Nestled like a jewel in the turquoise waters off the coast of Key West lies a magical paradise waiting to be discovered – the Dry Tortugas. This cluster of seven small islands, named for the abundance of sea turtles that once frequented the area, is a pristine haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike.
Accessible only by seaplane, ferry, or private charter boat, the journey to the Dry Tortugas is just the beginning
of an unforgettable experience.
FAQ's
Unparalleled Natural Beauty: From the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to the white sandy beaches
that stretch as far as the eye can see, the Dry Tortugas is a nature lover’s paradise.
Rich History and Heritage: Explore the fascinating history of Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress steeped
in intrigue and drama. Wander the ramparts, visit the prison cells, and imagine life as a soldier stationed on this
remote outpost.
Adventure and Exploration: Whether you’re snorkeling among colorful fish or simply relaxing on the beach with
a good book, the Dry Tortugas offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Escape the Crowds: With limited access and strict visitor quotas, the Dry Tortugas provides a peaceful and
secluded retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Key West. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this
untouched wilderness and reconnect with nature.
Can private boats go to the Dry Tortugas?
Yes, they can, and it is the best way to experience the Dry Tortugas. However, when visiting the Dry Tortugas, you are required to make a stop at Garden Key. Here you must pay an entrance fee and acquire any necessary permits for your visit.
While on Garden Key, you can take time to see Fort Jefferson and learn a bit about the islands’ history. Sailors have been visiting the Dry Tortugas for centuries, yet they are largely unaffected by man’s passage. Except there are fewer loggerhead turtles there now than when Ponce de Leon plied these waters searching for bounty and new lands.
How long is a boat ride to the Dry Tortugas?
The commercial ferry trip from Key West takes two to three hours, and you will share the boat with many other people and be on the same itinerary. On the other hand, a powerboat rental traveling at 35 mph from Key West will have you there in about two hours, and you will need about the same amount of time for the return trip.
Can you stay overnight at Dry Tortugas?
Yes, you can and have the choice of camping ashore, on Garden Key or staying aboard your boat. If you stay on your boat, you must anchor a nautical mile from the Fort Jefferson harbor light. Anchorage is allowed in the area with sand and rubble bottom, and be clear of any channels where boats will travel.
Dry Tortugas trip itinerary
You will need at least five hours to make the trip there and back, in the light of day, which will give you three to four hours to explore the Dry Tortugas. So, plan on eight to ten hours to Garden Key and back, which will give you time to look around while you are there.
We leave the dock at 7am. It takes about an 1 3/4 hours to get to the Fort Jefferson dock. We will check you in to the park and you are free to roam around the park at your leisure. We can give you a guided tour if you wish to do so. After we leave the park, we go snorkeling at the Windjammer shipwreck for about an hour. We then head to Loggerhead Key for sightseeing, snorkeling, and lunch.
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.
Half Day Charter
This trip is just under 4 hours long, providing at least 2 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Departs morning & afternoon.
Full-Day Excursion
*Children under the age of 2 years are not assigned a seat and travel on an adults lap. Per the FAA once a child has had their 2nd birthday they must purchase a seat.
Additional National Park Service Entrance Fee $15.00 per person over the age of 16 (cash only).
National Park Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Age & Golden Access Passport are honored.
Reservations are required. The National Park Service strictly limits the number of daily passengers and in season demand by far exceeds our capacity. We recommend you book well in advance to guarantee availability. You do not need to make a separate reservation with the Park Service.
Terms and Conditions
All reservations are paid in full at the time of booking. Cancellation or change of any reservation must be made at least 24 hours prior to flight time (Groups of 10 or more require 48 hours). After this time your reservation is non-refundable. Please respect that we have a very small capacity, no shows greatly impact our business. If the pilot cancels on the day due to bad weather, you may reschedule or receive a full refund. Check in is required at least 30 minutes prior to flight time. Late arrivals are subject to cancellation without refund.
FLYING WITH US? THINGS TO KNOW
We are Located at General Aviation side of Key West International Airport.
Driving Directions: Drive US1 south to the point where US1 meets Key West. The Highway splits. A right would take you towards downtown Key West. Left takes you to the beaches. Take the left turn, it is signposted A1A (S. Roosevelt Blvd). Keep straight for 1.3 miles. Turn right into the main entrance of Key West Int’l Airport. At the first stop sign stay on the ground level towards arrivals. Drive under two walkways. As you drive under the second walkway get in the right lane and drive straight on past the control tower. Just beyond the control tower is our FREE PARKING, the lot is signed parking for Signature Aviation. You will need a parking permit which is given to you at check in. Our office & check in is right off this lot. Do not park in the spaces marked FAA.
Tip: Set your GPS for Key West International Airport, putting our actual address in can take you to the wrong side of the airport.
Check in is required at least 30 minutes prior to flight time. Late arrivals are subject to cancellation without refund.
What we supply:
Key West Seaplane Adventures supplies:
Coolers and ice, with complimentary bottled water and/or your choice of soft drinks
Snorkeling (Mask, snorkel, fins and floatation vest). You are welcome to bring your own gear
What to bring:
Towels and bathing suit
Camera
Sunscreen (preferably reef safe)
Change of dry clothes for your comfort on the return flight.
Snacks (We do not supply any food and there is none available at Dry Tortugas)
Full-day passengers should bring a packed lunch (We can supply extra coolers & ice)
$15.00 cash National Park Entrance Fee for all persons 17 or older. This fee is collected by Key West Seaplane Adventures, on behalf of the National Park Service, at check in time. There is no need for cash on the island. However, you may want to bring a small amount for the Park Service Gift Shop and pilot gratuity.
What not to bring:
We cannot carry
Dive tanks, weights or knives
Underwater scooters
Flammable liquids or gas stoves
Large coolers
Styrofoam coolers
Dogs or any pets
Beach chairs or shade umbrellas. (There are plenty of picnic tables provided by the National Park Service)
Drones
Cancellation Policy:
If you must change or cancel your reservation for any reason, you must do so 24 hours prior to flight (Groups of 10 or more require 48 hours). After this time, your reservation is non-refundable. Please respect that we have a very small capacity, no shows greatly impact our business. If pilot cancels on the day due to bad weather, you may reschedule or receive a full refund.
Tips and Secrets:
The best time of day to go the Dry Tortugas is our first flight in the morning or our last flight in the afternoon. The reason: with the speed of the seaplane we beat the ferry to and from the island. During the early morning trip the ferry is on its way out, during the late afternoon the ferry is on its way back. It is very quiet on the island during these times, even in peak season. Be sure to book early to get these times.
There are changing rooms and public toilets at Dry Tortugas. However, when the ferry is on the dock these toilets are locked and everyone uses the bathrooms on the ferry. This is done for environmental reasons as it leaves less waste on the island.
The cost of operating a seaplane and our small capacity means we will always be more expensive than the ferry service. But factor in that we do not add sales tax to our prices plus free parking at Key West Airport and the price gets a lot closer. Add to that spectacular low altitude sightseeing each way and no seasickness. There really is no comparison.
The Dry Tortugas islands are so small there is not enough land mass for the heating of the day to generate afternoon thunderstorms, so while Key West gets its fair share of beautiful weather, the Dry Tortugas generally get fewer storms
Air over a body of water is very stable. Even on a windy day, there is little or no turbulence on our flights.
Scuba divers; our aircraft are non-pressurized and fly so low (500feet), there is no need to worry about dive-time to flight-time. It is OK to dive in Key West in the morning and fly with us in the afternoon (we cannot carry dive tanks).
Wear polarized sunglasses on our flights. They cut out glare off the water, making it easier to spot marine life.
You are welcome to bring along beer and wine. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a Florida State Park but it is legal in a National Park (no open containers on the aircraft).
If you need a place to cool off at the Dry Tortugas the visitor’s center located in Fort Jefferson is air-conditioned.
The Dry Tortugas are in the Central Time Zone. We cross the time line 45 miles west of Key West. We actually land 15 minutes before we take off! To keep things simple the Park Service and Key West Seaplane Adventures operate on Eastern Time.
The Yankee Freedom is a high speed, state-of-the-art, all aluminum catamaran recognized world wide for safety, performance and passenger comfort. Built in New England in 2012, she entered service in Key West in the fall of 2012. It is equipped with the latest and most sophisticated safety, navigation, and communication equipment. The Yankee Freedom has undergone a thorough U.S. Coast Guard inspection and will do so each year.
- Large, fully air-conditioned main cabin
- Comfortable cushioned seats
- Three large restrooms
- Fresh water rinse showers
- A full galley where you can purchase snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, frozen and mixed drinks (on return trip only), film, and souvenirs
- The upper deck is open to the sea-air and sights and sounds of marine life
- DVD monitors
- There is spacious shaded and un-shaded sundeck seating with areas to stretch out and enjoy the sunshine and the view
- Convenient cocktail bar (open on return trip only)
- The Yankee Freedom is the official Key West ferry of the Dry Tortugas National Park
Shared Boat Charters: Split the cost of the charter with other passengers
We leave the dock at 7am. It takes about an 1 3/4 hours to get to the Fort Jefferson dock. We will check you in to the park and you are free to roam around the park at your leisure. We can give you a guided tour if you wish to do so. After we leave the park, we go snorkeling at the Windjammer shipwreck for about an hour. We then head to Loggerhead Key for sightseeing, snorkeling, and lunch.
Seaplane: Soar Above the Azure Waters
Imagine taking off from Key West and soaring high above the glistening waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with panoramic views of the coral reefs below. The seaplane journey to the Dry Tortugas is not just a mode of transportation, but a thrilling adventure in itself. Feel the wind in your hair and the excitement in your heart as you touch down on the crystal-clear waters surrounding Fort Jefferson, the imposing 19th-century fortress that dominates the islands.
Ferry: Cruise on a Voyage of Discovery
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the ferry to the Dry Tortugas offers a relaxing and scenic journey through the emerald waters of the Florida Keys. Sit back, soak up the sun, and keep an eye out for playful dolphins and graceful sea birds along the way. As you approach the islands, the iconic red brick walls of Fort Jefferson come into view, beckoning you to step back in time and explore its storied past.
