About Port Jefferson Ferry: Port Jefferson Ferry. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane. That is why I am considering this year to do the three night camping option. During the cruise from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, you will get to see the Marquesas Islands and lots of sea turtles during the voyage. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. But if you are visiting the Florida Keys for longer, we recommend Fiesta RV Resort, Sunshine Key RV Resort, Pelican RV Resort & Marina, and Hawks Cay Hotel and Resort. For most visitors, particularly those on a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, the sites at Garden Key are the most accessible. It's the stuff that bucket lists are made of. On the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park both my son and I got really sick, but on the jet boat it was a breeze. Camping is completely sold out through April 2021. During your voyage, youll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Another side note on the Fort, when it was used as a prison during the civil war, Dr. Samuel Mudd, an American physician was imprisoned at the fort on the Dry Tortugas for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas is the Yankee Freedom III. The snorkeling is actually better at the reef. We do not keep a waiting list and will not call you in case of cancellations. Yankee Freedom Dry tortugas national park ferry, Breakfast and Lunch (campers, arrival day only), Beach walk, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun, Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort, Ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Seaplanes run about $356 per person for a half-day trip. Better early then late and missing the boat! To see the National Park Services requirements for using kayaks in the park, click here. The second half of the Dry Tortugas Ferry takes you 70 miles through the Gulf to Fort Jefferson National Park, a Civil War-era fort used as a prison. It's the fastest security I've ever . WOW! So, it costs an additional $186 for an adult to fly to Dry Tortugas National Park than to take the ferry. 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. Ideally we would recommend you go and camp for a few nights. At the heart of the Dry Tortugas sits Fort Jefferson, a . ; The Seaplane charges park entrance fee upon check-in. The Dry Tortugas has kind of been loved to death these days. For more information, please see our The ferry is sold out for our dates that we are in town and the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Then when you land in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Below we shared tips on visiting the Dry Tortugas, Florida and what to expect when you visit. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. The seaplane can sell out months in advance. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and is accessible by boat and seaplane only. 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. Seats are very limited, so if this sounds like something you would like to do, book your tickets as soon as you know your dates of travel. Not sure what your budget is but you could always try the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Check-in time is at 7 am (6:30 am for campers). We did not bring the kids with us this time since we didnt think they would enjoy being a boat for 2 1/2 hours there and 2 1/2 back all in one day. Here are some of our suggestions on what to bring to make your trip memorable! Then all of a sudden this island pops up out of nowhere. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! Breath-taking. We promise to never spam you, and just use your email address to identify you as a valid customer. There will be a signup sheet on a clipboard at the electric car rental desk under the Ferry Terminal. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. The Dry Tortugas National Park is a series of islands around 70 miles from Florida's Key West. Ferry To Dry Tortugas. 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. . Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. Come to the Florida Keys and visit Fort Jefferson today! Camping is $200 per adult. http://www.travelthruhistory.tv/explore-dry-tortugas-fort-jefferson-key-west-fl/ - Things to do in Key West, FL. For the majority of the trip it is just ocean everywhere you look. They warn you to be very careful since the closest hospital is over 2 1/2 hours away! Snorkeling and Diving The best flights are the first and last flights of the day, when you will visit the park with fewer people. The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is called theYankee Freedomiii. It felt like we had the place to ourselves. 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. Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Key West. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. See here for other Florida beaches you have never heard of. There is no way to know if there will be space on any given day, it is completely random. Manage booking Connect Search MENU TICKETS Yankee Freedom - Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry 2068 reviews slideshow video Book this tour Overview Details Schedule Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. No Key West beach trip is complete without visiting the best beach in the Florida Keys: Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, located just 70 miles west of Key West. We visit Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas on the show. You have to go to the ferry in the morning when they open at 7AM and there is a wait list. The Yankee Freedom ferry (The Yankee Freedom III) leaves Key West at 8 am. Grateful for anyone's advice. 3.3 Fishing in the Dry Tortugas. Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson aboard the Official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry - the Yankee Freedom. This group of islands are the last keys in the Florida Keys. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We did the half day trip by seaplane. tour of the Fort Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun No Hidden Fees. The boat ride for us was very rocky on the way there and not quite as bad on the way back but I wouldnt call it smooth. Get on the ferry wait list, you might get lucky. Public ferries and seaplanes depart regularly to the park, and fishing and dive charters can be booked from the Florida Keys and Naples. For day trips, adults should pay $190 while children will be charged $135 Per CDC guidelines all our snorkels, masks, fins, and vests are dipped into a solution of water and Buckeye International SaniQ, washed with fresh water, and then hung on the rail to dry. The way nature intended it to be. 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. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. It was crazy! General availability can be checked by going to https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ and clicking on the Book Now button. However, 6.5 hours is a long time to spend here. We especially liked the view of the beach where we had found the conch shells. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. When you arrive, you can tour, explore the fort, swim at one of the beaches, or climb the lighthouse! Our website uses cookies. Then when you land in Key West check the wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth daily as well. They are not going to wait for you. My wife and I are from Northwest FL and are finally making it down to the keys for our anniversary. Click here to buy your tickets for the Dry Tortugas. Its worth it, if you have that kind of money to spend, and if you want to take your time here. Yankee Freedom Ferry Details Phone Number: 800-634-0939 Cost: Day trips to Dry Tortugas are $180 per adult. Catch a ride on the Dry Tortugas ferry or book a ticket on a seaplane to Dry Tortugas to truly explore what this Florida . If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas, then you should stay in Key West. just wait until you experience the open-air restaurants and charming little shops of . 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. RESERVE EARLY! We also have a guide to the best things to do along the Florida Keys. 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 . At the galley, you can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, ice cream, and snacks. A: You can check day trip and camping availability online. Try and find a way to take the seaplane -it is a once in a lifetime trip IMO, Agree with Louise M .. the seaplane is much more than just transportation it is imperative to take the first (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Some of the activities include exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking. The cost was about $165 per person ($15 cheaper with a National Park Pass). 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. Really wanted to go to Dry Tortugas but it is sold out during the month of April. The ferry is the more economical way to the island, but it still has its pros and cons! Why? It's a very small airport with just one waiting area and very few services. Click to Chat. 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. Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the requested dates. The first floor was gorgeous with all of the arches. Fastest way to and from Dry Tortugas National Park, Can visit the Dry Tortugas with low crowds before the ferry arrives or late in the date once the ferry departs, The full day tour seems a little too long, Cant bring camping gear or scuba equipment, 4.5 hours on the Dry Tortugas, a nice amount of time on the islands, Can bring camping gear, scuba equipment, and kayaks, More crowded experience on the Dry Tortugas, Private tour of Dry Tortugas National Park. Be the first to review this product! Explore and learn of its history with one of our If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You will have Dry Tortugas to yourself once the ferry leaves Garden Key. Yes No An official form of the United States government. If you can, try to do Dry Tortugas but that's a whole day while you're down there. No Hidden Fees. Hopefully next year my dream will come true! NOTE: we do not provide the kayaks, only transportation. By noon, we were back in Key West and had all afternoon in town. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. The huge majority of the 65,000 people who visit each year come on the 150-passenger Yankee Freedom Ferry, and despite the $190/person cost, this is the most affordable method of travel. And while you're heading down there/back up, try to do the Everglades too! How To Get Around Dry Tortugas National Park. This secluded park is located about 70 miles from Key West, and it definitely deserves a spot as one of the best places to . Seriously how can the water be those colors?! The boat leaves at about 2:45pm so you only have about 4 hours to explore. Q: Do you have a waiting list I can put my name on? There will be cancelations but how many it is not clear this far out. Camping at the Dry Tortugas is very popular. ! But you are on a 2 and a half hour boat ride there and back (its 70 miles off of Key West), plus they feed you breakfast and lunch. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The website does a great job explaining the things you should bring with if you plan to camp. Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry Tickets route/stop changes on the day of your tour. When we got to the end of the peninsula we started to see conch shells. Theres something for everyone! Key West Seaplane Adventures offers a 4-hours and 8-hour adventures to Dry Tortugas National Park. All rights reserved. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. 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. This product hasn't received any reviews yet. The weather had been really rainy and windy so the ocean was NOT calm. Cost: $200 per adult, $145 for children 4 to 16, $190 for students, seniors, and active military The Dry Tortugas are a group of small islands composed of coral reefs located in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of the Florida Keys, United States. When you travel by seaplane, you land in the waters just offshore from Garden Key. How Much Is A Ferry Ride To Dry Tortugas? *The Park Service will collect a campsite fee of $15 to $30 per night based on the size of your party. The island is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. Learn more on the National Park Service website. Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. Alternatively, you may use, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! On the day we were here, Yankee Freedom must have been using a different boat, since this is not their typical boat they use to go to the Dry Tortugas. The ferry serves a continental breakfast that consists of coffee, cereal, and doughnuts. 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Guess what, we are NOT a quiet family. 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. We do not keep a waiting list and will not call you in case of cancellations. The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Take your comfortable seat and enjoy the relaxing ride to the Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson, just 70 miles west of Key West. drinks on board. Totally worth it. more. Address. The ferry costs $200 for adults and $145 for kids through the age of 16. Unfortunately, I struck out with both the seaplane and ferry when I tried to make it to Dry Tortugas on a recent Key West trip. If you're early risers be there at boarding time by 7:30am & you'll know by 8am when they leave if there's any open spots. 2023 KeyWestTour.com | Sitemap The rainiest months are June, July, August . We've done it twice, I loved it so much the first time I couldn't wait to do it again. Perfect picture opportunity! There is also a big price difference between taking the seaplane flight and the Yankee Freedom Ferry. Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. //