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. The color of the fresh water and marine life is surreal, the conch shells are amazing, the beach is beautiful, and visiting the historic Fort Jefferson, which is located on garden key, was really cool. Q: How do I make a new day trip reservation? 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!! LEARN MORE. Saint Augustine is pretty cool too- a national park/iconic . We are still following CDC recommended safety guidelines, including: Yankee Freedom passengers have the option of joining a 40-minute guided tour of the fort led by one of our expert naturalists. We also have a detailed guide to the best things to do in the Dry Tortugas. I was not disappointed. From the minute I saw a picture of the Dry Tortugas, part of the National Park Service,I have wanted to go there! View our ADA Accessibility Policy. We arrived just past 8:30 and for almost two hours, it was just us, the other 18 people from the two seaplane flights, a few campers, and some park rangers. Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park. Yeah, there is definite sticker shock, but it was so worth it! Grateful for anyone's advice. No other way to see that beautiful water! TRAVEL 70 MILES WEST OF KEY WEST TO THE DRY TORTUGAS, SLEEP UNDER THE STARS ON AN ISLAND 70 MILES FROM CIVILIZATION, SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AND HAVE A KAYAK ADVENTURE. drinks on board. Fully Narrated 45-min. WOW! Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. It was used as a prison during the Civil War. Re: Dry Tortugas 1 year ago Save If my only option was a daytrip by ferry .. Book the first flight of the day. This high speed, state of the art catamaran is the perfect way to sail across the 70-mile run to the Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas Snorkeling Adventure | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park includes use of Snorkeling Gear. Web Visit website. We visit Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas on the show. Provided by Touchpoints Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. A: You can check day trip and camping availability online. About Port Jefferson Ferry: Port Jefferson Ferry. dry tortugas ferry wait list Register for <strong>Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion</strong> at <strong>Dry Tortugas</strong> National Park spiritual realm storiessql slammer downloadskyrim freezing xbox one dyshidrotic eczema treatment cream nvidia tesla m40 24gb mining Menu formarrayname stackblitz catholic prayer for ukraine and russia We've done it twice, I loved it so much the first time I couldn't wait to do it again. Click to Chat. 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 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? 3.1 Snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas. With 4 young kids maybe not, since we are sure it gets really quiet on the island after the ferry leaves. If you want more info. I would not bother. Some of the activities include exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking. Privacy Policy. RESERVE EARLY! A: If you are planning to take the day trip you can book immediately online at https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/. How Much Is A Ferry Ride To Dry Tortugas? At the Dry Tortugas, they focus on preserving the original look of the fort so there are no railings anywhere so you can literally go to the edge which gives you amazing views. I don't know what their availability is in April but I just recently booked for May and they have quite a few openings. The Yankee Freedom provides daily ferry service from Key West, Florida to the Dry Tortugas. Reply 3.4 Camping on Garden Key. As a place filled with great beauty, solitude, and history, Dry Tortugas is one of the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. 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. This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park, Best Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. Rescheduling: By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. The snorkeling is actually better at the reef. We got amazing pictures when we were there and we kept telling ourselves to put the camera away. I couldn't find much recent information on this so hoping someone on here might have some current info. Plus, if you go camping then it is totally worth the boat ride. All rights reserved. You can fly to the Dry Tortugas from first thing in the morning until mid-afternoon. Some of the common and rare species you will encounter along the Florida Birding Trail at the Dry Tortugas National Park include: Roseate and Bridled Terns, Masked and Brown Boobies, Red-Necked Phalarope, Red-Footed Boobie, Double-Crested Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, Frigate Birds, the Caribbean Short-Eared Owl, White-Tailed Tropicbird, Shiny Q: Do you have spaces for xx/xx/xxxx? USA: (866) 575-5068. If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas, then you should stay in Key West. 5 What to pack when taking the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to camp at Dry Tortugas National Park, you will have to take the ferry or a private boat to get here. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know on how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Entry to the national park costs $15 and this is included in the price of the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. . There are also private charters that can take you to the Dry Tortugas. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. Those days will not be available for reservations. | After pulling in we grabbed a quick lunch on the boat and then headed out to start exploring! 21 Fun Things To Do In Port St Joe Florida, 17+ Fun Things To Do In Philadelphia With Kids [Plus 1 day Itinerary], Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park [Maps Included], Get off the Beaten Path: Best National Parks for Families - No Back Home, Crazy Family Adventure Fiesta Key RV Resort in the Florida Keys - Crazy Family Adventure, RV Living With Kids - What We've Learned After 2 Years - Crazy Family Adventure, 29 Things To Do In Key West For A Certifiably Awesome Adventure, 29 Things To Do In Florida On The Ultimate Sunshine State Road Trip, florida beaches: 25 best family vacation destinations, Florida Keys: 3 State Parks & 1 Dreamy National Park You Can't Miss, Florida Keys with Kids: Things to do on a Florida Keys Family Vacation - Family Travel Blog - Travel with Kids, Visit Dry Tortugas National Park The Most Beautiful Place In The US, 15 Lesser Known U.S. National Parks - Family Vacation Ideas, The Ultimate Guide to Yosemite Resorts - Tenaya Lodge, National Parks: Your Guide To The Best Outdoor Adventure. Re: Options for Dry Tortugas National Park if ferry sold out 4 years ago Save Get on the Yankee Freedom III ferry waiting list now. Plus they were huge! 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. Cost: $371 per adult, $296.80 for children 12 and under National Park Fee: $15 (this is in addition to the seaplane ticket price) Grand Total: $386 Length of Time: 4 hours total; 40-minute flight each way and 2.5 hours at Dry Tortugas National Park. The days are delightfully warm in Key West and the Florida Keys. General availability can be checked by going to https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ and clicking on the Book Now button. However, space is very limited. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. Bryanna has been full time RVing with her husband and 4 kids since May 2014. Because of these special requirements, you will need to speak with a reservation agent to determine availability of kayak transport for your dates of interest. So, it costs an additional $186 for an adult to fly to Dry Tortugas National Park than to take the ferry. Please note that the National Park Service does not keep a . The boat leaves at 2:45pm so you only have about 4 hours to explore. Save. You can also go on a 45 minute narrated tour of the fort. It's a very small airport with just one waiting area and very few services. If you want a day trip you can book a ferry to Bimini or Grand Bahamas from Ft Lauderdale and come back the same day. Im sure some people have gotten on, but with the no cancellation refund policy it has become very unusual for someone to not show up. The trip was about 2.5 hours each way. Dry Tortugas is made up of seven islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key The word tortugas is Spanish for turtles, due to the large amount that inhabit the surrounding waters. Both come with their advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose depends on cost, how much time you have, if you plan to camp on Garden Key, and other factors such as seasickness. 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. There will be cancelations but how many it is not clear this far out. Open 8am-8pm. Key West Seaplane Adventures provides snorkel gear and coolers with ice and water or soft drinks. Although Dry Tortugas Beach is located some 70 miles away within Fort Jefferson National Park, its beach is considered part of Key West's seaside offerings thanks to the Dry Tortugas Ferry. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and is accessible by boat and seaplane only. Unfortunately, I was an idiot and didn't book reservations for the ferry to Dry Tortugas early enough. Line up in the order you arrive on the benches along the wall next to the front door of the Terminal. A: Camping reservations must be made over the phone by calling 305-294-7009. When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get to the island at about 10:30am. After walking the moat we headed into the fort. Perfect picture opportunity! You should dress warmly if you're doing a Hells Canyon jet boat anytime but summer, but dress in layers. They were so vibrant and beautiful. Julie Last updated: January 31, 2023 United States 2 Comments. 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. Get on the ferry wait list, you might get lucky. [CDATA[ (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/97/1032023597.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-9fl4orvz7")); // ]]> Craig and I got up at 4:30am in the morning so we could get ready and drive an hour to get to Key West to be there by 6:30 so we could park and get to the terminal. It then makes the two-and-a-half-hour ride to the dock at Garden Key. Listen to the sounds of the waves as you enjoy a meal from our Snack Bar, or if you choose have a cocktail in the Steamboat Lounge, as the . best things to do along the Florida Keys. It was the right decision. Campers at Dry Tortugas National Park are allowed to bring kayaks, subject to certain restrictions and availability of transport space on board the Yankee Freedom ferry. What To Bring Valid Photo ID Required Sunscreen and Bathing suit Camera 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. The ride can be very choppy so if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be the best way to . 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 (The Yankee Freedom III) leaves Key West at 8 am. To see the National Park Services requirements for using kayaks in the park, click here. The way nature intended it to be. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. When we got to the end of the peninsula we started to see conch shells. Breath-taking. Your email address will not be published. There will be a signup sheet on a clipboard at the electric car rental desk under the Ferry Terminal. Campers should confirm their return dates at the time of ticket purchase and with the captain on the outbound trip. KEY WEST: For a list of top experiences in Key West, read our article Best Things to Do in Key West. The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is called theYankee Freedomiii. The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp. All prices are in USD. Breakfast Lunch. 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. PJK is correct of course unless if any in your party is a annual park pass holder or a lifetime pass holder in that case, the seaplane will accept that . However, we were NOT ready to leave when it was time to go. We took the ferry over. August: High of 92 F and a low of 79 F. September: High of 90 F and a low of 77 F. October: High of 85 F and a low of 75 F. November: High of 79 F and a low of 70 F. October and November have comfortable temperatures, but peak hurricane season tends to last through November, so it's still not a great time to visit. 3.3 Fishing in the Dry Tortugas. We promise to never spam you, and just use your email address to identify you as a valid customer. Snorkeling and Diving There are two ways to get here: by boat or by seaplane. No Hidden Fees. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. We also have a guide to the best things to do along the Florida Keys. I think I remember reading that they changed their cancellation policy so this tends to happen less often nowadays. //