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The Junior Ranger packet is not a crazy one (you should see the Yellowstone NP packet!) The primary swimming beaches are South and North Beaches, as noted as great snorkeling spots. While the Dry Tortugas ferry wont go out if the weather is dangerous, if youre planning to visit on your own, you need to be aware of weather systems that might impact your safety. There is definitely more to this beautiful and isolated National Park than just a giant fort. Thats why the coal docks are there. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. While ideal conditions will make for a smooth trip out to For Jefferson, medium to large swells can occur making for a very nauseating trip. I didnt realize how far west from the keys it was. Youll definitely see a variety of tropical fish and perhaps nurse sharks. That said, dont expect to see turtle nests or hatchling turtles. Thus, the best time to come out to the Dry Tortugas is probably from February through April. Its close to the camping area at Dry Tortugas. Unfortunately, these are also the busiest months down in Key West. Besides that, this simple Dry Tortugas packing list should ensure a wonderful visit: Note: this is NOT a packing list for camping at Dry Tortugas National Park. Get your America The Beautiful National Park Pass here! The temperatures in the Dry Tortugas range from the mid-50s (as a low during the coldest months in winter time) to the mid-80s. The water is the warmest in July, August, and September with an average water temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. As you swim or snorkel, youll see lots of shells and wildlife underwater. Go snorkeling. These are the best things to do at Fort Jefferson: Its easy to get sucked into the wonder of Fort Jefferson and its history, so if you plan on snorkeling and relaxing, be sure to keep an eye on the time. You will not be permitted to start a fire at the campsite. You can learn more about the islands and different areas of the park from one of the park rangers at the visitor center. Once here, tour Fort Jefferson and walk the old fort walls, go snorkeling or swimming, and take a stroll on an empty beach. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. We'll Price Match It. It is to the left of the ferry dock. The winter times are milder in temperature and drier in general. While Fort Jefferson was never fully completed, it still served a purpose, much like Fort Clinch in North Florida. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited park in the National Park Service, so very few people actually have Junior Ranger badges from Fort Jefferson. The islands were later renamed the Dry Tortugas to let sailors know that there was no fresh water to be found here. Beyond the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, the iconic Fort Jefferson is the other attraction at Dry Tortugas National Park. These two beaches offer plenty of space to spread out (you wont have much gear) and enjoy the view. Both leave from Key West, Florida. ineed to get down there. The last place for snorkeling at Dry Tortugas is along the moat wall. Located at the very end of the Florida Keys, its one of the least visited National Parks and is truly one of the most pristine. For more information on how to do this, take a look at our Florida Keys Itinerary. We had calm weather while we were here. Tip: be sure to get your National Park Passport stamp at the Dry Tortugas National Park Visitor Center inside Fort Jefferson. The company offers half day trip excursions for $361 per person and $288.80 for kids ages 12 and under. You cannot snorkel along Bush Key, which is attached to Garden Key (the main island) or the adjacent Long Key. The full day gives you about 6 and a half hours snorkeling and exploring the National Park. Walking the trail along the top of the fort was the highlight for us. Plus, you will be here with just a handful of people, a great way to experience this park without a lot of people. Coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles can all be seen here. While the snorkeling from the beaches on Garden Key is very good, there are other parts of Dry Tortugas National Park where you can explore deeper underwater. The weather is always pleasant to guests, though of course it is unbeatable during the early spring months, thanks to the lack of hot weather, rains, or heavy winds. Regardless of the season, be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting. The high temperature for the day was 80F and the water also felt very warm. Note: This page contains affiliate links. Most of the park is water, but it is also home to coral reefs, bird nesting grounds, and historic Fort Jefferson. Annual Visitors: 84,000 in 2021, making it the 9th least visited park this year. This smaller beach is located on the north side of Fort Jefferson, getting there via the path to the right of the ferry dock. This applies to any sort of boat, whether youre mooring or if you have brought your own kayak (this is a bucket list Florida Keys kayaking spot!). Loggerhead Key, which is the largest of the Dry Tortugas, is located 3 miles from Garden Key and Fort Jefferson. And if youre lucky youll see sea turtles which makes sense considering the name of the park. Arrive at the terminal by 7:00 am to get checked in for the ferry, as boarding begins at 7:30 am. One of the best pieces of National Park swag you can get is the Junior Ranger Badge. If you have a National Parks pass, you can present that upon check-in in Key West to have the cost of admission refunded to you. Concessions and services on the islands are extremely limited, and visitors are expected to bring everything they need, including food and water, for the duration of their visit. Pristine, thats the only word for it. Thats why Bush and Long Keys are both off limits to humans. The climate in the Dry Tortugas is subtropical, which basically means that it has warm and tropical weather in the range of 60F to 90F. Since it is so remote, there is a good chance that you will have it all to yourself. Youll first have to check in at Fort Jefferson to get a free permit and be provided with information on where you may drop anchor and fish. This was so interesting and helpful! Well help you get it planned though. Spend the night on Garden Key. The climate is subtropical with hot and humid summers and frequent afternoon showers. While this area is closed to swimming for the protection of the wildlife and habitat, you can still enjoy laying on the beach and exploring the sands. Bush Key sits right next to Garden Key and, if it is open, walking around this small island is one of the best things to do on a visit to the Dry Tortugas. We were staying at the Laureate Key West hotel when we first did the Dry Tortugas ferry, so we had to park in the public lot. Heres the 2021 rates for reservations on the Dry Tortugas ferry (prices in USD not inclusive of taxes): The price of your ferry tickets for Dry Tortugas includes National Park admission. We were just there in December and are planning another trip down in May. Others tell stories of rough waves and countess people vomiting off the back of the boat. The views from the plane are of the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, ending with a birds eye view of Fort Jefferson.. Those failing to check-in and getting a permit run the risk of being given a citation. Our website uses cookies. Visiting Dry Tortugas, check the weather the day before to see what it should be like, and plan appropriately. Most people agree that the best time to visit the Dry Tortugas is from the months of November through April. The South Swim Beach is the best, in my opinion. I seem to be in Florida at least once or twice a year but never get down to the Keyes. I am working on a trip though to go right here! The hurricane season runs from May through October. Videos featuring 2TravelDads webisodes, TV, promos and more! and its doable either while youre exploring Fort Jefferson or if you want to sit at a picnic table before you leave Garden Key. Popular with bird watchers (look for the brown noddy and the sooty tern) and history buffs, this national park is also a watersports fans paradise. Loggerhead Key and the reef are both exceptional locations, but these can only be reached via private boat tour. Departing from the Historic Seaport area of Key West each morning, its quite the boat trip. The winter season, roughly December through April, brings rough seas, high winds and frequent storms. Note: given the distance to Loggerhead Key, if you want to paddle out to it, you must do that during a camping trip to Dry Tortugas, as it will eat more than half the day and its not possible on a standard trip to the islands. 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. Over the years many interesting artifacts and pieces of the wall have fallen into the sea, making the ocean floor complex with lots of good hiding places for fish. I want to make sure we have time for everything! During these months, the weather is ideal with little to no wind and great water visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving. If snorkeling is not your thing, there are several beautiful beaches where you can get into the water. They also offer special rates for students (ages 17 or older) with ID, active military, and senior citizens (ages 62 or older). In the summertime, it is not uncommon for the temperature out on the Dry Tortugas to exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Its a struggle to leave the many conch shells on the sand, but its the rule. On the boat though, it's required at all times. If you decide you want to go fishing, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the rules and restricted areas. Bush Key is open from October through January (the remainder of the year it is closed because it is a bird nesting site) but it is the most beautiful walk in the Dry Tortugas. One of the biggest attractions at Dry Tortugas National Park is its wildlife, from the fish that populate its reefs to the sea turtles that nest on its shores. There are a few ways visitors can get to Dry Tortugas on privately owned boats, the Yankee Freedom ferry, or a seaplane. The seaplane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park and Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. Lots actually! In the wintertime, the average temperature is in the mid sixties. It is also possible that the ferry may not run if the sea is very rough. Flying out of Key West, the travel time is about 40 minutes. If youd like to snorkel the depths or go diving at Dry Tortugas you will need to arrange that outside of the basic ferry service. Youll want to make sure you pack a change of clothes if youll be getting in the water, sunscreen, a towel, snorkel equipment, sunglasses, a camera, and any special snacks. Youll catch the ferry very near the Marker Key West Resort and the Waterfront Brewery. The remainder of the islands are closed all year since they are home to bird nesting sites. We are traveling with a 3 and 5 year old. Dry Tortugas National Park is incredible for many reasons, and one of coolest things to do at Dry Tortugas is snorkeling around the main attraction, Fort Jefferson. Take a Stroll on Bush Key. The Yankee Freedom III ferry is the only boat that operates day trips down to Garden Key. And if you decide to snorkel outside the designated area, you must display an approved dive flag. ), making the ride back go by faster. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 west of Key West, Florida out in the middle of the ocean. In your opinion, is traveling via the ferry better or is the sea plane better? From camping at Dry Tortugas to snorkeling, to the history of Fort Jefferson well answer all your questions here. Its a cancellation you cant miss! Visitors can see parts of the fort where he was imprisoned. The half day trip is about 4 hours, with two and a half hours at the park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. In fact, our prices are up to 56% Cheaper*, Dry Tortugas National Park is the #1 Dry Tortugas Concierge in Key West. Ah man! We parked ourselves watching barracuda dart in and out of a large hole in the wall while butterfly fish swam all around us. This is where most visitors will spend their time. Dry Tortugas National Park is more than 90 percent water, but at its heart lies a tiny cluster of islands, the Dry Tortugas, at the tail end of the Florida Keys. Thankfully simple breakfast and lunch are provided aboard the Yankee Freedom, but if you have special dietary needs or are a picky person, youll want to bring your own snacks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Did you do the guided tour of the Fort or a self tour? I think that exploring the fort on you own is fine, especially since there are exhibits everywhere. Advanced reservations are highly recommended regardless of whether youre traveling via ferry or seaplane, as spots fill up months in advance. Admittedly I would rather spend the day fishing though. Each campsite has a picnic table and grill and campers must bring all supplies with them, including a tent, freshwater, ice, and food. Then spend the rest of your time snorkeling, swimming, and walking around Bush Key. one of the best things to do on a visit to the Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas offers excellent bird-watching as well, especially in spring, as many species stop over on their annual migration. There are only two ways youll be able to transport your gear to the island, either through the ferry or a private boat. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The only fire allowed is grilling with charcoal or propane. Notable Fact: Everglades and Dry Tortugas form the UNESCO Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve. If youre visiting during the winter months, it can be somewhat cold, especially once the sun starts to go down. Seriously the most beautiful place I've been close second is Denali or Kenai NP. To get here, you will kayak 3 miles one-way from Garden Key. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Dont forget to turn it in and get your badge! Book your Dry Tortugas Ferry reservations here! Dry Tortugas National Park is an underrated gem in the national park system. Ultimately, chances are you are getting to Dry Tortugas on the ferry or seaplane, so lets talk about that. Remember that youre in a National Park, so removal of natural objects and harassing wildlife is not permitted. It should be a bucket list must, especially for those who love exploring the ocean and wildlife. Located about 70 miles west of the Florida Keys, in the crystal turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, are the seven isles of Dry Tortugas National Park. With warm sea and air temperatures, Dry Tortugas National Park is a great place to visit all year. The white sandy beach is your walking trail and the views of Fort Jefferson and Garden Key are spectacular. However, in order to transport a gas grill to the park, youll have to arrive on a personal vessel. The fact that the park is so isolated means that coral reef conditions are significantly better than anything you might see closer to the Florida coast. Hats and sunglasses are also a good idea. Garden Key, which is the arrival point for the boats and the seaplanes, is also home to Fort Jefferson. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Wildlife Viewing. If you are camping, then definitely do it. For the ultimate adventure in Dry Tortugas National Park, visit Loggerhead Key. Dry Tortugas National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in January, April, and December. The islands were discovered in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, who named them Las Tortugas after the giant sea turtles that abound in the surrounding waters. To get there, you must either paddle over or have your own private boat. Its remote location has kept it a secret from most visitors to the Florida Keys, and even among National Park fiends its not a commonly visited park. During the winter months (November through April), brief periods of windy conditions can create large swells of water. The ferry boat is called the Yankee Freedom III, and its official website includes current pricing information and schedules. FULL DAY BY SEAPLANE: With a full day by seaplane, you now have 6.5 hours in the Dry Tortugas. There are two options for doing the Dry Tortugas seaplane: half day or full day trip. We were told that flights are seldom cancelled during this time due to weather. Even though the ferry does sell several items onboard, for example, food and drinks, T-shirts, sunscreen, towels, and hats, they dont have an endless supply. The ferry has space to roam around and as long as people don't get seasick and/or the seas are calm, it's not a bad journey at all. Youll see a marker just before the beach becomes Bush Key, and this is where you must stop. Explore Fort Jefferson first and then go for a stroll around Bush Key and visit one or two snorkeling spots. Remember, you can only look and not touch as the coral and shells are protected by law. Im curious whats best if you want to have time to snorkel and explore. I think of hiking in Zion National Park or exploring the many geysers at Yellowstone, which present visitors with clear activities and a plan for what to do. In general, the winds are calm and sea visibility is excellent. If youve done the road trip through the Florida Keys and then done the boat all the way out here, beach time and exploring underwater is going to be so refreshing and wonderful! And no, theres no Key Lime Pie available at Fort Jefferson but I supposed you could make your own key lime pie to bring. You do need to book your trip in advance, providing names of the passengers, so planning a trip out to the islands is required. Were going in November via ferry and Im so excited! Of the two seasons, summer is certainly the preferred time to visit Dry Tortugas, though a strong case could be made that the brief spring season late April to early June is the best time to experience the islands. The summer season, from June to November, is considerably warmer and more stable, with clear skies and minimal wind, though occasional severe storms, including hurricanes, are a possibility. There is a small primitive campground not far from the public dock with 11 individual campsites, most of which are only able to accommodate a two-person tent. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dry Tortugas National Park is also a special conservation area for a variety of wildlife, including nurse sharks and the Magnificent Frigate bird. Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key and East Key. It's always smart to bring sunscreen, even if you are coming in the cooler winter months. If you dont own your own boat or know someone who does, the least expensive way to get to Dry Tortugas is via ferry. There are also old coal docks to explore here, but the current is a bit stronger and the waves are larger on breezy days. Make reservations for a Dry Tortugas Tour by booking online or contact us at (866) 575-5068. North Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas ferry is a large catamaran called the Yankee Freedom III. Be prepared for a lot of sun exposure, as the only shade is within Fort Jefferson and its brick corridors. Today, visiting Dry Tortugas National Park provides an opportunity to experience a rare desert island paradise just a day trip from the United States mainland. Explore Historic Fort Jefferson. People throw around the phrase pristine beaches like its a volleyball, but the beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park are actually pristine. The seaplane is a huge expense for a family, and while it gives amazing views and is lots of fun, the ferry gets my vote. Our friend and trusted travel planner Jenn can help! Fort Jefferson was used for defending the deep water channel leading to the coast along the Gulf of Mexico. The best time to visit is during the summer time, which runs from May to October. Its great seeing you did this town two small kids! For the ride back to Key West there are desserts and alcoholic drinks for purchase (really good ones! The two main seasons are the winter stormy season from December through March which is windier and sees slightly rougher seas, and the summertime tropical storm season from June through November where there is a higher chance of isolated storms (including tropical storms and hurricanes). Both are amazing, with beautiful views But we did have a sea turtle hanging out with us in the moat as we walked along it, so that may sway my option to say that the Fort Jefferson moat is the best thing to do at Dry Tortugas Maybe. We are booked to go via ferry in June, and while much may change between now and then, I was wondering how strict they were about mask wearing once you're off the boat? This is the primary area visitors explore. Here are several sample itineraries, depending on the amount of time you have and which mode of transportation you choose. Go for a Swim. Before your visit, you will need to get a permit. see our full Sun Protection article for suggestions, Our friend and trusted travel planner Jenn can help, Students 17+, Active Military, Senior 62+, Climb to the top of the wall and walk the perimeter, Enjoy a picnic lunch on the top of the fort, Get artsy with your photography, photographing the architecture and windows to the sea, Bird watch: magnificent frigate birds, osprey, cormorants, masked boobies and terns, Walk the moat wall it circles all of Fort Jefferson, but there is a small gap you cannot pass on the west side, Spend a few minutes at the Visitor Center watching the video and talking to the rangers, Ferry Departure 8:00 am / Return to Key West 5:30 pm, Seating on the ferry is indoors or out, lower or upper decks, During COVID pandemic, masks are required at all times onboard, Time at Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas NP is approximately 5 hours, There are no bathrooms for you to use on the island, must return to boat, Underwater camera / waterproof phone case, Snorkel gear (if you dont want to use whats provided). Since the Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas ferry remains docked, any services you may need, such as bathrooms, snacks or souvenirs, are all available onboard. Operated by the National Park Service (NPS), the area is made up of seven islands: Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key. It's a trek, but so worth it. There are two ways to get to the Dry Tortugas: Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series. The highlight of exploring Fort Jefferson is either the walk around the top of the fort wall or the walk on the moat wall. Our kids were 6 and 9 when we did the ferry and it was a breeze for one and a struggle for Captain Tummy Troubles. Just make sure you follow the rules and leave this unique location exactly how you found it. There is no internet or cellphone service on the islands, nor are there pay phones, trashcans or boat fuel. When the weather is nice, its typically 70s and 80s, so not too bad at all.

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