Everything You Need To Know About Planning a Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of those places that embodies paradise. The water is absolutely stunning and walking around Fort Jefferson is such a unique National Park experience. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by sea plane or boat. As a result there are three potential methods of reaching this National Park:
Sea Plane: $494 per person for a half day excursion and $868 per person for a full day excursion through Seaplane Adventures (the only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas National Park). This option is unique in the fact that you do get to see the Keys and surrounding areas from above. You do not have to worry about seasickness and the trip will be much quicker, albeit more expensive.
Take the Yankee Freedom, authorized concessionaire through the National Park Service: this ferry service is the cheapest option at about $235 per person but will also book out at least a few months in advance so plan ahead. This option includes a 2.5 hour boat ride one way to Dry Tortugas National Park. Keep in mind that the journey is also a rough one. We saw MANY people getting sick on the boat rides to and from the island and we would NOT recommend this journey if you are prone to seasickness!
Take a private boat: If you have your own boat, or want to pay for a private boat charter, you can reach Dry Tortugas. Just like the ferry, keep in mind that the journey is long and probably will be rough.
Island Highlights:
Fort Jefferson
Once you get to Dry Tortugas National Park, make sure to walk the grounds of Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the western hemisphere. All the brick arches were really cool and it was so fun walking along the different levels of the fort to see the surrounding areas from above. We loved the shades of teal and aqua of the water from above.
Lighthouses
On the island you’ll also check out the Garden Key Lighthouse and off in the distance you can see the Dry Tortugas Lighthouse on Loggerhead Key.
Moat Wall
While on the island, make sure to walk on the moat if able. Parts of the moat were destroyed when we visited in December 2024 due to storm damage, but we were able to walk a good portion of the wall and marvel at the exterior of the fort and beautiful water surrounding it.
Beaches & Snorkeling
Lastly, make sure to check out the beaches while you are here! If you book a ferry ticket through the Yankee Freedom, a snorkel and fins are provided with your ticket price. It is possible to see coral reefs and sea life including various fish & sea turtles here.
What to Bring?
Swimsuit, towel, reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses/sun protection, camera, change of clothes for the return trip, rain jacket, National Park Pass, photo ID.
Can you camp here?
It is possible to camp on Dry Tortugas National Park. Once you arrive at Garden Key, camping is first come, first served for all regular sites (up to 6 people). All camping fees are paid on Garden Key and all LARGE groups of 10-20 require an advance reservation with the Park. If you are planning on taking the Yankee Freedom to Dry Tortugas, make sure you book a camping specific ticket in order to have travel to and from the park. If you do have the opportunity to camp here, we highly recommend taking it so you can have more time on the island and enjoy it in peace. The starry night skies here are absolutely insane too!
In conclusion, Dry Tortugas National Park is a very unique National Park and we fell in love with the tropical beauty of the island and incredible architecture of Fort Jefferson. It was truly unlike any US National Park that we have been to.
