Dry Tortugas Day Trip Guide

1. Dry Tortugas Day Trip Overview

• Where are the Dry Tortugas located?
  • A small group of islands located out in the Gulf of Mexico, the Dry Tortugas are about 67 miles away from Key West.
• What is the history of the Dry Tortugas?
  • First discovered by Europeans in the early 16th century, the Dry Tortugas islands make up Dry Tortugas National Park.
• Why are the Dry Tortugas named that way?
  • The islands are home to various kinds of flora and fauna, especially a large number of sea turtles, which is what they were named after.
• What makes the Dry Tortugas a great travel destination?
  • The Dry Tortugas are popular spots for nature enthusiasts, and visitors can enjoy wildlife spotting around these remote islands.
• How can visitors get to the Dry Tortugas from Key West?
  • If you’re planning a day trip to the Dry Tortugas, the best place to start your journey is at Key West. It’s the closest spot on the continental United States to the islands and offers direct transport links to the Dry Tortugas.
• What are the transportation options to the Dry Tortugas?
  • The first step in planning your trip is deciding how you want to travel. You can choose between a ferry or a seaplane.

2. Getting To The Dry Tortugas From Key West By Ferry

The Dry Tortugas are only accessible by boat or plane from Key West, with many visitors preferring the first option for its comfort and affordability. A journey on board the Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry takes around two to two and a half hours in total to reach the islands.

Guests will need to start checking in about an hour before departure and boarding typically starts about half an hour before departure. The ferry will dock at Fort Jefferson, letting you set off and experience the islands for yourself or take part in guided tours and explorations.

3. Getting To The Dry Tortugas From Key West By Seaplane

• Can you travel to the Dry Tortugas by seaplane?
  • Yes! If you suffer from seasickness or simply prefer to fly rather than sail, you can choose to travel by seaplane.
• Who operates seaplane tours to the Dry Tortugas?
  • Various tour companies and travel operators run seaplane tours from Key West to the Dry Tortugas.
• What is the biggest advantage of traveling by seaplane?
  • The main advantage of traveling by seaplane is speed. The journey from Key West to the islands can be completed in under an hour.
• What are the additional benefits of taking a seaplane?
  • In addition to a faster trip, seaplane travelers also get the unique advantage of seeing the islands from above and capturing stunning aerial photographs.

4. What to Know Before You Go

• When is the best time to visit the Dry Tortugas?
  • Dry Tortugas National Park has a subtropical climate, meaning it experiences two distinct seasons:
  • Winter season (December to April) – Seas and winds can be quite rough, making travel to the islands more challenging.
  • Summer season (May to November) – The islands are busier and more crowded, but the weather and waves are calmer. However, storms and hurricanes are more likely during this time.
• What kind of wildlife can be seen at the Dry Tortugas?
  • One of the best activities at the Dry Tortugas is wildlife watching. The national park is home to many sea turtles, sea birds, and countless fish and aquatic animals.
• When is the best time for wildlife watching?
  • For the best wildlife viewing, choose a day when the waters are calm and the skies are clear.
  • If you specifically want to see sea turtles, visit during the summer months when they are nesting on the beaches.
• What is Fort Jefferson?
  • Fort Jefferson is the only man-made landmark at the Dry Tortugas, and it is an impressive sight.
  • The coastal fortress is the largest brick masonry structure in all of the Americas, with over 16 million bricks used in its construction.
• What is the history of Fort Jefferson?
  • Construction on Fort Jefferson was never completed, but it has an interesting history and is a popular attraction for visitors.
• Can visitors take guided tours of Fort Jefferson?
  • Yes, visitors can take guided tours of Fort Jefferson.
  • The site also features a museum and a bookstore for guests to explore.