Page Updated: November 16, 2023
Dry Tortugas National Park
2022 MAY
Fort Jefferson - Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is just as gorgeous as you think it is! Every picture you’ve ever seen is accurate, and yet somehow standing on the wall in person makes it even more so. The disappointing thing about visiting the park is the trip is too short!
One of the harder Parks to get to; ff you don’t own your own boat, your options are private boat charter, seaplane charter, or taking the only public ferry to Garden Key - The Yankee Freedom.
We chose to travel via public ferry and purchased our tickets 5 months in advance. Rates include national park admission and lunch. Park Pass holders are refunded entry fee at time of check in.
The cruise departs early from The Key West Bight Ferry Terminal and takes a couple of hours. A handful of continental breakfast items are offered as you embark. And the cafeteria styled cabin comes complete with cushioned seating and air conditioning.
The tour was great, but with limited time on the island, we bailed on the tour around 11:30. After a quick pass around the Fort, we grabbed our brownbag lunches (with Jersey Mike’s subs) from the Ferry. It pains me to say it ‘cause I’m not really a sandwich person, but it was actually quite good!
Once you arrive at Garden Key (around 10:30), you’re free to do your own thing for the afternoon. We signed up to follow the guided tour (@11am) and learn a little history about Fort Jefferson.
After lunch, we snorkeled off the South Swim Beach. We brought our own gear, but the Ferry has masks and fins for rent for those in need. The snorkeling on Garden Key is excellent. The most interesting bit we came across was actually a large ship anchor!
By 1pm we were dried, changed, and exploring the rest of the Fort. This time we took steps to the top and were treated to amazing views. Most visitors were enjoying their day on the beach, so it felt like we practically had the entire fort to ourselves.
We wandered around and took pictures of everything we thought looked cool. Then we tried to hit the visitors center… but if you’ve read any other writeups on this site and are familiar with our luck, you know that didn’t happen… cause it was closed! …still am and forever will be salty about it.
Things to note if you’re planning to visit The Dry Tortugas:
1) Purchase your tickets as far in advance as you can. Sadly, the days of getting spur of the moment tickets are gone. Also, we were fortunate enough to have beautiful sunny day; but be aware The Yankee Freedom will cancel a cruise if the weather is nasty.
2) There are very few picnic tables on Garden Key and only a few are shaded. Suggest dropping day bags/backpacks at a table before wandering off to explore.
3) Restrooms on the Island shut down while the Yankee Freedom is docked. All visitors and campers are asked to use the boat facilities while the Ferry is on Garden Key.
scenes from Dry Tortugas National Park
-b&b
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Fort Jefferson
