It's just not the same experience at all . . Amazing! Since we just did a day visit, we thought it made more sense for Craig and I to go. Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! Yeah, there is definite sticker shock, but it was so worth it! We ate breakfast right away and then took seats outside of the deck of the ship so we could take in the views. Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. Before we left we walked over to check out the tent camping area and the other beach area where people were snorkeling. For more rates, click here. 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. A: If you are planning to take the day trip you can book immediately online at https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/. Neither of these locations are close to Key West. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. In other words, you must bring everything (water included) with you. from my point of view don't hesitate to send me a pm. 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. - Key West Charter Boat Visit the Dry Tortugas on one of our amazing Key West to Dry Tortugas charters. The Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West, can only be reached by ferry or seaplane, making it perhaps the hardest to reach of all national parks. Grateful for anyone's advice. So, if you want to visit the highlights of Dry Tortugas National Park and still have plenty of time in Key West, the half day tour, particularly the first time slot of the day, is a great option. Alternatively, you may use, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West. drinks on board. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! Copyright 2023 Yankee Freedom III, LLC. Below we shared tips on visiting the Dry Tortugas, Florida and what to expect when you visit. It was rocky from the beginning but when we got into the channel it REALLY started to rock. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. The soft sand in our toes, the teal water, and the ocean breeze. Cookie Notice Every time we turned a corner or looked a different direction it was another amazing view. Florida, USA. Going by seaplane would be ideal. Personally, I would save your money and spend it on a couple other water excursions like a snorkel trip to the reef or a sunset sail. That must not have happened on the Dry Tortugas because there were birds all around the mangrove island. We will be back and when we do go back we will definitely plan on camping for 3 nights! Below are four snorkeling sites at Garden Key. Your email address will not be published. You do need to book your trip in advance, providing names of the passengers, so planning a trip out to the islands is required. The word "dry" was later added to the name to indicate to other sailors the lack of fresh water on the islands. Half day trips are offered throughout the day. 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? use of snorkeling gear. With 4 young kids maybe not, since we are sure it gets really quiet on the island after the ferry leaves. For most visitors, particularly those on a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, the sites at Garden Key are the most accessible. I agree with everyone about the sea (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We use cookies to give you the best experience. Q: How do I make a camping reservation? The plane parks at a beach on Garden Key and this is where you get off. Cost. Privacy Policy. We considered doing this, since we also wanted to visit Loggerhead Key, but the price tag for this is extremely high (the one we looked at was about $3000 for the day). Be the first to review this product! Required fields are marked *. Then when you land in Key West check the wait list daily and check in at the on ground ticket booth daily as well. 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. We also have a detailed guide to the best things to do in the Dry Tortugas. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Powered by BigCommerce, Dry Tortugas/Fort Jefferson, Key West, FL - Travel Thru History Show. One of the workers there did have dogs (if you camp or visit for the day, you cannot bring dogs). Yankee Freedom, LLC is authori READ NEXT: Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park. Yankee Freedom Ferry Details Phone Number: 800-634-0939 Cost: Day trips to Dry Tortugas are $180 per adult. . All rights reserved. Options for Dry Tortugas National Park if ferry sold out, Re: Options for Dry Tortugas National Park if ferry sold out, Get answers to your questions about Key West, What are some good books to read during a trip to Key West. PRO TRAVEL TIP: The seaplane carries 10 people, and two seaplanes travel together. We have been to a lot of beaches but this is the first time we had seen so many in once place. It was enough time to walk around and explore the island. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! We have friends who have done the snorkeling in the past and it looked amazing! By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. | 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 ? capacity 175 passangers 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. Q: Do you have a waiting list I can put my name on? The most popular ways to get to Dry Tortugas National Park are the Yankee Freedom ferry and Key West Seaplane Adventures, but you can also get there using a permitted personal boat or a private charter. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. There was a snorkeling spot that we wanted to try, and we never got to it because we ran out of time. The ferry serves a continental breakfast that consists of coffee, cereal, and doughnuts. Yankee Freedom: Wow! I was not disappointed. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. But I'll agree with the others that the seaplane is totally worth it. 3 Things to do at Dry Tortugas National Park. guided tour of the fort. Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! This includes the National Park entrance fee. I will tell you hands down it was worth the money. 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. What was your favorite view from the pictures we shared? Top 10 list to #PlanLikeaParkRanger for a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. Re: Dry Tortugas 1 year ago Save 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. 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 Below I list more advantages and disadvantages for each mode of transportation. It is usually booked months ahead of time!! It was used as a prison during the Civil War. See here for other Florida beaches you have never heard of. Going by ferry turns your visit into a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. The ferry arrived at 10:20, and it got a lot more crowded. 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. We got amazing pictures when we were there and we kept telling ourselves to put the camera away. Key West. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. During your voyage, youll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande. Dry Tortugas Snorkeling Adventure | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park includes use of Snorkeling Gear. Also, be sure to check out our Florida Road Trip as this is a stop on the route and our Florida Keys Road Trip post. Half Day Seaplane + National Park Fee: $386 Yankee Freedom Ferry (includes the National Park Fee): $200 Price Difference: $186. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. There will be cancelations but how many it is not clear this far out. General availability can be checked by going to https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ and clicking on the Book Now button. Dry Tortugas Ferry $169.00 Departure Date: AFTER BOOKING PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM RESERVATION (305) 222-1199: Quantity: Product Description Dry Tortugas Ferry | Key West Ferry Boat to Dry Tortugas National Park Departure 8:00 am Return Departure 3:00pm Return Time 5:30 Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. We use cookies to give you the best experience. The rainiest months are June, July, August . Has anyone ever had luck getting there at 6:00 and going standby? Click the button below to add the Dry Tortugas Ferry to your wish list. However, we were NOT ready to leave when it was time to go. Ferry To Dry Tortugas. If you return you'll know to book early. Check-in cutoff is at 7:50am and if there are spaces available you will be accommodated in the order you lined up. ed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. 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 shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. You can only get to Dry Tortugas National Park by boat or by seaplane and these all leave from Key West, Florida. If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas, then you should stay in Key West. I don't know what their availability is in April but I just recently booked for May and they have quite a few openings. Seaplane vs. the Ferry vs. For the last 6+ years they have explored all over North America and share their top tips on things to do in locations with kids, along with road trip ideas and tips on RVing. Here is an overview of the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park for specific conditions: You'll experience the mildest weather in Dry Tortugas National Park in January, February, March, November, and December. Duration to : 2.5 hours each way. The seven tiny islands of Dry Tortugas are a vital layover for migrating birds traveling between South America and the United States making a staple in the Great Florida Birding Trail. It is the largest island in the Dry Tortugas and is supposed to have a lot of loggerhead sea turtles and also a Lighthouse. As you pull in it is absolutely gorgeous. Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Key West. It's a very small airport with just one waiting area and very few services. They are not going to wait for you. // Arizona Grand Resort Renovations, David Grant Phelps, Barrack Gate Royal Hospital Chelsea, Articles D