Typically, visitors to the Dry Tortugas arrive via ferry boat. If you are interested though, there are two different options: a half-day excursion at $342/person either in the morning or afternoon or a full day excursion at $600. The visit to Dry Tortugas was shorter and I knew I wanted to soak up my time on the island. This remote part of the Florida Keys is accessible only by seaplanes and boats. Today I am sharing our Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Tips! The best part of fishing the Dry Tortugas is exploring a new fishery that is so widespread and alive with fish. At night, it casts the only light visible from the campground. To visit the park, you first need to get to Key West, which is the end of the road in terms of how far you can drive down the Florida Keys. The best way to explore the Dry Tortugas is by private vessel. It is one of those amazing places you see on Instagram or Pinterest and you can’t believe it is real. You can learn more about Dry Tortugas, as well get brochures and the Dry Tortugas … The park is home to the magnificent 19 th century Fort Jefferson, rich and diverse marine life, breathtaking turquoise waters, excellent snorkeling and diving sites and incredible bird-watching opportunities. They became “las tortugas” after Ponce De Leon paid a visit in … Half day trip just under 4 ½ hours gives you at least 2 ½ hours of island time. Dry Tortugas is notoriously known as one of the best places to camp in the United States. the 7 islands; rare species; SOOTY TERN; BROWN NODDY; BLACK NODDY; MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD; MASKED BOOBY; From their discovery in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, through the visit of naturalist John James Audubon in 1832, to the present, the Dry Tortugas have been known for their amazing richness in migrating land birds and vast seabird colonies. And although they are around 100 square miles, only 1% is above water.. Be aware that seas are rough from October through January. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote and difficult to access national parks in the country. Guided tour in Dry Tortugas National Park Dry Tortugas Visitor’s Center. 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. It’s recognized for its natural beauty, historic significance, and remote location, making it a very exclusive campground. fishing reef, wreck, offshore in the Dry Tortugas Keys, Marquesas Keys, day or overnight trips available, experienced, knowlegeable captain/guide for hire Discover Dry Tortugas in Key West, Florida: Remote Florida islands have a history of sea turtles, sunken treasures, and one of the world's largest coastal brick fortresses. There is really no better way to visit the Dry Tortugas. The Dry Tortugas Visitor’s Center is right at the entrance to Fort Jefferson. I visited Dry Tortugas for a day trip in 2014, and I almost didn’t. We didn’t get a chance to do it but it is on our list to go back and stay for a few nights. Get in Touch. The Dry Tortugas is a remote National Park that consists of 7 small islands, but the majority of the park is made up of the water surrounding the islands. I’ve been there at the height of summer (August) and the middle of “winter” (February). The 100-square mile Dry Tortugas National Park as a whole is 98% water so the primary ways to access the fort are either via float plane or the more accessible Yankee Freedom III ferry from Key West.Experienced sailors can pilot their own vessels there too, or … The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020 Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2020. I was so excited to finally get to visit the park recently and spend time exploring this amazing area. Things to Know Before Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park . The Dry Tortugas is one of the best places to snorkel and dive. ): Family Camping In Dry Tortugas National Park […] Reply Cancel Visiting Dry Tortugas a Florida Keys National Park. But a few select travelers can now also travel by seaplane to the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson, allowing them significantly reduced travel time and increased time spent on the islands. We were feeling a bit more adventurous and stuck to our plans. Are you associated with this business? How to Handle Rough Seas. Only the 7 small islands, less than 1%, is dry land. I’ve wanted to visit this remote island for years, so I was extremely excited when we were able to partner with Viator and hop on their Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran tour. Today, the park welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Another popular activity at Dry Tortugas National Park is birdwatching, where 299 species have been recorded. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) The Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West, can only be reached by ferry or seaplane, making it … The only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas National Park. One of the least-visited U.S. national parks, the Dry Tortugas are in fact “dry” because there is no fresh water on the islands – a distinction noted on nautical maps to deter thirsty sailors from making the run. The Keys are hot and humid during the wet summer season and the insects bite and swarm. The feeling of being one with nature will awaken as you experience these stunning views. Imagine, 100,000 Sooty Terns all … And I guarantee once you go there you will want to go back! No Key West beach trip is complete without visiting the best beach in the Florida Keys: Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, located just 70 miles west of Key West. Here is a post from a family of 5, Currently Wandering, who spent a few days on the Tortugas (lucky! As I mentioned before, this island park is packed with incredible marine life. Dry Tortugas National Park is unique compared to other National Parks in the USA. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of Florida’s best national parks, but it can only be visited by ferry from Key West (2.5-hour trip), seaplane, or via a private boat. The best time to visit is November through April. Full day trip is just under 8 hours provides you with over 6 ½ hours of exploration. Camping at Dry Tortugas National Park: The harbor light was built in 1876. In 1908, the Dry Tortugas was designated a federal bird reserve. The swells were out-of-this-world, and half the passengers opted for a refund. Best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park(preferred time): 10:00 am - 03:00 pm ; Time required to visit Dry Tortugas National Park: 12:00 Hrs ; Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary! The highlight of the day for us was watching eels chasing each other around the pylons of the boat docks dating to the 1800s. Bird Watching. There is no road that connects these islands to Key West. You don’t have to go … With an abundant amount of shipwrecks to explore, along with hundreds of tropical fish species, corals and other sea life–you’ll find yourself in an underwater playground. Visitors are drawn to this spot by its fascinating history as well as its gorgeous beaches. When is the best time to visit the Dry Tortugas? Sometimes referred to as America‘s “most isolated national park,” the seven islands and surrounding water and reefs of Dry Tortugas National Park lie at the end of the Florida Keys, closer to Cuba than the U.S. mainland. The best time to visit Dry Tortugas depends on your own personal preference and what your goal is for visiting the park. The park’s best-known feature, Fort Jefferson, is a huge masonry structure that, when approaching by boat, appears to float atop the ocean. You can expect to come home with stories and photos of a lifetime. best time to visit dry tortugas national park Dry Tortugas National Park is open year-round, but transportation to the island is weather-dependent. So take the time to go down West and experience history. Peak visitation is in April. This is the ultimate guide for securing your camping reservations and planning your overnight trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas Key West tour offer visitors a chance to enjoy some time in a pristine coastal environment approximately seventy miles away from the vacation getaway of Key West, Florida.We offer several tours out to this remote stretch of isles. Reading Time: 9 minutes Rich history, amazing natural life, incredible weather – what more can a person ask for? The National Park Visitor’s Center is a great way to start your journey here. With less than 1 percent of the Dry Tortugas above land, the best way to experience everything the park has to offer is to get in the water. Charter flights are also available. Or if you have enough time, plan on camping on the Dry Tortugas! From small sailboats and sportfishing boats to trawlers and motoryachts, boats of all makes, models, and sizes visit the Tortugas. The number of people allowed on the islands at any one time is strictly limited to 68, and it’s strictly on a first come, first served basis. The park experiences two distinct seasons, the summer/wet season and the winter/dry season. You have the option of riding on one of our speedy cruise vessels or flying above the turquoise waters in a sea plane. Dry Tortugas National Park Official Website: click here. Travel time is about 40 minutes each way. Even smaller center-console boats come out to fish during the day and camp on Garden Key at night. With only seven species regularly nesting in the area the best time to see the greatest variety of birds is during spring migration, when more than 200 species pass through the park. Visiting the Dry Tortugas on a Day Trip. The Dry Tortugas have been on my must visit National Park list for a long time. Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West, Florida is a place you should visit at least once. This flight takes less than 45 minutes, and visitors can choose between a half-day tour or a full day. They are a chain of 7 islands that are remote and only accessible via boat or seaplane. It became a National Park in 1992, encompassing 100 square miles of mostly marine habitat. Learn more about Key West Seaplane Adventures. Always wear sun screen whenever you visit. 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