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Seaplane Tours to Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson Morning, Afternoon or Full Day Tours

We are the only seaplane service to dry tortugas national park.

70 miles west of Key West, Florida lies one of North America's most inaccessible National Parks, the Dry Tortugas. The park is renowned for its marine life, pirate legends and sheer unspoiled beauty. It is dominated by its central feature, the majestic Fort Jefferson, the largest brick building in the western hemisphere.

Step back in time and explore the history that is Fort Jefferson. Sunbathe on a remote white sand beach or snorkel the living reef in the warm crystal clear waters.

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Dry Tortugas Charters

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   Head 70 miles west of key west (112 km west of key west) and you’ll reach a remarkable group of islands called the Dry Tortugas. Remote and isolated, the islands are almost entirely undeveloped by man and a haven for wildlife. Whether you take our day trip or stay overnight you’ll find our Dry Tortugas charters are second to none.

   There are just a few ways to get to the Dry Tortugas by sea, and only Key West Charter Boat can book you on them all: public ferry, private sailing catamarans, and high-speed ocean-going powerboats.

   Call us or fill out a quote form for information on Dry Tortugas charters. Or book online now. Tickets for the ferry Yankee Freedom III are a click away.

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Charter Type Charter Type Dry Tortugas Charter Deep Sea Fishing Charter Flats Fishing Charter Private Custom Charter Sailing Charter Large Group Charter Overnight Charter Sunset Charter Boat Rental Cuba Charter Jet Ski Rental Spearfishing Charter Snorkeling Luxury Yacht Charter Scuba Diving Glass Bottom Boat Lobstering Charter Dolphin Watching Corporate Boat Party Wedding Charter Film Production Charter Other

Duration Duration Half Day (4hrs) 3/4 Day (6hrs) Full Day (8hrs) Multiple Day

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Location Location Key West (Lower Keys) Islamorada / Marathon (Middle Keys) Key Largo (Upper Keys) Dry Tortugas Cuba Other...

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Americas Oceanic National Park

Rising out of deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico, the Dry Tortugas are a migration waypoint and breeding ground for hundreds of thousands of birds. Birding enthusiasts will definitely want to bring binoculars for spotting sooty terns, masked booby, and the magnificent frigate bird, to name a few. And anglers will want to bring their rods and reels. The fish population here is also impressive, with over a dozen species to catch, including blackfin tuna, grouper, wahoo, mahi-mahi and sailfish.

Designated a national park in 1935, the seven islands that make up the Dry Tortugas are a protected area for marine life and habitats. That designation has ensured the islands remain the way Mother Nature intended. It also makes them a snorkeler’s paradise. Visitors from the world over journey here to explore the amazing ecosystem of coral reefs, mangrove islands, and calcified outcroppings.

We’ve Got Fort Jefferson & Loggerhead Key

Dry Tortugas Charters supply you with mask, snorkel, and fins, you’ll enter a beautiful underwater world—a unique ecosystem of aquatic plants and the marine creatures that depend on them. Schools of brightly colored tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, starfish, and conch cohabitate in perfect harmony. In order to maintain nature’s fragile balance, snorkelers are not allowed to touch the living coral. Please leave the reefs in the same beautiful condition in which you found them.

Like many places in the Florida Keys, snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas can be enjoyed by experts and novices alike. The shallow waters (5 to 15 feet) are easily accessible straight from the beach. Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, you’ll get right in the swim of things very quickly. So have fun. And please remember to use reef-friendly sunscreen.

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A step back in time.

You won’t be the first person enchanted by these picturesque islands. In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon stopped here during his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Setting foot on the soft, powdery beaches, Ponce de Leon claimed the islands in the name of Spain. But what to call them? The answer didn’t take long. So taken by the abundance of sea turtles living here, the explorer named the islands  Las Tortugas , The Turtles. (“Dry” was added later when it was discovered the islands had no fresh-water springs).

No visit to the Dry Tortugas would be complete without exploring, snorkeling or scuba diving Fort Jefferson. Built by the US Army Corp of Engineers in the 1850s, the historic fort is a massive installation sprawled over most of Garden Key. Used by the Union army during the civil war, Fort Jefferson acted as both a coastal defense fortification and a prison.

Among those imprisoned here was dr Samuel Mudd, the physician who treated Abraham Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth as he fled south from Washington D.C. Fort Jefferson was never finished and eventually abandoned as a working fort. Fortunately, it is a working museum. Reservations for private guided tours can be made in advance of your trip by Key West Charter Boat.

Private Charters To Loggerhead Key

Three miles west of Fort Jefferson you’ll find Loggerhead Key, home of the Dry Tortugas lighthouse. Also known as Loggerhead lighthouse, the 157-foot tall structure first entered service in 1858, and was only recently removed from operation in 2015. Once the most powerful lighthouse in the United States, Dry Tortugas light has been said to be “a greater distance from the mainland than any other light in the world.”

When approaching the Dry Tortugas, the lighthouse can be spotted jutting into the sky like a giant pencil, providing a clear navigation point for captains to follow. Private vessels are required to check-in and file a boat permit on Garden Key before visiting Loggerhead Key.

Dry Tortugas Fishing

Fishing charters to the Dry Tortugas frequently combine the sport of angling with the luxury of yachting. Many sportfishing boats are as well-appointed as large power yachts, with air-conditioned salons, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and fully-stocked fridges and bars. So they’re well suited for the non-anglers in your party.

The fishermen among you will find the 70-mile trip an excellent trolling opportunity. It’s not uncommon for the fighting chair to be occupied for the lion’s share of the journey west. Once you reach the Dry Tortugas, drop anchor and everyone jumps in. There will be plenty of time for more world-class fishing on the ride back to Key West.

Ferry service from key west Florida to the Dry Tortugas on Yankee freedom iii leaves daily from the town dock and takes about 2 1/2 hours. Dry Tortugas National Park prices are available by booking online.

Dry Tortugas Transportation Info

Other questions regarding ferry travel can be answered through our live chat feature or by calling Key West Charter Boat. Just mention Dry Tortugas National Park / Dry Tortugas ferry prices. We’ll check schedules, availability, and costs.

Your round-trip ferry visit will be a full-day event, so remember to pack accordingly: sunscreen, bathing suit, sun hat, etc. With advance reservations, you also have the opportunity to spend the night camping on the islands. With our Dry Tortugas charters, your options are vast.

 Dry Tortugas Charter Options

A special permit is required by the department of the interior and available through the National Park Service. Key West Charter Boat can make camping arrangements for you but you must plan ahead. Space is limited and slots sell out 9-12 months in advance.

The ferry is big, comfortable and relatively fast. But if you want to get there even faster, charter one of Key West’s high-speed private boats. With the right sea conditions, private charters can take you from Key West ferry terminal to Fort Jefferson in as little as 90 minutes.

Dry Tortugas Catamarans & Yachts

Traveling to the Dry Tortugas by sailing catamaran is an experience in itself. With the wind as your engine, the big cats are a surprising combination of speed, space, and comfort. Holding 30 people or more, catamarans are perfect for big private groups and corporate outings.

Custom catering is available, including food, wine, beer and soft drinks. Snorkeling  gear can be provided as well. Private charter a cat and a trip to the Dry Tortugas becomes an ocean-going party.

No matter how you get to the Dry Tortugas, you’ll find these isolated islands, unlike any place you’ve ever been before. The combination of turquoise water, pure white sand, extraordinary wildlife, and no high-rise hotels is unique and special. Call Key West Charter Boat or fill out a quote form to learn more. Or book a trip immediately online.

The Dry Tortugas National Park was absoulutley stunning.  We took a private charter and spent the day exporing these beautiful islands.

Charter Type Charter Type Dry Tortugas Charter Deep Sea Fishing Charter Flats Fishing Charter Private Custom Charter Sailing Charter Large Group Charter Overnight Charter Sunset Charter Boat Rental Luxury Yacht Charter Cuba Charter Jet Ski Charter Spearfishing Charter Snorkeling Scuba Diving Glass Bottom Boat Dolphin Watching Lobstering Charter Corporate Boat Party Wedding Charter Film Production Charter Other

We’ve Got Fort Jefferson & Loggerhead Key Covered

Book Dry Tortugas Fort Jefferson

   Call us or fill out a quote form for information on Dry Tortugas charters. Or book online now. Tickets for the ferry Yankee Freedom III are a click away.  

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Charter Type Charter Type Dry Tortugas Charter Deep Sea Fishing Charter Flats Fishing Charter Private Custom Charter Sailing Charter Large Group Charter Overnight Charter Luxury Yacht Charter Sunset Charter Lobstering Charter Boat Rental Cuba Charter Jet Ski Charter Spear Fishing Charter Snorkeling Scuba Diving Glass Bottom Boat Dolphin Watching Corporate Boat Party Wedding Charter Film Production Charter Other

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Dry Tortugas Transportaion Info

Dry tortugas charter options.

Custom catering is available, including food, wine, beer and soft drinks. Snorkeling   gear can be provided as well. Private charter a cat and a trip to the Dry Tortugas becomes an ocean-going party.

I brought all 40 of my family to the Dry Tortugas via this amazing companies ferry.  The trip was comfortable and the food delicious.  Did I mention that Fort Jefferson was stunning.  Five stars all the way!

Charter Type Charter Type Deep Sea Fishing Charter Flats Fishing Charter Private Custom Charter Sailing Charter Large Group Charter Overnight Charter Sunset Charter Boat Rental Dry Tortugas Charter Cuba Charter Jet Ski Charter Spear Fishing Charter Snorkeling Scuba Diving Glass Bottom Boat Dolphin Watching Corporate Boat Party Wedding Charter Other

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• Dry Tortugas / Fort Jefferson National Park

Just 70 miles west of Key West Florida, the seven naturally beautiful islands that make up the Dry Tortugas coral atoll are an Eco Tourism dream come true. Enjoy the unspoiled scenery of the nearby Marquesa Islands and Boca Grande, or listen to pirate legends at historic Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park. Go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Dry Tortugas and experience the natural beauty of the sea life from just inches away. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an excursion to these stunning gems in the Gulf of Mexico.

To maximize you time in the park, take a speedy seaplane charter to the islands. Flying there is half the fun–and you’ll get a guided tour and photo opportunities along the way. The most affordable option is the ferry ride. However you get there, you’ll be glad you made the trip to America’s most remote national park.

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Dry Tortugas Seaplane – Half Day

Seaplanes to Dry Tortugas – Fort Jefferson National Park Dry Tortugas Seaplane – Half Day flights run four times daily! Soar through the skies and marvel at the stunning beauty…

Dry Tortugas Seaplane – Full Day Tour

70 miles west of the Florida Keys – you can discover the same natural beauty of this spectacular destination from your personal Dry Tortugas Seaplane Charter! Seaplanes are the fastest…

Dry Tortugas Ferry

Discover the wonders of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida’s magnificent underwater paradise, with the convenient and scenic Dry Tortugas ferry service to the fort. Located just 70 miles from Key…

Dry Tortugas National Park Camping by Ferry

Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical…

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Dry Tortugas: Fort Jefferson, Loggerhead Key & Garden Key

The best way to get to the dry tortugas, reserve today.

With our pilots being long-term locals of the area, they enjoy sharing the amazing sights with you all. Be sure to ask about the history of the Fort and our commitment to the preservation of the Tortugas and all of the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary. Our Pilots cherish the area, and fly with respect for the endangered species of wildlife that share the waters and land. Our flights do not land at Fort Jefferson or within the Dry Tortugas National Park, however you will enjoy a water landing and water take-off near the shore of Key West upon your arrival back to Key West. Keys Seaplanes flights include water landing and take-off, weather and conditions permitting.

Our Dry Tortugas flight comes in two packages, the standard is approximately 100 minutes long, and the second is an extended version which includes further exploration of the uninhabited islands (back country) just to the west of Key West as well as Sand Key Lighthouse and the reef. We often see turtles, rays, dolphins, hammerheads and in season, groups of tarpon! You will also have amazing opportunity to see Ft. Jefferson, Garden Key, Loggerhead Key and two beautiful lighthouses, Ft. Jefferson Lighthouse and Garden Key Lighthouse. We are also excited to point out a few shipwrecks as well. Many passengers like to incorporate this flight with our custom lighthouses flight.

With our private seaplane flights, you won’t even get your feet wet. You’ll enjoy a private and peaceful seaplane flight complete with an engaging conversation of local history. Each passenger in our private seaplane flights has a window seat and each person enjoys an aviation headset to ensure a quiet and comfortable ride.

Yankee Freedom III Dry Tortugas Ferry

Take the official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, the Yankee Freedom, to visit Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National park. This high speed, state of the art catamaran is the perfect way to sail across the 70-mile run to the Dry Tortugas. The Yankee Freedom provides daily ferry service from Key West, Florida to the Dry Tortugas. Join our professional crew and tour guides on one of the top rated attractions in Key West

Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion

Experience the most unique way of traveling to the Dry Tortugas aboard the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson seaplanes! Undoubtedly the most exciting way to get out to The Dry Tortugas, traveling by seaplane is also the fastest way to get there and gives you the most time on the island. Enjoy the natural beauty of this top destination with your own personal seaplane charter.

Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter

Experience fishing around one of the most remote National Parks in the US, The Dry Tortugas. Heading some 68 miles west of Key West to areas surrounding the park for a variety of Snapper, Grouper, Jacks, and even Wahoo, Tuna, Amberjack, Pompano, and King Fish to name a few of the species regularly caught surrounding the many wrecks and structure found below the surface of these pristine Gulf Waters.

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas offers a variety of exciting activities and amazing scenery while providing a sense of history. Located on a remote island off the southernmost city in the United States, The Dry Tortugas is guaranteed to offer you a unique experience and plenty of stories to take back home. Let us plan your trip and make your new adventure as comfortable as possible.

Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of  Key West  lay a cluster of seven islands, composed of  coral reefs  and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up  Dry Tortugas National Park . The area is known for its famous bird and marine life and its legends of pirates and sunken gold.  Fort Jefferson , one of the largest coastal forts every built, is a central feature. 

There are two ways of arriving in style to this historic site, and numerous ways to enjoy the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Dry Tortugas Seaplanes

Since the Dry Tortugas National Park is so far off the coast of Key West, some visitors take a  seaplane  to save a little time for other activities on their Key West vacation. This flight takes less than 45 minutes, and visitors can choose between a half-day tour or a full day. This flight gives the most unique views by flying at a low altitude over the shallow flats of the Keys, and visitors get the chance to see marine wildlife such as sea turtles, dolphins and sharks from above. The tour guides will provide guests with  round-trip transportation , a 40-minute tour of Fort Jefferson, complimentary soft drinks, and snorkeling gear.

This amazing opportunity is extremely limited, so do not be surprised if you call to book, and there isn’t any camping available. These guided tours are limited to 3 tents and six campers per campsite. With this tour, you get an astonishingly secluded campsite, and see an amount of stars you never knew existed.  The Dry Tortugas Camping  will include snorkeling, swimming, (breakfast and lunch on arrival day only), and a 40-minute guided tour of Fort Jefferson.

Make reservations for a Dry Tortugas Tour by booking online or contact us at (866) 575-5068.

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Fort Jefferson

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Fort Jefferson - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Dry Tortugas Nacional Park and Fort Jefferson Tour

Dry tortugas nacional park and fort jefferson tour bus tours.

Prices From: $329.00

Bus Tours Description

Explore and learn about the history of the Dry Tortugas National Park from one of our guides and enjoy a variety of activities. Made up of seven small islands, it is one of the most unique ecological attractions in the world. Its crown jewel, historic Fort Jefferson, was once used as a prison during the Civil War. There is something for everyone! We leave our agency at 3:00 am on our way to Key West where we board the Yankee Freedom III Ferry, bound for Dry Tortugas. You can enjoy one of the best beaches with its crystal clear turquoise waters that bathe the Florida Keys, ideal for snorkeling from the shore. You will also learn about the historic Fort Jefferson, which was used as a prison during the Civil War, and the story of its most famous prisoner, Dr. Salvador Mudd, who was accused of conspiracy in the assassination of President Abraham Lincon. Lots of beauty and interesting history await you in this exuberant Adventure.

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From $329.00

Trip Price Includes

• Transportation to Key West, in our Bus, equipped with bathroom and DVD equipment
• Transfer to Dry Tortuga aboard the Yankee Freedon III Ferry
• Continental breakfast
• Lunch on the Island
• Guided tour of Fort Jefferson 45-60 minutes
• Equipment for snorkeling.
• Upon return, enjoy the wonderful sunset in Mallory Square, Key West

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Dry Tortugas National Park | FORT JEFFERSON

• PARK AT A GLANCE
• VISITOR CENTER
• GETTING THERE
• LOGGERHEAD KEY
• FORT JEFFERSON
• GUIDED TOURS
• PICNIC AREA
• SWIM / SNORKEL
• DIRECTIONS / CONTACT

Fort Jefferson on Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park

VISITING FOR JEFFERSON

Fort Jefferson is the dominate feature of Garden Key, taking up about 85% of the small island. Visitors can explore the fort on their own from sunrise to sunset utilizing a self-guided tour route that starts from the Dry Tortugas Visitor Center inside the fort. A printed brochure is available (if you can find one), or you can read the information panels that are placed along the way. Look for the signs featuring a marching soldier and walk in the direction the soldier is facing.

Follow the signs for a self-guided tour of Fort Jefferson

Another way to learn about the fort is to attend a guided tour at 11 AM each morning that is conducted by the staff of the Yankee Freedom Ferry . During the tourist season there may be an additional tour at 1 PM that is given by a park Ranger if staffing allows. The early tour is the most popular, as it is given just after the ferry arrives. If a tour is important to you, this is the one to get on, for there may not be one later in the day.

Fort Jefferson guided tour

Whether you do your own tour or attend one of the guided tours, plan to spend one hour inside the fort. Keep in mind that the fort is huge and that the guided tours do not cover everything, so if you have a big interest in military history, you may want to spend another hour walking around on your own. If you came over on the ferry for a day trip, you’ll need to weigh your time at the fort against time for other activities such as swimming and snorkeling, for you only get about four hours on the island.

Regardless of your interest in history, make your way to the top level of Fort Jefferson for the most spectacular views of the island. The fort is six-sided, and you can walk around on four of the sides. This gives you views in nearly all directions.

Great views from all around the top level of Fort Jefferson

You can also get good views and photos of the fort from the moat wall. However, due to a breach in the wall, it is no longer possible to walk around the entire fort.

A walk along the moat wall is a popular activity at Garden Key

Fort Jefferson as seen from the moat wall

Breach in the moat wall at Fort Jefferson

FORT HISTORY

Construction on Fort Jefferson began in 1846 as part of the United States’ effort to strengthen coastal defenses as a result of how easily the British were able to blockade and even invade American cities during the War of 1812. This included successfully burning Washington, D.C., to the ground. Today you might wonder what’s so bad about that, but back in the early 1800s it started a national panic. This age of fort construction was termed the “Third System,” and from 1816 though 1867, forty-two forts were built. Many of the forts that are still standing today are part of the National Park system.

In a time before airplanes, any foreign enemy that wished to invade a country on another continent had to do so by ship, and ships could not attack or launch an amphibious assault from just anywhere along the coast. Water deep enough to accommodate a large ship was needed, and a ship had to get close enough to shore so its cannon fire could pound the area and its soldiers could land in their small boats. Of course, most such places are occupied by major cities, for deep water was coveted in peaceful times for its impact on commerce. Thus, in the United States, most of the new forts were built near cities, with one notable exception being Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas.

So why build a fort out in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico? Wouldn’t it be easy enough for ships to just sail right around it? After all, the cannon at the time only had a range of a few miles? As it turns out, the most efficient way for ships from South America or farther west in the Gulf of Mexico to travel to the east coast of the United States was to sail between Florida and Cuba, and the only channel deep enough for the largest ships ran right in front of Garden Key. In addition, there is a deep-water harbor just a mile north of Garden Key that was a perfect base for United States warships. Even if enemy ships got around Fort Jefferson, they would still have to face an American fleet stationed in the Gulf.

Fort Jefferson, like all forts of its time, was a masonry fort built of stone, or in this case, brick. Brick had no problem stopping a typical cannonball, for these did not travel with much velocity, nor were they very accurate, so the chance of blasting a hole in the fort wall by hitting the same spot over and over was slim. However, rifled artillery shells were developed during the Civil War. Instead of round balls, rifled shells looked like large bullets and spun like a football when fired. This allowed them to travel faster and with more accuracy, and they could blast through a masonry wall in no time. Case in point: Fort Pulaski.

Rifled shell and cannon ball exhibit at the Dry Tortugas Visitor Center

Like the Titanic was deemed “unsinkable,” Fort Pulaski near Savannah, Georgia, was supposedly impenetrable. Fittingly, just as it was ironic that the Titanic would sink on its first voyage, so was it that the Union Army was able to blast a hole through Fort Pulaski’s walls by using the new rifled artillery shells the first time it saw battle. But this was not just any hole. Engineers who built the forts during the time of peace all ended up on opposite sides during the Civil War, which meant that no matter what fort you occupied, your enemy probably had an engineer who knew its weaknesses.

The Union knew where to blow a hole so that when subsequent artillery shells entered that hole, they would bounce across the parade ground towards the gunpowder magazine on the opposite side. The commander of Fort Pulaski, Charles H. Olmstead, realized the entire fort could blow up at any minute, and he quickly surrendered. Thus, the surrender of Fort Pulaski marked the day when all coastal forts effectively became obsolete. As a result, after the Civil War, continued construction on forts that had not yet been completed, like Fort Jefferson, ceased.

In some cases the interiors of the masonry forts were fitted with concrete bunkers and batteries (Fort Sumter, for example) that could withstand rifled shells, while others were converted into command centers, offices, and training grounds. None of the original structure served any purpose as far as defense was concerned. Fort Jefferson was used as a military prison, though this practice actually started during the Civil War for the simple fact that there wasn’t much fighting going on 70 miles west of Florida to begin with. No shots were ever fired from or upon Fort Jefferson.

The U. S. Army occupied Fort Jefferson until 1898. After that it was under the Navy’s control and used as a fueling station until 1916. During this time, in 1908, the Dry Tortugas area became a wildlife refuge to protect the island’s sooty tern rookeries from being ransacked by egg collectors. In 1935, with Fort Jefferson now abandoned and rapidly deteriorating, Congress created the Fort Jefferson National Monument to help preserve the fort. However, it was not until 1992 that the park’s land holdings were increased, and the Monument was reclassified into Dry Tortugas National Park.

When you stand outside the fort today you may notice that the second level has huge, window-like holes of various sizes in the exterior wall. Most people assume these are a result of bricks falling out over the years or perhaps areas damaged when the fort took enemy fire—neither is the case. Holes in the fort walls are designed so that cannon can fire out of them, and such holes, known as gunports, should look like the smaller holes on the first and third levels of the fort. The holes on the second level are not a result of damage, but are simply gunports that were never finished.

Second level gunports were never completed

Even though construction began in 1846, by the time the Civil War came around Fort Jefferson was nowhere near completed (the Union Army controlled the fort during the war). It was vital to place cannon on the top level of the fort, which was not yet ready, and thus it was ordered to construct the second level only to the extent that it could support the weight of the structure above it. Once done, efforts on the second level ceased and all resources were put into completing and arming the top level. The unfinished second level was eventually used as housing for the enlisted men and as a military prison during and after the Civil War. The gunports were never finished and remained as large holes.

The second level holes now make great picture frames

SELF-GUIDE TOUR OF FORT JEFFERSON

Begin your tour of Fort Jefferson by crossing the moat bridge and entering onto the fort grounds through the sally port, the term for the main entrance of a fort.

Sally port of Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park

Once inside you will see a series of rooms framed by brick archways. These rooms are called casemates, and each was designed to house an artillery piece. You can get to the bottom floor casemates without using any stairs. There are a few exhibits here and there, but most are empty. There are 303 first and second floor casemates.

Casemates of Fort Jefferson

Inside the casemates

To get to the second and third levels of Fort Jefferson you must go to one of the corners where the bastions are located. Inside is a spiral staircase that you can take to the top. The bastions are the only way to get to the upper levels.

Corner bastion at Fort Jefferson

Bastions are structures that protrude out from the corners of the fort that allow men stationed inside to have a clear view of the fort walls. In addition to armed soldiers, short range artillery pieces were mounted inside, and any invader who approached the walls would be trapped in a crossfire between two bastions.

Line of sight from one bastion to the next along one side of the fort’s walls

Once on the top level, you can walk around four sides of Fort Jefferson on a gravel path. Two of the sides are off limits, as they contain National Park Service equipment, housing, and offices.

Visitors can walk around four of six sides on the top level of Fort Jefferson

On the top level is where you will find various cannon exhibits. The largest of all cannon are the Rodman guns, which could fire a projectile up to three miles. The Rodman guns are original to the fort. A contractor was hired to remove all artillery after the fort was decommissioned, but the Rodman guns were so heavy that the contractor left them. Most are sitting atop a metal stand, but one is actually displayed on a carriage that is a reproduction of the original design. All other cannon, which include Parrott guns, are actual artillery pieces manufactured in the 1800s, but they are not original to the fort; they were moved here for exhibition purposes.

Original Rodman gun with reproduction carriage

200-pounder Parrott gun

There is also a lighthouse on the top level of the fort. The original lighthouse was completed in 1826 and was a 65-foot tower built on the ground. However, the light did not reach far enough out to sea because it was too short. Eventually a much larger lighthouse was built on Loggerhead Key in 1858. The Garden Key Lighthouse was severely damaged by a hurricane in 1873. Repairs were initially made, but it was then decided to tear it down and build a new one on the top of the fort walls. It was installed and ready for service in 1876 and continued in service until 1921. The lighthouse is not open to the public. It still operates today as a navigational guide, but with GPS and other modern equipment, it’s really more of tourist attraction than a necessity for boaters.

Garden Key Lighthouse

If you look down onto the parade grounds you will see a large, semi-circular structure that was supposed to be the main gunpowder house, but like many things in the fort, it was never completed. When finished it would have been completely encased in concrete. Mini-powder houses, known as traverse magazines, are located on the top level of the fort. These were used to supply the adjacent artillery with gunpowder. The traverse magazines are the large, trapezoid-shaped structures on the top level that are partially covered with sod.

Main powder house that was never completed

Another view of the powder house

Inside the incomplete powder house

Once you have covered all of the top level of Fort Jefferson you can take the bastion stairs down to the second level and explore this floor. Like the first floor casemates, most are empty, but you will find a few exhibits.

View of the interior of Fort Jefferson from the top of the fort

Casemates form an unending series of empty rooms

As mentioned earlier, the second level was used as a military prison, and it is here where you will find the jail cell of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the most famous of all prisoners held at Fort Jefferson. Mudd is the doctor who set John Wilkes Booth’s broken ankle after he assassinated Abraham Lincoln and escaped from Ford’s Theater. Mudd was convicted of being a co-conspirator, though his guilt has been questioned by many. He obviously knew Booth, but he may have just been a doctor who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was eventually pardoned by President Andrew Johnson for his bravery during a yellow fever epidemic at the fort.

Dr. Mudd’s cell

Memorial plaque at Dr. Mudd’s cell

Though the empty casemates on the second floor served as housing for both prisoners and soldiers, actual barracks were built on the grounds of Fort Jefferson beginning in 1863. Like the fort, they were never fully completed. While men lived in the finished portions, most preferred the empty casemates because they were more spacious and cooler due to increased airflow.

There were three buildings constructed: Officers’ Quarters, Enlisted Men’s Barracks, and Engineering Officers’ Quarters. The only building remaining today is the Engineering Officers’ Quarters, which was converted into housing for the National Park Service staff back in 1941. The Officers’ and Enlisted Men’s barracks became dilapidated and were torn down. The Enlisted Men’s Barracks was a huge building, three stories tall like the fort itself.

Ruins of the Officers’ Quarters

Foundation of the Enlisted Men’s Barracks

Engineering Officers’ Quarters

One other interesting structure on the grounds of the fort is a shot furnace. Cannon balls were placed inside and heated so that when they were shot towards wooden ships, they might cause a fire. Shot furnaces were standard equipment in all forts of the time. Steel ships and rifled artillery rounds made them obsolete in the years following the Civil War.

Shot Furnace

Fort Jefferson is in need of constant repair. Over sixteen million bricks were used to build the fort, and if you walk around it today, you will see sections of brick that have crumbled and fallen into the moat, though in the photo below the two large areas of missing brick were created by the National Park Service in preparation for new bricks. The light-shaded bricks on either side of the two missing sections are new bricks that were recently installed. There are at least five different shades of brick in the photo. This is a result of not being able to use the same source over the years. During the Civil War, the Union occupied the fort and could no longer get bricks from Florida, the original source, and had to ship them in from northern factories.

Fort Jefferson endures constant decay

One of the most interesting exhibits at Fort Jefferson is two boats used by Cubans to escape to the United States. Per legislation passed while Bill Clinton was President, any Cuban who could land on American soil got to stay in the country and pursue citizenship (Barack Obama ended the policy in 2017). The keys of Dry Tortugas and Key West are the closet to Cuba, but it is much easier to land at the remote islands of Dry Tortugas verses the heavily populated Key West. The boats on display are from a 2007 landing by 33 Cubans on Loggerhead Key. These two boats are located in the lower level casemates.

One of two makeshift boats known as a “chug” that carried 33 Cubans to Loggerhead Key in 2007

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Dry Tortugas National Park

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park

By Matt Kirouac

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The name Dry Tortugas National Park is a bit of a misnomer, considering that less than one percent of this Florida national park’s 100 square miles is dry land. Located some 70 miles west of Key West , and consisting of wide-open water and a smattering of small islands, Dry Tortugas is actually the wettest national park in the country —one that necessitates swimming and snorkeling to really grasp its breadth. 

The islands (Garden, Loggerhead, Bush, Long, East, Hospital, and Middle Keys) are part of not only the most aquatic park in the U.S., but also one of the most remote and least visited, which should perhaps come as no surprise since Dry Tortugas is only accessible via a two-hour ferry ride or private seaplane. Said ferry docks at Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, white-sand beaches, and an underwater snorkeling trail, where visitors are free to explore for four to five hours before returning to Key West. With limited seating aboard the high-speed catamaran, and only one out-and-back sailing per day, this is one park that requires ample planning, but the added effort is more than worth the opportunity to dive into the maritime lore and coral beauty at a national park like no other. 

Below is our complete guide for planning a seamless Dry Tortugas National Park visit, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip—from the best places to stay to the underwater experiences you won’t want to miss. 

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When to visit Dry Tortugas National Park

To ensure your visit to Dry Tortugas National Park is as blue-skied as possible, be strategic about the time of year you visit. Garden Key, the main island where the  Yankee Freedom ferry docks, is technically open every day of the year, but trips are subject to extreme weather. Hurricane season (June through November) brings the highest threat of storms, which can cause ferry cancellations, or at the very least result in rain and wind that lead to choppy waves and muddy waters that are hardly ideal for snorkeling. The park is also at its hottest June through September, which explains why January through March is the peak season for this watery wonderland. Consider traveling in the shoulder season, like April to May, or prepare to book your peak season trip well in advance—the Yankee Freedom only has capacity for 175 passengers and demand is high. 

At $200 per adult for a ferry ticket ($145 for children 4 to 16; infants are free), this is also one of the most expensive national parks to visit. Luckily, the ferry includes entrance to the park on Garden Key (it’s $15 for those arriving via seaplane), complimentary snorkeling equipment, and buffets for both breakfast and lunch. The ferry also has a snack-filled galley, fresh-water rinse showers, an air conditioned cabin, an open-air sundeck, and bars serving beer, wine, and cocktails. The bar is only open during lunch and on the return trip (but it’s probably best to save those frozen margaritas for post-snorkeling anyway). 

Ferries embark at 8 a.m. out of the Key West Ferry Terminal, with boarding at 7 a.m. The trip is about two hours each way, docking at Garden Key for four to five hours. En route, an on-board naturalist talks about the park and its wildlife, with opportunities for potential sea turtle and dolphin sightings. It’s recommended that visitors come equipped with sunscreen , a beach towel , a bathing suit , and a change of clothes. 

When exploring underwater, remember that coral is extremely delicate, and it’s pivotal to practice “leave no trace” principles, as the mildest scrape against a reef can kill it. The same applies to any and all marine life, which might include sea turtles, urchins, jellyfish, and reef squid. 

In Dry Tortugas National Park lies a former U.S. military coastal fortress, Fort Jefferson.

What to do in Dry Tortugas

Seventy miles off Key West, at the westernmost fringe of the third largest coral reef on Earth, this is one park where you've got to get into the water. With azure-blue as far as the eye can see, and teeming marine life and kaleidoscopic coral, there’s much to marvel at beneath the surface. Swimming and snorkeling are permitted anywhere at Garden Key, aside from within the moat wall, with the greatest abundance of larger marine life dwelling in and around the pier pilings, which provide habitat for roving grouper, barracudas, and docile nurse sharks. 

There’s a unique underwater snorkel trail that circles Garden Key, lined with signs explaining the aquatic ecosystem. For more casual swimming and sunbathing, white-sand beaches are located on the north, south, and east sides of the key. Snorkeling is permitted in areas beyond designated sections at Garden Key, but swimmers must display approved dive flags. This can be done at places like Loggerhead Key, which like all other areas of the park beyond Garden Key, is only accessible via private boat. If you can make it, the largest island in the park has a lot to offer, including the Loggerhead Lighthouse, Little Africa reef, and the Windjammer shipwreck. 

On the dryer side of the Tortugas, Fort Jefferson is the iron-clad star of Garden Key. The giant brick fortress, built to defend the Southern coast after the War of 1812, was initially used by the Union to thwart Confederate trade during the Civil War, later serving as a prison. The fort’s most infamous resident was Dr. Samuel Mudd, imprisoned for mending John Wilkes Booth’s leg after the he shot President Lincoln. Today, park-goers are free to explore the entirety of the fort on their own, including Dr. Mudd’s cell, as part of a complimentary 45-minute tour. Be sure to head up to the roof for views of the turquoise-tinted Gulf. 

Harrison Pierce

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

During the drier season (late fall to early winter), Bush Key is a 16-acre island that becomes accessible from a land bridge linking Garden Key, creating a one-mile shoreline trail. The key is completely closed to visitors from February through September, however, to protect nesting sea birds—with upwards of 80,000 sooty terns and 4,500 brown noddies, Bush Key is home to the only breeding colonies of these rare species in the U.S. 

Margaritaville Beach House Key West is a tropical haven perched on the largest beach on the island.

Where to stay when you visit Dry Tortugas

As you might expect of a tiny chain of keys 70 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, lodging options at Dry Tortugas National Park are minimal. For the ultimate serenity, visitors unafraid to rough it can camp overnight for $220 (including transit on Yankee Freedom), but you’ll need to bring all your own equipment , including water. Campsites are limited, and most are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while group sites (for 10 to 20 people) can be  reserved in advance . All campsites are primitive and frills-free, but it’s a special opportunity to dwell in utter solitude under the stars, with the sound of waves lapping on the shore. 

All other lodging options are back on Key West, where there are hotels , inns, Airbnbs, and home rentals abound—just keep in mind that, much like the cost of admission to the Tortugas, they don’t come cheap. Properties run the gamut from  Margaritaville Beach House Key West , a tropical haven perched on the largest beach on the island, to the  Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel , a smaller boutique with a relaxed pool, gardens, and mojito-slinging Isabel’s Bar. 

Learn about Key West’s most famed resident at The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

What to do nearby

Away from the National Park, Key West is a wonderland of kitsch and character, swimming with bars, history, and entertainment. Duval Street is the Bourbon Street of Key West, thanks to its myriad open-air bars and open-container alcohol policy. A tipsy highlight is  801 Bourbon Bar , a queer hotspot for drag shows and dancing until the wee hour of 4 a.m.  Sloppy Joe’s , open since the ‘30s, is an iconic saloon once frequented by Ernest Hemingway and now revered for its  Hemingway Look-Alike Contests . And it doesn’t get any quirkier than  Blue Heaven , an al fresco fixture where guests can dine on jerk chicken and key lime pie on a funky patio next to a “rooster graveyard.” In the morning,  Cuban Coffee Queen serves excellent Cuban coffee and breakfast specialties, like guava-smeared toast and breakfast sandwiches pressed on Cuban bread (hot tip: there’s a location right near the ferry terminal that opens at 6:30 a.m., in case you’d prefer pan Cubano to the on-board breakfast buffet).

As Key West’s most famed resident, more Hemingway ephemera—and a  population of six-toed cats —is on full display at the  The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum , a decadent French Colonial-style manor accessible via cash-only tours. After you’ve queued up for a photo at the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A., soak in the maritime lore at  Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park , the southernmost state park in the continental U.S. These parts are hardly  short on superlatives.

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Yankee Freedom

Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park

Experience a journey like no other aboard the Yankee Freedom . Take your comfortable seat and enjoy the relaxing ride to the Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson, just 70 miles west of Key West. The Yankee Freedom  is recognized for its speed and luxurious accommodations and for transporting thousands of visitors annually to the beautiful collection of islands called the Dry Tortugas.

An open-air deck provides the ideal place to spot a playful dolphin or sea turtle while gazing upon the picturesque seascape along the way. Or, if you prefer, an air-conditioned cabin offers comfortable seating, refreshments and lovely views.

Discover what makes this adventure so special as your captain and on-board naturalist share their knowledge about the area and all it has to offer. Take a day trip or spend a few days.

Be sure to embark on this unforgettable excursion from Key West.

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Fort jefferson virtual tour.

Fort Jefferson is located in the Florida Keys. It is now part of Dry Tortugas National Park, which preserves the rich cultural heritage of submerged resources around the nearby keys. The Dry Tortugas were strategically important for their location along the edge of the main shipping channel connecting the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Atlantic Ocean. Construction of Fort Jefferson began in 1846 on Garden Key, surrounding a brick lighthouse built in 1825. It was the largest all-masonry fort in the United States and was intended to protect American shipping interests in the Gulf of Mexico. A second lighthouse was constructed beginning in 1857 on Loggerhead Key to aid navigation through the hazardous straits into the Gulf. Ultimately, the fort was never completed, with most work abandoned by 1874. In 1876, a new iron lighthouse was erected atop the fort to replace the original 1825 Garden Key light, which had been damaged by hurricanes.

Project Information

Heritage Documentation Programs (HDP) undertook Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) documentation of Fort Jefferson beginning in 2015, with a series of projects to document the Parade Grounds, Garden Key Light, and other features. Field work was undertaken by HDP architects Paul Davidson and Daniel De Sousa, with photography by HDP staff photographers Jarob J. Ortiz and Todd Croteau. Digital content produced by HDP architects Paul Davidson and Ryan Pierce. The projects were sponsored by Dry Tortugas National Park .

Heritage Documentation Programs (HDP) began documenting Fort Jefferson in 2015, with a series of projects to document the Parade Grounds, Garden Key Light, and other features. Field work was undertaken by HDP architects Paul Davidson and Daniel De Sousa, with photography by HDP staff photographers Jarob J. Ortiz and Todd Croteau. Digital content produced by HDP architects Paul Davidson and Ryan Pierce. The projects were sponsored by Dry Tortugas National Park .

Virtual tour of Fort Jefferson

Animated video of Fort Jefferson

Animated video of the Garden Key Lighthouse at Fort Jefferson

Interactive 3D point cloud viewer

Archival documentation at the Library of Congress

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Dry Tortugas National Park

Last updated: October 31, 2023

What should you bring

A hat, Sunscreen and good polarized glasses. Also bring a camera, towels, dry set of clothes.

Other related Charters

Dream Catcher Charters private 4 Pack adventure charter. Snorkeling, Fishing, Deserted island, and Dolphins all in one trip. Fun for the whole family.

This web site is the property of The Keys To Key West Inc. All Rights reserved. The Keys To Key West is a Locally Owned and Operated Company, Members of The Key West Chamber of Commerce.

How to Visit Fabulous Dry Tortugas National Park (and What to Do There)

T he Dry Tortugas National Park is a remarkable South Florida gem that merits your attention. Situated just 70 miles from Key West, it holds the distinction of being the most remote National Park in the United States.

Steeped in awe-inspiring American history, it boasts stunning beaches, exceptional opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving, and is part of the world’s third-largest reef system. Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing coral formations and the island’s rare bird species. Notably, the park is also home to fascinating shipwrecks.

Here is an outline for how you can visit the Dry Tortugas National Park, only accessible by boat or seaplane, and explore its remarkable Fort Jefferson ruins.

Without a doubt, Dry Tortugas is an exquisite destination that offers pristine natural beauty and unparalleled azure waters that will leave you in awe.

What Is Dry Tortugas?

Dry Tortugas is an expansive 100-square mile park and island, one among seven, strategically positioned off the coast of Key West. This secluded haven in the Florida Keys boasts a rich historical tapestry. Its discovery by Ponce de Leon in 1513, during which he encountered over 100 sea turtles, led to the name Tortugas, meaning “turtles”.

Over the course of nearly two centuries that followed, the islands became a notorious hideout for pirates, who launched daring attacks on merchant shipping.

A Fort Jefferson Intro

Dominating the landscape of Garden Key is the formidable fort, Fort Jefferson, constructed in 1846 and unrivaled by any other fortification in the nation, despite its incomplete state. In addition to its military significance, Fort Jefferson served as a Union prison camp during the period of the Civil War.

Remarkably, the fort comprises a staggering 16 million bricks, each painstakingly transported to this remote and hard-to-reach island location. One can only imagine the enormous logistical challenges involved in such an undertaking.

How to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

In 1935, President Roosevelt designated Fort Jefferson a national monument, adding it to the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. Subsequently, in 1992, the Dry Tortugas, including Fort Jefferson, were welcomed into the esteemed roster of the National Parks System.

Today, visitors have the delightful opportunity to experience the captivating beauty of the Dry Tortugas through various means, such as seaplane, ferry, or private boat . For most individuals, the Yankee Freedom III ship serves as the favored and cost-effective mode of transport, which incidentally, I also chose.

The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first discovered this island chain in 1513 and called them Las Tortugas, meaning The Turtles, for the great number of sea turtles found there. The latter name, Dry Tortugas, was intended to warn seafarers that the islands contain no fresh water. – Key West Travel Guide

The Yankee Freedom Ferry

Experience the beauty of Dry Tortugas via the Yankee Freedom III ferry. Purchase tickets online and come to the terminal dock, at 100 Grinnell Street, bright and early for an 8:00 AM departure. Once on the island, you’ll have four hours to soak in the breathtaking sights.

To make the most of your trip, don’t forget to bring your swimsuits, a change of dry clothing, beach hat, towels, sunscreen, motion sickness medication, games/cards/books, water shoes, sunglasses, and camping supplies if you’re staying overnight. Remember to pack a dry bag for wet clothing and a waterproof phone case.

Please note that aerial drones are not allowed.

When boarding the Yankee Freedom, ticket holders are called in groups of 25. Arriving early ensures you get the best choice of seats on the multiple level boat. Once onboard, secure your belongings behind your chosen seat and wait for the ferry to set sail. Take this time to make any important calls or send texts, as there will be no cell service until around 5:00 PM.

During the journey, a professionally trained staff will offer a filling continental breakfast for about 90 minutes. Enjoy bagels, spreads, hard-boiled eggs, cereals, fruit, yogurt, juice, milk, and coffee. Cold water is available throughout the trip, and you can also purchase soda and bottled water.

More Yankee Freedom Notes

Experience the beauty of Dry Tortugas National Park in just a 2 hours and 15-30 minutes ride. Take the travel time opportunity to relax, read a book, enjoy the views, or even spot sea turtles and dolphins.

Four bathrooms are available at the back of the boat and should be used as directed to keep from getting clogs or backed-up toilets. 

Once the Yankee Freedom is docked, guests are free to come and go as they please. Take a break from the sun, rest, or explore the park. Then, come back to the ferry for the included lunch, between 11 AM and 1 PM. The spread consists of cold cuts, vegetables, bread, spreads, fruit, chips, cookies, potato salad, chicken salad, and sodas. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

And the best part? Your ferry ticket includes a 45-minute fully narrated tour of Fort Jefferson. Plus, all applicable entrance fees are included.

And when you get back to Key West , here are some restaurant suggestions.

Spending Time at Dry Tortugas National Park

You have four hours to experience the highlights of Dry Tortugas National Park! Start by joining a desirable tour with the onboard historian/naturalist to truly appreciate the grandeur of Fort Jefferson. Instead of exploring the fort on your own, why not have someone provide a concise 30 to 45-minute history lesson?

Gather in our comfortable seating area, surrounded by shady trees, to embark on your tour. Aside from the introductory tour, there are additional walking tours available at Fort Jefferson, although I personally didn’t partake in them.

Our tour guide, Hollywood, who is a member of Yankee Freedom’s staff, did an outstanding job! Through his passion and entertaining storytelling, my daughter Peyton and I were captivated by historical facts throughout the day. Hollywood has a unique talent for bringing history to life, sparking an unexpected interest in Peyton, who isn’t usually enthralled by history.

In addition to the tours, don’t forget to visit the small gift shop and museum at Fort Jefferson. It’s the perfect place to cool off, browse through souvenirs such as postcards, books, and apparel, or pick up national park merchandise like stamps and posters.

Dry Tortugas Reef Activities

Experience the wonders of the third greatest reef in the world at Dry Tortugas! Don’t miss out on this incredible snorkeling opportunity. Complimentary snorkel gear is available, along with convenient changing rooms at the dock.

Peyton and I eagerly put on our snorkel gear and headed into the stunning blue waters. Despite the strong current in the Gulf of Mexico , the underwater sight was absolutely breathtaking. Even with the sediment stirred up by other snorkelers, the visibility remained surprisingly clear.

We were amazed by the vibrant and diverse marine life, with fascinating fish of all kinds swimming around the beautiful reef. We even felt them brush against our legs at times. Who knows, you might even encounter a sea turtle or a shark!

We counted over 100 different types of fish and marine creatures during our adventure. Peyton spotted a magnificent five-foot stingray, while I had the incredible luck to see a seahorse. We were in awe of the grouper, parrotfish, angelfish, and lobster that surrounded us. We wished we had brought an underwater camera to capture these magical moments.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the Dry Tortugas National Park offers the perfect setting for snorkeling. You can also enjoy swimming, recreational fishing, and soaking up the sun on the warm sandy beaches. Remember to reapply sunscreen frequently due to the southern location and stay hydrated.

If you’re interested in birdwatching, Dry Tortugas is a haven for rare bird sightings . It’s a great opportunity to add new species to your birdwatching list or indulge in a new hobby.

Ferry Ride Back to Key West

Get ready for the most challenging part of your trip. The ride back to Key West can be quite rough at sea, so we recommend taking Dramamine around noon before starting your journey. Trust me, it’s important.

But don’t worry, the staff is fully prepared for any motion sickness. They have handed out special bags just in case. Peyton and I made it through without getting sick, but some people around us weren’t as lucky. The waves were rough and the ride was bumpy.

Remember that sailors do this trip every day unless there’s bad weather. So while it may be a bit complicated, you’ll be safe.

Dry Tortugas: A Trip to Remember

Our day at Dry Tortugas National Park was absolutely amazing. I had the best time snorkeling and learning about the history of the park. As a big fan of National Parks, I was thrilled to add a stamp to my National Park passport book.

I hope you’ll enjoy this beautiful park, island, and beach as much as we did. Happy travels!

Thanks to Yankee Freedom and the Florida Keys Tourism for hosting our trip. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.  

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The Best Restaurants in the Florida Keys

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Key West Day Trips To The Dry Tortugas

Have you ever been to the Dry Tortugas? If not, next time you’re heading out on a Key West vacation, make plans to visit this natural and historical wonder in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. The Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson is an unforgettable day trip for the entire family.  

View this post on Instagram   Snorkeling through crystal clear paradise! ???????????????? #DryTortugas ????: via @echodanburi A post shared by Dry Tortugas (@drytortugas) on Mar 7, 2017 at 8:36am PST

View this post on Instagram   Which one of you expert bird watchers can tell us what this little guy’s called? ☀️#DryTortugas ????: @freedomfromreality A post shared by Dry Tortugas (@drytortugas) on Feb 9, 2017 at 6:43am PST

View this post on Instagram   Paradise, found. ☀️???????? #DryTortugas ????: @staysaltyflorida A post shared by Dry Tortugas (@drytortugas) on Jun 1, 2017 at 9:07am PDT

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