How Do I Get To Dry Tortugas National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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

.

Is there only one ferry to Dry Tortugas?


The 110-foot, high-speed catamaran is the only ferry authorized by the National Park Service to get there

. At more than 30 mph, the ferry took about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. Check-in began at 7 a.m. at the ferry terminal, and the Yankee Freedom III departed an hour later.

How much does it cost to stay at Dry Tortugas?


Individual Campsites: $15 per night, per site. Group Campsite: $30 per night

. Reservations required. Cash or check accepted.

Is Dry Tortugas worth the trip?

Dry Tortugas National Park is fascinating both in its unique marine landscape and its history, and

it’s definitely worth the visit

. Located at the tip of the Flordia Keys is the stunning Dry Tortugas National Park. It preserves seven breathtaking Dry Tortugas Islands.

Can you stay overnight in the 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.

How much does the ferry cost from Key West to 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.

Are there crocodiles in Dry Tortugas?

For nearly 14 years,

one individual American Crocodile was a resident at Dry Tortugas

. No other crocodiles have been recorded in this location for at least the past century. Until recently, this male crocodile spent most of its time in areas of Garden Key and Bush Key that were not heavily used by visitors.

Are there sharks at Dry Tortugas National Park?

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.

What is the cheapest way to get to Dry Tortugas?

The cheapest way to get to the Dry Tortugas is

by The Yankee Freedom Ferry

, an authorized concessionaire of the park. The daily catamaran ferry to Dry Tortugas departs from Key West.

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.

Does anyone live on Dry Tortugas?


There are a handful of maintenance workers and park rangers that actually live in the fort at the Dry Tortugas

. 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. WOW!

Is there cell service in the Dry Tortugas?


No, there are no cell phone towers in the Dry Tortugas

.

Is Dry Tortugas safe?

Re: Camping in Dry Tortugas – Safe?

It’s a very safe place

and during the day you just leave your gear wherever you find a spot and nobody will mess with it.

Do you need reservations for Dry Tortugas?

Camping at the Dry Tortugas is very popular.

Reservations on the ferry are limited and sell out 9-12 months in advance

so please plan ahead! Camping at Fort Jefferson is PRIMITIVE CAMPING! In other words, you must bring everything (water included) with you.

Is Dry Tortuga open?

Christmas Day December 25 Open 24 hours Holiday Date Hours

What is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?

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.

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.

Is there food at the 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

.

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.

Can you kayak to the Dry Tortugas?


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 fly to Dry Tortugas?

Getting to the Dry Tortugas by Seaplane. Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park

. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit.

What is Dry Tortugas known for?

Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas is known for

its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, beaches, coral reefs, campgrounds and array of activities both in and out of the water

.

What is Dry Tortugas National Park famous for?

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as

the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area

.

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.

Are there Dolphins at Dry Tortugas?


One of the most popular residents in Key West are our friendly bottlenose dolphins

. There’s an estimated 200 of them living in the waters that surround the island and many who come to visit cannot wait to catch a glimpse of them.

Who was imprisoned at Dry Tortugas?

Mudd was later arrested for conspiracy and for harboring Booth and David Harold after the crime was committed. After standing trial and a string of testimonies,

Dr. Samuel Alexander Mudd

was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.