Camping Dry Tortugas When To Go?

Most people agree that the best time to visit the Dry Tortugas is from the months of

November through April

. 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.

Is it worth camping on Dry Tortugas?

At $195 for three nights, it might seem like you should at least have access to clean running water, but

camping in Dry Tortugas is worth the price

. The campsites have the benefit of being full of shaded areas to get out of the sun.

How many nights can you camp at Dry Tortugas?

Subject to availability, you may spend

up to three nights (four days)

camping at Dry Tortugas.

Can you spend the night at Dry Tortugas?

Overnight anchoring is allowed in the area of sand and rubble bottom within 1 nautical mile of the Fort Jefferson harbor light and must not block any designated channel

. Overnight anchoring is not permitted at any other location in Dry Tortugas National Park.

Can you snorkel at Dry Tortugas in January?

Re: Dry Tortugas in late January – wetsuit needed?

Yes, you need a wet suit

. Even if the temperature of the water is not an issue, you want general protection in the form of a ‘skin suit' or at minimum a 3mm. There is a lot fire coral in the tropics.

Is December a good time to visit Dry Tortugas?

The winter season, roughly December through April, brings rough seas, high winds and frequent storms. This unstable weather can make it difficult to get to Dry Tortugas, but

winter is a good time to visit if your main goal is to beat the crowds

.

Can you drink at Dry Tortugas?

Alcohol is not permitted at Dry Tortugas National Park

. The Yankee Freedom does have a reasonably priced cash bar on the ride back, once the boat departs the island.

Is there drinking water on Dry Tortugas?

There are no restaurants at the Dry Tortugas, but there is a visitor's center and a book store. The Yankee Freedom will provide a breakfast snack and box lunch on all day trips. Soft drinks and snacks are available in the galley which will remain open for cash sales.

Water is available all day at no extra charge

.

Can you kayak at Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas National Park

A kayak can be a great way to explore the beauty of the Dry Tortugas

. As you paddle you can look down through clear water at the diverse marine life that makes the seagrass beds and coral reefs their home.

Can you snorkel at Dry Tortugas?

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. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone.

How much is the ferry from Key West to the Dry Tortugas?

How much is the ferry for a day trip from Key West to the Dry Tortugas?

The cost for an adult is $190

. There is a $10 discount for active duty members of the military, seniors ages 62 or higher, and full-time students (age 17+). Children ages 4 to 16 are $135 each.

How long does it take by ferry to get to the Dry Tortugas?

How long is the trip from Key West to Fort Jefferson? The ride on the Yankee Freedom usually takes about

2 hours and 15 minutes

.

Why is Dry Tortugas closed?

Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks have temporarily closed park entrances and visitor facilities

in preparation for Tropical Storm Eta for the safety of visitors and staff

. Marine waters in all parks will remain open for boating, but emergency services will be extremely limited.

Is there food on Dry Tortugas?

There are no restaurants, shops, or any other services that offer food, water or fuel available on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park

.

Can you drive to Dry Tortugas National Park?

Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island about 70-miles (113 km) west of Key West, Florida.

Cars are not able to access the island

. The only methods of transportation are by boat or seaplane.

Can you snorkel at Dry Tortugas in February?

We have gone in February but it was much warmer than the current weather. We still need a light jacket on the boat. We didn't wear wetsuits when we snorkeled and did OK but I would wear a wetsuit if I went again.

The snorkeling is decent so you will be able to spend more time in the water with a wetsuit

.

Can you swim at Dry Tortugas National Park?

This designated swimming area is located of the Northwest side of Loggerhead Key

. This area is protected, shallow and calm, a great place for swimming and snorkeling. Within the swim area, a few yards off the swim beach is a remarkable coral formation aptly named Little Africa.

Are there bathrooms on Dry Tortugas?

Are there toilets at Dry Tortugas?

Yes, there are always toilets available to our passengers

. There are composting toilets located near the campground. Whenever the Fort Jefferson ferry is on the dock, these toilets are locked, and the ferry toilets become the public restrooms for everyone on the island.

What is the water temperature in the Dry Tortugas in December?

What is the water temperature at Dry Tortugas?

76°F

. Today water temperature in Dry Tortugas is 76.8°F. It is the most comfortable swimming water in any body of water, especially on a hot day.

How far is Tortuga Island from Key West?

Almost

70 miles

(113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands.

Are there sharks in Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas National Park

People can swim with nurse sharks without incident

, although the sharks will sometimes attack humans if they are antagonized, so it is best to leave them alone if you see them.

Are there snakes in the Dry Tortugas?

I'm also terrified of snakes but I can assure him that

there are NO SNAKES at the Dry Tortugas

. There are no mosquitoes as there is no fresh water at the Dry Tortugas. The place is magical, after the ferry leaves you have the place all to yourself.

Can private boats go to Dry Tortugas?

Yes, all private boats and vessels entering Dry Tortugas National Park must file a boat permit at Garden Key before recreating within the park

. Even if you do not plan on exploring Fort Jefferson, you must stop by Garden Key to pay the entrance fee and file the required permits.

Can you fish at Dry Tortugas National Park?

Fishing is allowed in certain areas of Dry Tortugas National Park, though no lobstering is allowed, nor is spearfishing

. A Florida Saltwater fishing license is required for those older than 16 and younger than 65. No special fishing license from the National Park Service is needed.