Dry Tortugas

About Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote and unique national parks in the United States. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, the park is made up of seven small islands surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs. Nearly the entire park lies underwater, making it a paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and marine exploration.

At the heart of the park sits Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress that dominates Garden Key. The contrast between the historic brick fort, bright blue water, and white sandy beaches gives Dry Tortugas a surreal, peaceful feel.

With no roads, no shops, and no development beyond the fort, Dry Tortugas feels isolated and pristine, an unforgettable destination for those willing to make the journey.

What Makes Dry Tortugas National Park Worth Visiting?

View from Fort Jefferson

If you enjoy snorkeling, history, and remote island experiences, then this park is perfect for you!

Dry Tortguas is particularly worth visiting if:

You love being on or in the water
You’re interested in maritime history and historic forts
You want a truly remote national park experience
You enjoy snorkeling and marine wildlife

Because access is limited and weather-dependent, visiting Dry Tortugas requires planning far in advace, but is well worth it.

How Long Should I Spend in Dry Tortugas National Park?

Most visitors experience Dry Tortugas National Park as a full-day trip from Key West. One day is ideal for exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, and relaxing on the island. If you want to spend more time, camping is an option. It should be noted that camping is limited and requires advance planning, but it allows for stargazing, sunrise views, and the island almost entirely to yourself.

When Should I Visit Dry Tortugas National Park?

Winter and spring (December-April) are the best seasons overall due to the comfortable temperatures. It is possible to visit in the summer (May-September), but weather will be hot and humid and hurricane season runs June-November.

What Are the Highlights of Dry Tortugas National Park?

Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson: One of the largest masonry forts in the Western hemisphere
Snorkeling: Clear waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life
Garden Key Beaches: White sand and turquoise water
Birdwatching: Important habitats for seabirds and migratory species
Remote Island Atmoshphere: No crowds and no development, a truly immersive island experience

Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is only available by boat or seaplane from Key West.

Transportation Options:

Ferry: Yankee Freedom ferry (most common option)
Seaplane: Offers aerial views and faster travel, but is significantly more expensive

Taking the Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park (What to Expect)

The only public ferry option to Dry Tortugas National Park is the Yankee Freedom ferry, which departs from Key West. Because access to the park is limited, most visitors experience Dry Tortugas as part of this full-day ferry trip.

What the Ferry Includes

Your $250 ferry ticket includes much more than just transportation. The experience is designed to make a day trip to such a remote park as smooth as possible.

The Yanke Freedome ferry provides:

Round-trip transportation between Key West and Dry Tortugas
Breakfast (continental) on the way to the park
Lunch during the day (Jersey Mike’s)
Snorkeling gear
A guided educational tour about Fort Jefforson
A knowledgeable and attentive crew

This makes the ferry a great option for first-time visitors, especially since there are no food services or gear rentals once you’re on the island.

The Boat Ride Experience

The boat ride to Dry Tortugas takes approximately two hours each way, depending on sea conditions. Conditions can vary widely, and rough seas are not uncommon.

On the day we visited there was a sea sickness warning, and the crew strongly encouraged everyone, even those who don’t typically get motion sickness, to take Dramamine beforehand. They sold Dramamine for $1 before boarding, and it was also available on the boat. Keep in mind it takes 30-60 minutes to kick in, so take it before boarding if you can.

Many passengers did end up getting seasick due to the rough waves. That being said, the crew handled it extremely well and you could tell they know what they’re doing. They continuously walked through the cabin with sickness bags, brought ginger ale and water to passengers who needed it, and checked in to make sure everyone was okay. Their professionalism and kindness really stood out and made a tough situation more manageable.

I’ve never been seasick before and actually enjoyed the ride, aside from the unfortunate reality of being surrounded by people who were uncomfortable. I took a Dramamine beforehand just in case, and although I’m unsure if it actually helped, I figured better safe than sorry. The crew’s calm, supportive presence made a huge difference and reassured everyone on board.

Park Fees and Passes

Entrance Fee: $15 per person (valid for 7 days)
- This will be included in your ferry ticket
America the Beautiful Pass: Accepted
- If you choose to use the pass, you will get a $15 discount applied to your ticket

Where to Stay Near Dry Tortugas National Park

On the Island

There is one option for camping in the park, which is the campground on Garden Key. This campsite is primitive and offers limited sites, so book well in advance. Also keep in mind that your transportation back is going to be the ferry, and it does get canceled at times so be sure to plan for a few extra days. The day before we went the ferry had to cancel due to bad weather, and the campers that were supposed to come back that day had no choice but to wait for the ferry the next day.