Dry Tortugas Adventure Guide
Honestly, part of me doesn’t want to promote this place, because it is perfect just the way it is, but I also feel an overwhelming obligation to tell everyone I know, so here it goes.
Overview
Dry Tortugas is a national park situated on just under 65,000 acres about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. It is comprised of 7 islands and protected coral reef that are home to highly diverse sea-life, tropical bird breading grounds, and a storied past. Garden Key, the primary access point of Dry Tortugas, is the site of Fort Jefferson, a former Union prison fort with stunning visuals and a rich history.
Fort Jefferson at Night
How to Get There
Here’s the catch, transportation is at a prohibitive cost.
I will just assume you don’t have you own boat that is capable to traveling over 65 miles off the coast of key west, but if you do, congratulations, you can skip this section.
Dry Tortugas is accessible by one of two ways; by ferry or by seaplane. Regardless of which option you choose, you are going to have to find your way to Key West first, so plan a coupe days in The Conch Republic if you can spare the time.
The Yankee Freedom III Ferry at Dawn
The Yankee Freedom III will run you $175 per adult for a day trip. Before you stop reading, let me reiterate that this place is 100% worth your money. All things considered, the ferry was a very pleasant way to travel. There was plenty of comfortable seating both outside and inside an air conditioned cabin. A simple yet sufficient breakfast and lunch buffet are provided. There are bathrooms and freshwater showers available. The crew was more than helpful, and if you forgot your snorkel gear, no need to worry, because snorkel gear is provided at no extra cost at the dock on Garden Key.
Keep in mind that the ferry runs once per day, and you need to be at the dock by 7:00AM, unless you are camping (6:30AM). The boat reaches the island at about 10:00AM, and if you are staying just for the day, you need to be back on at 2:45PM. While a day trip would still be worth the cost in my mind, I highly suggest you consider camping for at least one night.
Seaplane is much more expensive than the ferry, but if money is not a big factor for you, it will get you there much faster (45 min), and I imagine the view from above is quite spectacular.
Note: Reservations go very quickly, so try to plan at least a couple months in advance if possible.
Activities
With the diversity of wildlife in Dry Tortugas, it is the perfect setting for snorkeling, fishing, and birding. The water is clear, I must say that Garden Key is one of the more scenic places I have every been.
Kayak Fishing in Dry Tortugas
It may sound like the presence of a brick fort (the largest brick masonry structure in the americas, by the way) would intrude on the natural beauty of the island, but the juxtaposition of the dilapidated and the natural was visually stunning. As such, this is a wonderful place to just walk around and observe. When the sun is high in the sky, the fort is a great place to retreat to.
If you don’t have a kayak, consider renting one from a place that will allow transport to Dry Tortugas. Please make sure you can operate a kayak safely before you do this.
I would also like to take the opportunity, if it isn’t obvious already, that the picture/video opportunity at this place is practically endless.
Camping in Dry Tortugas National Park
I find it hard to convey how much I suggest camping here. A day trip would be lovely, but camping makes for a completely different, and much deeper experience.
My Campsite
So what exactly makes camping here so special. Well, the boat takes a maximum of 10 campers per day, and there are about 10 campsites. When the boat leaves at 3:00PM, the crowd disappears. The fort is open from sunrise to sunset, and is a wonderful place for a 360 degree, uninterrupted view to the surrounding waters. Beyond the magnificent sunset, barring overcast conditions, the stars are breathtaking. At night, a friend I made on the island and I walked around the perimeter of the moat at night with our headlamps, allowing us to observe wildlife we never would have had the opportunity to view in the daytime including an octopus, a nurse shark, and BY FAR THE BIGGEST LOBSTER ANY OF US HAVE EVER SEEN IN OUR LIVES. I’m serious. That may not sound impressive, but this thing definitely would be the villain if they made a Pixar movie about the wildlife in this moat. The island is small enough to cover it’s entirety very easily, but large enough that you can feel as secluded as you want when the boat leaves.
Considerations:
When the boat is there, you have access to it’s restrooms and showers. When it leaves, there are composting toilets on the campgrounds, so you don’t have to worry about bringing toilet paper (bringing biodegradable wipes is not a bad idea, though).
Make sure you bring enough food and water for your stay. I would suggest two gallons of water per person per day, if not more. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to water.
Campers are allowed 60lbs. of gear; NOT including water or ice.
A freshwater shower is a nice thing to bring if you have it. Washing off the days sunscreen and salt.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE VIGILANT ABOUT APPLYING SUNSCREEN
Campers must be at the dock in Key West at 6:30AM, and you must have your gear on the dock by 10:30AM on the day you leave Dry Tortugas so they can pack up the boat, so pack a backpack with the things you want to use during the day before the boat leaves at 3:00PM.
Some campsites are tree-covered, and some are exposed. That sun can get really hot, so if you can bring a tarp, or some form of shade, it can come in handy. Fortunately, the waters were very refreshing.
Park entry fees are included in the $195 ferry ticket, but it does NOT include campsite fees, which are $15/night for campers.
Make sure you pack yourself a treat or two.
Florida Twilight Goes Well With Florida Beer
