the far tip of the Florida Keys where turtles swim in the shadow of Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th century coastal fort held together by more than 16 million bricks. The only way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park is via seaplane, ferry, or private boat. In my opinion, the ferry is … Answer 1 of 15: I am going to Key West this week and planned to take the Yankee Freedom 1 boat to Dry Tortugas. Camping, Dry Tortugas Ferry, Fort Jefferson, How to get to Dry Tortugas and more! You can take a private boat or a ferry. Answer 1 of 15: I am going to Key West this week and planned to take the Yankee Freedom 1 boat to Dry Tortugas. The islands and the waters around them make up Dry Tortugas … Fishing is allowed in certain areas of the park. Would-be visitors must find a way to navigate the vast, open waters that separate the park from the mainland. The park is home to the magnificent 19 th century Fort Jefferson, rich and diverse marine life, breathtaking turquoise waters, excellent snorkeling and diving sites and incredible bird-watching opportunities. Answer 1 of 12: I would love to hear about how you get to the Dry Tortugas. If you take a seaplane ride into the park you cross the timeline 45 miles west of Key West. The Dry Tortugas Visitor’s Center is right at the entrance to Fort Jefferson. 1. The Dry Tortugas are popular spots with nature enthusiasts, and you can do a lot of wildlife spotting around these little islands. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. I know there are boats and planes, but which way would you recommend and what company did you have a great experience with? The grouping of tiny islands known as the Dry Tortugas is approximately 70 miles due west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to get there and you have over four hours to tour the fort, snorkel and enjoy the beaches of the Dry Tortugas. Although more expensive, going by seaplane allows you to see the park from an aerial view, and is only 40 minutes of travel time. This is a full day excursion. We fell in love with this magical place and can't wait to return! It is only a 45 minute flight and you enjoy amazing scenery on the way. There are three ways to get to Dry tortugas. Book Now: Dry Tortugas by Ferry Seaplane. The cheapest way to get from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park is by ferry. The Dry Tortugas are in the Central Time Zone. Backing up for a moment, let’s talk about how to get to Dry Tortugas, because there are a few different travel options. There is a half-day tour which gives 2 hours on Fort Jefferson, as well as a full-day tour, giving roughly 6 hours. Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Tips. The National Parks System added the Dry Tortugas (and Fort Jefferson) to its roster in 1992. Knowing how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park is your first step in your journey to one of Florida's most remote and beautiful parks. Beth K. If you decide to take a boat, it makes the trip a very long day. The Dry Tortugas is a remote, quiet, peaceful spot not far from the Florida Keys. A one of a kind experience for those looking to see the Dry Tortugas and Ft. Jefferson but do not wish to spend time on the ground at the fort. Getting To The Dry Tortugas From Key West. This is for people who arrive on Garden Key in their personal vessels and wish to camp. how to get to dry tortugas. I’m headed to the keys at the end of dec on a solo trip and would really like to see it, the problem is, the one ferry that I’ve found is booked for days. Dry Tortugas makes for some astonishing photos, and the memories that go with them are invaluable. Get to the islands before the crowds to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and teeming coral reef gardens! Return Time 5:30. Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park . However, it is sold out for the day I am going but I am still going to Key West. 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